Metallography Objective

1. Learning and gaining experience in the preparation of metallographic specimens.

2. Examining and analysing the microstructures of metals and metallic alloys.

Metallography Overview

Metallography is a discipline that studies the characteristics of the microstructure of metals and
alloys and its relation to the properties of the metals and alloys. Several methods used are :
microscope (optical and electron), diffraction (X-rays, electrons and neutrons), analysis (X-ray
fluorescence, electron microprobe) and also stereometric metallography. In practice, metallographic
microscopy methods are used, so an understanding of the workings of the microscope, either optical
or electron needs to be known. Metallographic observation under a microscopeis generally divided
into two, namely:

1. Macro metallographic, namely observation of structures with magnification of 10–100 times,

2. Microstructures metallographic,i.e. the structure of the magnification observed is not over 100
times.

Much can be learned through specimen examination with the naked eye, but more refined
techniques require magnification and preparation of the material's surface. Optical microscopy is
sufficient for general purpose examination; advanced examination and research laboratories often
contain electron microscopes (SEM and TEM), x-ray and electron diffractometers and possibly other
scanning devices.

Generally, 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, mounting, course grinding, fine grinding, polishing, etching and microscopic examination.
Specimens must be kept clean and preparation procedure carefully followed in order to reveal
accurate microstructures.

Specimen Preparation