Metallographic Sample Preparation Process

Metallographic sample preparation usually includes sampling, inlaying, grinding, polishing, etching and other work processes, which require certain technical skills to support in order to produce qualified metallographic samples that meet microscopic observation and accurately reflect the true shape of parts.

In terms of sampling, we should start from the focus of the inspection and select key parts of the parts for sampling.

Appropriate methods should be used in sampling, and special attention should be paid to controlling factors such as temperature and sample size to ensure the original state of the sample and provide convenience for subsequent processing;

Very small samples and samples with very irregular shapes should be inlaid to improve the preparation quality and keep the sample in the correct observation direction;

Polishing is to use sandpaper of different grain sizes to reduce the deformation layer left on the surface during sampling to the minimum or even zero, and make the surface of the sample flat, which also lays a good foundation for polishing;

Polishing is to remove the wear marks left during polishing, mirror the selected surface, and improve the light reflectivity of the sample surface. The surface of the polished sample should be a flat, smooth and clean mirror surface;

Etching is to use the corrosiveness of chemical substances to make the internal structure of the sample clearly displayed under the microscope. The entire metallographic sample preparation process requires a careful and meticulous work attitude and proficient and solid technical skills.