Abstract
Summary Three plastic processing methods for preparing ground sections from hard tissue applicable to light microscopy are reviewed. The requirement for production of high quality ground sections of tooth and bone for pathological diagnosis is discussed and a new machine system technology, namely the LP 30 Lapping Machine (Logitech Ltd., Dunbartonshire, Scotland) which meets these requirements is described. The new approach is justified by the results, since sections of quality are produced with increased efficiency, while the operator's working conditions are distinctly improved. Ground sections, 10–20 μm, are being produced from glycol methacrylate impregnated specimens with the employment of the Lietz diamond saw and the Logitech section grounding system. Good GMA ground sections form an invaluable aid to microscopic diagnosis of many disorders of enamel as well as metabolic bone diseases.