Sample Preparation Guides
Guides organized by topic: Basics, Process, Material-Specific, and Application-Specific.
Basics
(6 guides)Fundamentals for beginners.
Introduction to Metallography
Learn the fundamentals of metallography, including what it is, why it matters, and how it's used in materials science and engineering.
Read GuidePurpose and Applications
Discover the various applications of metallography in quality control, failure analysis, research, and materials development.
Read GuideHistory of Metallography
Explore the evolution of metallography from its origins to modern techniques. Understand how the field has developed over time.
Read GuideEquipment Overview
Learn about the essential equipment used in metallography, from sectioning equipment to microscopes. Understand what equipment you need for metallographic sample preparation.
Read GuideSafety Fundamentals
Essential safety practices for metallography laboratories. Learn about chemical safety, equipment safety, personal protective equipment, and safe work practices.
Read GuideCommon Misconceptions
Learn about common mistakes and misconceptions beginners make in metallography. Avoid these pitfalls and develop better metallographic practices.
Read GuideProcess
(6 guides)Step-by-step preparation techniques.
Sectioning
Overview of sample sectioning techniques including saw selection, cutting parameters, and minimizing damage during the cutting process.
Read GuideMounting
Overview of mounting procedures including compression mounting, castable mounting, and selecting appropriate mounting materials.
Read GuideGrinding Techniques
Overview of grinding with proper grit selection, pressure control, and technique. Learn progressive grinding methods for optimal surface quality.
Read GuidePolishing Methods
Overview of polishing techniques for different materials and applications. Covers diamond polishing, oxide polishing, and final polishing strategies.
Read GuideEtching Procedures
Overview of etching techniques, reagent selection, and application methods. Learn how to reveal microstructures effectively and safely.
Read GuideMicrostructural Analysis
Complete guide to preparing samples for microscopy, choosing the right microscope, and interpreting common microstructures in metals and alloys.
Read GuideMaterial-Specific
(9 guides)Detailed guides for specific materials.
Aluminum Sample Preparation
In-depth guide for preparing aluminum samples without smearing or deformation. Learn proper techniques for soft materials and avoid common pitfalls.
Read Guide
Carbon Steel Preparation
In-depth procedures for preparing carbon steel samples, from low to high carbon content. Covers proper etching for pearlite and ferrite structures.
Read Guide
Ceramics Preparation
Complete guide to preparing ceramic samples for metallographic analysis. Covers sectioning hard materials, avoiding chipping, and revealing grain boundaries.
Read Guide
Composites Preparation
In-depth techniques for preparing composite materials including fiber-reinforced composites. Learn to avoid pullout, maintain fiber orientation, and reveal interfaces.
Read Guide
Copper and Copper Alloys
In-depth preparation methods for copper and its alloys, including brass and bronze. Learn techniques to avoid smearing and reveal true microstructures.
Read Guide
Magnesium Preparation
Specialized techniques for preparing magnesium and magnesium alloys. Learn how to handle reactive materials and avoid oxidation artifacts.
Read Guide
Nickel Alloys Preparation
Comprehensive guide for preparing nickel and nickel-based superalloys. Learn techniques for handling high-temperature alloys and revealing complex microstructures.
Read Guide
Stainless Steel Preparation
Complete in-depth guide to preparing stainless steel samples for metallographic analysis, including sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching techniques.
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Titanium Preparation
In-depth specialized techniques for preparing titanium samples, including handling reactive surfaces and proper etching methods for alpha and beta phases.
Read GuideApplication-Specific
(13 guides)Advanced techniques for specialized applications.
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Sample Preparation
Complete guide to preparing additive manufacturing samples for metallographic analysis. Learn techniques for handling porosity, layer boundaries, support structures, and revealing build direction and process defects.
Read GuideAerospace Applications Guide
Comprehensive guide to metallographic analysis for aerospace applications, covering titanium and superalloy preparation, fatigue and creep damage assessment, coating analysis, and industry-specific standards.
Read GuideAutomotive Applications Guide
Complete guide to metallographic analysis for automotive applications, covering steel and aluminum processing verification, heat treatment validation, weld quality assessment, and industry-specific quality requirements.
Read GuideCastings and Foundry Analysis
Complete guide to metallographic analysis of cast materials including solidification structure analysis, dendrite arm spacing measurement, casting defect identification, and grain size control.
Read GuideCoating and Surface Treatment Analysis
Complete guide to preparing cross-sections for coating thickness measurement, case depth analysis (carburizing, nitriding), surface modification evaluation, and preserving coating integrity during preparation.
Read GuideFailure Analysis
Learn about failure analysis techniques in metallography, including fracture analysis, root cause investigation, and material failure mechanisms.
Read GuideGrain Size Analysis and Measurement
Complete guide to grain size analysis including ASTM E112 compliance, different measurement methods (comparison charts, intercept, planimetric, image analysis), and application-specific requirements.
Read GuideHardness Testing Preparation
In-depth specialized preparation techniques for samples that will undergo hardness testing. Ensure accurate results with proper surface preparation.
Read GuideHeat Treatment Verification
Complete guide to verifying heat treatment effectiveness through metallographic analysis, including case depth measurement, decarburization detection, and microstructure validation for different heat treatment processes.
Read GuideMedical Device Applications Guide
Comprehensive guide to metallographic analysis for medical device applications, covering biocompatible material preparation, surface finish requirements, implant material characterization, and regulatory compliance considerations.
Read GuidePCB and Chip Sample Preparation
Complete guide to preparing printed circuit boards (PCBs) and semiconductor chips for metallographic analysis. Learn controlled removal techniques, ATTO polishing, and precision preparation methods essential for electronics failure analysis and quality control.
Read GuideQuality Control and Inspection
In-depth guide on how to evaluate sample quality, identify preparation artifacts, and ensure your samples meet industry standards for metallographic analysis.
Read GuideWelding Analysis and Weld Zone Preparation
Complete guide to preparing weld samples for metallographic analysis, including weld zone, HAZ, and fusion boundary preparation for different welding methods.
Read GuideTroubleshooting
(1 guide)Solutions for common preparation issues.
Explore Material-Specific Procedures
Browse our comprehensive collection of procedure guides for material-specific preparation methods and get personalized recommendations.
Find procedures for your materials, get product suggestions, and optimize your workflow