Use of paper inserts facilitates mounting small samples and pressing KBr pellets. Paper inserts are used to make KBr pellets by dropping them into the bore of a 13mm die set. The OD of the insert is slightly less than 13mm. Several hole sizes are available to enable formation of pellet from limited sample quantities. These inserts frame the pellet for ease of handling and also provide a visual reference for the proper amount of KBr powder which improves pellet quality and consistency.