MetallographicSpecimenPreparationBasics.pdfVIP

Metallographic Specimen Preparation Basics By Donald C. Zipperian, Ph.D. Pace Technologies Metallography is the study of a materials microstructure. Analysis of a materials microstructure aids in determining if the material has been processed correctly and is therefore a critical step for determining product reliability and for determining why a material failed. The basic steps for proper metallographic specimen preparation include: documentation, sectioning and cutting, mounting, planar grinding, rough polishing, final polishing, etching, microscopic analysis, and hardness testing. Documentation - Metallographic analysis is a valuable tool. By properly documenting the initial specimen condition and the proceeding microstructural analysis, metallography provides a powerful quality control as well as an invaluable investigative tool. Sectioning and Cutting - Following proper documentation, most metallographic samples need to be sectioned to the area of interest and for easier handling. Depending upon the material, the sectioning operation can be obtained by abrasive cutting (metals and metal matrix composites), diamond wafer cutting (ceramics, electronics, biomaterials, minerals), or thin sectioning with a microtome (plastics). Proper sectioning is required to minimize damage, which may alter the microstructure and produce false metallographic characterization. Proper cutting requires the correct selection of abrasive type, bonding, and size; as well as proper cutting speed, load and coolant. Table I list the most common type of abrasive blades used for metallographic sectioning and Table II lists cutting parameters for diamond wafer cutting. Table I. Abrasive Blade Selection Guidelines Chart Materi