Hardness is one of the most routinely measured mechanical properties in industrial materials characterization — yet it is also one of the most easily misapplied. The term ‘hardness’ does not describe a single intrinsic material property but rather the resistance of a surface to plastic deformation under a defined indentation geometry, load, and dwell time. […]
Metallography has long been the foundation of materials science — a discipline that gives engineers and researchers an unfiltered view into a material’s microstructure, phase composition, grain boundaries, and defect patterns. For decades, producing a reliable metallographic sample required considerable manual skill: grinding, polishing, etching, and microscopic inspection each depended on the experience of the […]
Of all the steps in the metallographic preparation chain, mounting is the one most frequently underestimated. It occupies a few minutes between sectioning and grinding, produces no immediately visible microstructural result, and in many laboratories is treated as a procedural formality rather than a critical quality gate. This perception is a mistake. The quality of […]
Metallography of superalloys requires specialized preparation techniques that standard metallographic preparation techniques cannot achieve. Aerospace components, such as turbine blades, are subject to extreme operating conditions, and analysis of the microstructure of the superalloys used in their construction is entirely dependent on artifact-free preparation techniques. In working with superalloys, you will face unique challenges in […]
When it comes to sample preparation for additive manufacturing, you need to ensure that you avoid false positives and accurately identify defects. Unlike traditionally manufactured metal parts, 3D printing of metal components involves unique microstructure and inherent porosity characteristics. Thus, it is essential to use appropriate metallography techniques for 3D printing of metal components. This […]
Metallographic sample preparation is the backbone of microstructure examinations and quality assessments in the field of material science. The quality of each step in the metallographic process is a key factor in how clearly you can ‘see’ the true composition of the metal you’re working with. This article will take you through the entire metallographic […]
Metallographic preparation of titanium and its alloys faces unique difficulties that set it apart from the conventional metals used in industry. Its hexagonal close-packed crystal structure causes deformation twinning in titanium, and its surface chemistry causes smearing and embedding during grinding and polishing processes. Specialized knowledge is essential to ensure proper microstructural analysis in titanium […]
Metallographic preparation serves as a necessary quality control process for fastener manufacturers worldwide. Proper sectioning, mounting, and polishing techniques directly affect the accuracy of microstructure analysis and defect detection. Correct sectioning technique allows cuts close to the center and minimizes subsequent grinding and polishing steps. We will guide you through complete metallographic sample preparation procedures. You’ll […]
Battery cell laser weld inspection can be considered a quality challenge in the electric vehicle industry today. One bad weld can destroy an entire battery. It is not, however, enough to only use visual processes. The defects, which threaten the safety and longevity of the battery, are not on the surface. It is necessary to […]
Automated grinders can complete grinding & polishing processes in just 1 to 2 minutes—matching the time needed for three traditional grinding procedures. Your lab’s results depend on knowing what different machines can and cannot do. Our labs use specialized metallographic grinding and polishing equipment. The setup has grinders, polishers, and combined grinder-polishers that work with […]
