Properly securing the material in place is one of the first and most important steps in the sectioning process. The function of the chuck or holding fixture is to keep the sample or material firmly in place, preventing it from moving during sectioning / cutting. Various sample chucks and holding fixtures are available for a wide range of sectioning saws to accommodate all types of material shapes and geometries. It is very important to use the right mounting media for your specific sample. The choice of chuck for your application will depend on the initial sample or material dimensions, desired cut depth, and material properties such as hardness, brittleness, and shape or geometry.