1. 5/3/2015 1 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

2.  To prepare the specimens surfaces to be examined by the microscope.  To learn and to gain experience in the preparation of metallographic specimens. 5/3/2015 2 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

3.  Metallography is basically the study of the structures and constitution of metals and alloys, using metallurgical microscopes and magnifications, so that the physical and mechanical properties of an alloy can be related to its observed microstructure.  Such microscopic studies can provide an abundance of constitutional information about the specimen under investigation, including the size and shape of the grains (crystallites), the presence of micro defects (such as segregation, hair cracks, and nonmetallic inclusions), and the nature and distribution of secondary phases.  The metallographic examination can be used in quality control and to predict and/or explain the mechanical properties. 5/3/2015 3 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

4.  Proper preparation of metallographic specimens to determine microstructure and content requires that a rigid step-by-step process be followed. In sequence, the steps include sectioning (cutting), mounting, course grinding, fine grinding, and polishing, etching and microscopic examination. Specimens must be kept clean and preparation procedure carefully followed in order to reveal accurate microstructures 5/3/2015 4 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

5.  Minitom : Small, automatic precision cut-off machine for sectioning all materialographic and ceramic specimens.  Metason: Ultrasonic Cleaning : For effective ultrasonic cleaning of metallographic, ceramic, and mineralogical specimens  LaboPress-3 : Semi-automatic mounting press for hot mounting of all materials. 5/3/2015 5 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

6.  LaboPol (grinding and polishing machine): Machines for grinding, lapping and polishing for 200 or 230 mm discs.  LaboForce : Specimen movers for semi-automatic preparation of materialographic specimens on LaboPol grinding and polishing machines.  LectroPol-5 : :Automatic, microprocessor controlled electrolytic polishing and etching of metallographic specimens 5/3/2015 6 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

7. 5/3/2015 7 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

8.  It is important to supply enough resin during mounting. If the amount of resin is too small to cover the specimen after curing, the specimen, the ram and the cylinder may all be damaged. Min no. of Spoons =  The factor 1.2 is multiplied to eliminate variation in the resin densities and the measuring during mounting.  Height of 1 Spoon ( 15 mm ) of Resin after Mounting in an Empty Cylinder 5/3/2015 8 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

9. 5/3/2015 9 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

10. Surface MD-Primo 220MD-Largo Abrasive SiCDP-Suspension Grit / Grain size -9µm Lubricant WaterGreen/Blue rpm 300150 Force(N) 120180 Time (min) Until Plane5 5/3/2015 10 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

11. Surface MD-DacMD-Nap or MD-Chem Abrasive DP-SuspensionOP-S or OP-U Grit / Grain size 3µm- Lubricant Green/Blue- rpm 150 Force(N) 19060 Time (min) 5 5/3/2015 11 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

12. 5/3/2015 12 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens

13.  Describe the steps involved in the preparation of a metallographic sample: › Sectioning (cutting) › Plastic coating of the samples › Mounting › Grinding › Polishing › Etching  Why should the specimen be roughly washed after each stage during either grinding or polishing?  Why is fine grinding performed wet?  What is the purpose of etching metallographic samples?  What are the advantages of electrolytic polishing? 5/3/2015 13 Exp.4: Preparation of Specimens