CONSTRUCTION OF PERSPEX CONTAINERS FOR MUSEUM SPECIMENS AND MOUNTING FLUIDS

Question 1

Perspex background

Points 1 & 2:

Answer 1

 PERSPEX IS A TYPE OF ACRYLIC THERMOPLASTIC
 PERSPEX IS AVAILABLE AS CLEAR OR COLOURED SHEET, RODS &
TUBES COMMERCIALLY

Question 2

Perspex background

Points 3 & 4:

Answer 2

 EXCELLENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CASES, SHELVES AND
SUPPORTS

 PERSPEX SHEETS COMES IN VARIOUS THICKNESSES (2-12 mm)

Question 3

Perspex background

Points 5 & 6:

Answer 3

 PERSEX RESPONDS TO TEMPERATURE CHANCES BY
CONSTRACTION AND EXPANDING

 HAS A LIGHT TRANSMISSION OF 92%

Question 4

Introduction

Point 1:

Answer 4

Before the advent of perspex, fluid mounted museum specimens
were kept in glass containers. These were available in squire formats
in limited sizes and were expensive

Question 5

Introduction

Point 2:

Answer 5

The disadvantage of using glass containers is there is optical
distortion similar to what is experienced when using round
containers. Furthermore the sealing methods can be ineffective
and unsightly and it is impossible to eliminate air from the container

Question 6

Introduction

Point 3:

Answer 6

The use of perspex is ideal for anatomy departments museums as is
a transparent material that could be cut, shaped, ground, glued
and polished with inexpensive tools to make professional looking
containers

Question 7

Perspex properties

Point 1:

Answer 7

Apart from its clarity, durability and toughness, the property of perspex that is important is that it can be machined with relative ease and
uncomplicated equipment.
This means we can cut, drill, route, bend, sand and polish with ease

Question 8

Perspex properties

Points 2 & 3:

Answer 8

 LIGHT WEIGHT : half the weight of glass

 BREAK RESISTANCE : withstands many times of impact force of glass of similar thickness

Question 9

Perspex properties

Points 4 - 6:

Answer 9

 WEATHER RESISTANCE : virtually unaffected by the sun, cold etc.
 HEAT RESISTANCE : Perspex sheet can withstand temperature from -34˚C - 93˚C
 COLOURFAST : Pigmented sheets colour is continuous throughout the material

Question 10

Equipment:

Answer 10

 PERSPEX SHEETS
 Saw
 Drill / Dremmel
 Disc and belt sander
 Polishing buff
 Milling bench
 Bending bench
 ROUTER
 PERSPEX SOLVENT 
CEMENT

Question 11

Construction methods

Step 1:

Answer 11

When constructing your mounting containers, remember that a rebate joint will always produce a stronger container because it provides a larger surface area for cementing thereby preventing leaking of mounting fluid.

Question 12

Construction methods

Step 2:

Answer 12

The accuracy of the machined surfaces to be joined is also an important factor in the durability of the joints that’s why table or bench
machines are used.

Question 13

Mounting specimen

Step 1:

Answer 13

The specimen is tied to the mounting plate with nylon

monofilaments (fishing line) of suitable thickness through holes drilled through the perspex in appropriate positions.

Question 14

Mounting specimen

Step 2:

Answer 14

Anchor the specimen with several stitches to prevent any
movement and large specimens should be stitched around bone
structures if at all possible. Small clear glass beads are useful to
make secure knots behind the mounting plate.

Question 15

Mounting specimen

Step 3:

Answer 15

In cases where the rear surface of the specimen is so uneven that it
will not fit well against the mounting plate, improvisation will be
necessary.

Question 16

Mounting specimen

Step 4:

Answer 16

Alternatively, small blocks of perspex, each with a hole through it,
can be stuck on the inside of the container to be used as anchors
from which the specimen can be suspended with a nylon thread

Question 17

Functions of the mounting fluid:

Answer 17

 It must prevent any deterioration of the prepared specimen
 It must have good optical qualities so that all details of the
prepared specimen can be seen clearly
 Is to try and retain the colours of the prepared specimen

Question 18

Mounting fluid composition:

Answer 18

Glycerine 20%
Distilled water 77%
Formalin 3%

Question 19

Sealing the container

Step 1:

Answer 19

There are several methods of finally sealing the container with no air
inside. Air should be excluded as far as possible because it causes
undue movement of the mounting fluid and friction against the
specimen when the mounted specimen is moved.

Question 20

Sealing the container

Step 2:

Answer 20

Air bubbles make the entire mount appear untidy and negatively
affects the process of colour revival through the process of
mounting fluid. Air bubbles also often appear in a container some time
after sealing and then your sealing method should allow you to reopen
the container in order to top up the mounting fluid.

Question 21

Sealing the container

Step 3:

Answer 21

A small hole is drilled on the most convenient upper corner of the box
for filling of mounting fluid. perspex rod or screws can be used to
close the small hole.

Question 22

Sealing the container

Step 4:

Answer 22

Air bubbles are also minimized by placing the entire mount in a state
of vacuum before final sealing

Question 23

Mount & annotate prepared specimens

Introduction:

Answer 23

 SPECIMENS IN THE MUSEUM SHOULD TELL A STORY
 THE LABELS PUT THE STORY INTO WORDS
 LABELS NEED TO BE ATTRACTIVE, READABLE

Question 24

Materials that can be used:

Answer 24

 WIRES TO INCICATE SPECIFIC LABEL
 PAPER, PRINTED STICKERS, STAINLESS STEEL
TAGS, ETC
 QR CODE SCANNER