Metallographic preparation

APPLICATION NOTES

Struers Application Notes are prepared by highly qualified application specialists, and are based on scientific facts, professional knowledge, and hands-on experience. They are designed to provide professionals working in materialographic laboratories and quality control functions with concentrated and precise information about specific materials and their application. You will find Struers Application Notes an invaluable pool of knowledge with many illustrations and easy to read text. They contain:

  • Introduction to materials
  • Materials production and applications
  • Metallographic preparation challenges
  • Metallographic preparation guidelines including Cutting, Mounting, Grinding and Polishing, Cleaning, and Etching.
  • Preparation method and structure interpretation

Tools Steel

Metallographic preparation of aluminum and aluminum alloys

The low density, high strength, and corrosion resistance of aluminum make it and its alloys the material of choice for many applications, for example, in the automobile, aircraft, aerospace, and packaging industries. Metallography is used in quality control for grain size determination, evaluation of phases, impurities, and mechanical defects.

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Metallographic preparation of cast iron

Metallographic preparation of cast iron

The term "cast iron" refers to iron-carbon-silicon alloys containing 2.5% - 4.0% carbon and usually 1.0-3.0% silicon. Cast iron is an important engineering material with a number of advantages, mainly good castability and machinability, and moderate mechanical properties.

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Metallographic preparation of copper and copper alloys

Metallographic preparation of copper and copper alloys

Due to its good formability, high electric and thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance, pure copper is mainly used in electric engineering, the electronics industry, and in the food and beverage industry. The metallography of copper and its alloys is used in quality control, mainly for checking purity and grain size determination. In addition, cast alloys are examined for general structure evaluation.

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Metallographic preparation of fasteners

Metallographic preparation of fasteners

The challenge of metallographic preparation of fasteners is their geometry. Usually, the cut has to go through the center of the screw. As the head is a protruding part, it can be difficult to clamp a rivet or screw securely to make a cross sectional cut.

The problem with geometry also influences mounting, as the curves of thread and head are spots where shrinkage of mounting resin can occur preferentially. This is particularly crucial on coated materials, because coatings cannot be examined properly without good edge retention.

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Metallographic preparation of copper and copper alloys

Metallographic preparation of copper and copper alloys

Due to its good formability, high electric and thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance, pure copper is mainly used in electric engineering, the electronics industry, and in the food and beverage industry. The metallography of copper and its alloys is used in quality control, mainly for checking purity and grain size determination. In addition, cast alloys are examined for general structure evaluation.

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Metallographic preparation fo microelectronics

Metallographic preparation of microelectronics

The miniaturization of electronic devices has been made possible by the development of integrated circuits, which have reduced the need for individual electronic components as building blocks of electronic circuits. Metallography plays a vital role in the design, development, and failure analysis of chip-based components. The metallographic preparation of cross sections of these microelectronic components is very time-consuming, and requires patience and skill to grind and polish to a specific target inside the component.

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Metallographic preparation of nitrided and nitrocarburised components

Metallographic preparation of nitrided and nitrocarburized components

Metallography of nitrided and nitrocarburized components is mainly used for controlling the nitriding process through examination of the layer. The white layer, diffusion zone, and porous zone are measured and evaluated. In addition, failure analyses of used parts are carried out to see if faulty material, surface deterioration, or the nitriding process are contributing factors.

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Metallographic preparation fof poweder metallurgy parts

Metallographic preparation of powder metallurgy parts

Powder metallurgy (P/M) technology is an important method of manufacturing metal parts. The density of the compacted and sintered parts affects their strength, ductility, and hardness. Metallographic control of porosity is thus an integral part of quality control. Thorough preparation with diamonds and microscopic checks between polishing steps ensure a true representation of the structure.

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Metallographic preparation of thermal spray coatings

Metallographic preparation of thermal spray coatings

Thermal spray coatings are widely used to give or improve a specific surface quality or function, such as corrosion, heat, and wear resistance to a workpiece. Different spraying methods result in different coating characteristics. Metallographic examination of spray coatings includes an estimation of porosity, oxides, and unmelted particles, as well as adhesion to the substrate.

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Metallographic preparation of stainless steel

Metallographic preparation of stainless steel

Stainless steels are corrosion-resistant steels with high chromium and nickel contents. Ferritic stainless steels are soft, while stainless steels are ductile. They are prone to mechanical deformation and scratching during metallographic preparation. In addition, carbides cannot always be retained.

A four-step procedure performed on automatic preparation equipment produces good and reproducible results.

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Metallographic preparation of titanium

Metallographic preparation of titanium

Titanium is a relatively new metal and expensive to produce. Its outstanding properties of high strength to weight ratio and excellent corrosion and heat resistance have made titanium and its alloys well-established engineering materials.

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Tools Steel

Metallographic preparation of high alloy tool steels

An ever larger portion of high alloy tool steels are today made to fit customers’ applications. This requires the production of very clean material with very specific mechanical, physical, and metallurgical properties. Metallographic inspection from the initial casting and first forming stages, to the final semi-finished, heat-treated product, is an essential tool for controlling manufacturing and heat treatment processes.

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Metallographic preparation of zinc coatings

Metallographic preparation of zinc coatings

The metallography of galvanized products includes thickness measurements of the coatings, microstructure analysis of coatings and base metal, adhesion checks, and failure analysis. Depending on the galvanizing method, zinc coatings vary in hardness and thickness and, therefore, behave differently during metallographic preparation. In addition, some zinc coatings react with water, making preparation particularly difficult.

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Zinc

Metallographic preparation of zinc coatings

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Tools Steel

Metallographic preparation of aluminum and aluminum alloys

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Materials cast Iron

Metallographic preparation of cast iron

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Materials copper

Metallographic preparation of copper and copper alloys

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Fastner

Metallographic preparation of fasteners

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Materials electronics

Metallographic preparation of microelectronics

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Nitrided

Metallographic preparation of nitrided and nitrocarburized components

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Materials powder metals

Metallographic preparation of powder metallurgy parts

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Plasma spray coating

Metallographic preparation of thermal spray coatings

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Stainless steel

Metallographic preparation of stainless steel

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Titanium

Metallographic preparation of titanium

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Tools Steel

Metallographic preparation of high alloy tool steels

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Metalogram

Metalogram

There are more than 500 systematic and proven preparation methods in the Struers e-Metalog covering the complete range of metals, ceramics, electronics, minerals, polymers, composites, and organic materials. These preparation methods are founded on in-depth knowledge of materials and a systematic approach to method development.

The Metalogram displays ten materials according to hardness and ductility. Preparation method selection depends on these properties. 

See more in the Grinding and Polishing section

Meet the Specialists

MEET THE APPLICATION SPECIALISTS

Based on years of experience from a wide variety of industries, the Struers Application Specialist Team enables our customers all over the world to discover new opportunities for enhancing quality control, failure analysis, and productivity. You can also depend on our Application Specialists to develop and pass on new applications and methods to help you meet evolving needs.

  • Twenty-seven Application Specialists in nine countries
  • Theoretical knowledge at the highest academic level
  • Expertise in practical hands-on training
  • Dedicated commitment to knowledge sharing
  • Always ready to help

Meet the application specialists