ABSTRACT

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. Each student will prepare and examine a brass, steel or aluminium
sample for metallographic examination. Additionally, a brass, steel or aluminium sample with
different composition, a eutectoid steel sample and a eutectoid Pb-Sn sample will be examined
under the metallographic microscope. Photographs will be taken of the samples and the ASTM
grain size number determined for each of the specimens if applicable. With the help of
metallography, it is possible to determine grain size and the size, shape and distribution of
various phases which have a great effect on mechanical properties of metals. These
metallography steps produced a scratch-free or mirror-like surface in order to study the
microstructure of mild-steel specimen.
INTRODUCTION
In the study of metallic materials, it is often to analyze the phases exist and grain size in
thestructure. Details of the structure of metal are not readily visible through naked eyes but
grain structures in metals may be seen with the aid of microscope. Metals characteristics such
as grain sizes, effect of heat treatment and carbon content of steels may be determined by
studying the micrograph. For this purpose, the metal use in the metallurgical examination must
be prepared and polished carefully before a good microscope image can be seen. It is important
to ensure that the surface is totally flat and smooth before microstructures observation under
the microscope. Any irregularity will appear as a dark image and may create confusion to the
observer who attempt to analyze the structure. In order to obtain this flat smooth surface,
several preparatory steps are required.
1. Cutting
Cutting process is carried out in order to get the desired size of the sample so that it can
be easily molded/handle.
2. Molding
Molding process is carried out to make the sample easier to hold throughout the
polishing process.
3. Grinding
Rough grinding: to remove rough scale and gross imperfections on the surface of
sample.Fine grinding: to improve the specimen’s surface until it begins to shine and
reflect lights lightly.
4. Polishing
 Rough polishing: to remove the imperfections that grinding has left. Fine grinding: to
remove all scratches and leave a mirror like on the surface.

5. Etching
etchints are used to selectively attack the surface of metals to reveal the grain
boundaries, phase, precipitates, inclusion and variations in composition when a mirror
like metal surface has been obtained, the structure can be observed with the aid of
microscope. The optical microscope magnifies an image by sending a beam of light
onto the object. The condenser lens focuses the light on the sample and the
objectivelens (M50, M100 and M200) magnifies the beam, which contain large image
to the projector lens so the image can be viewed by the observer.