The technique for preparing metal sections can be divided into two groups, those processes involving the use of emery papers and coarse abrasives (grinding) and the subsequent operations using fine abrasives (polishing treatments).
Compression-type molding is commonly applied to encase specimens in 1 to 1.5 inch diameter plugs of a hardened polymer.
Category Archives: Metallography
Metallography: Part One
Microstructural examinations and visual evaluations of fracture surfaces provide an invaluable insight into the mechanism of component and assembly failures.
Typically, the metallography process uses sample specimens removed and mounted in bakelite plastic. The specimens are then ground to a fine finish with sandpaper and then polished to a mirror finish with diamond or alumina polishing materials.