(Best-Seller) Metallographic Techniques is tailored towards new metallographers and those with little exposure to metallography. The course will introduce the principles of metallographic specimen preparation and etching. Participants will prepare a variety of hard, soft, ferrous, and nonferrous alloys using manual preparation techniques to provide a solid foundation, upon which more advanced techniques can be built. The course incorporates a combination of lectures with course material, demonstrations utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, and hands-on laboratory work including specimen preparation, optical microscopy, grain size determination, basic measurements, and micro hardness testing. Throughout the course, participants will keep a detailed laboratory notebook, which can be used for future reference after the course.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS CLASS?

• Technicians
• Metallographers
• Managers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Engineers and QA personnel interested in hands-on sample preparation
• Anyone new to metallography

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Select proper consumables and techniques for sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing
• Choose the correct etchant to reveal the structure and features for the alloy at hand
• Document structures using optical microscopes equipped with image capture cameras and software
• Distinguish artifacts from real structures

PREREQUISITES:

Some knowledge of metallography is encouraged.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Lesson 1: Metallographic Techniques

Metallography is the science that describes the constitution and structure of metals by using microscopy. The microscopic structure, or microstructure, of metals influences their mechanical, chemical, and physical properties and behavior. Predicting how metals behave is essential to their proper use in numerous applications. For example, metallography is used in:

• Quality control and management of material processes
• New materials research and development
• Failure analysis
• Predictive analysis for quality improvement

Lesson 2: Sample Selection and Sectioning

The first step in proper sample preparation is selecting and then sectioning your sample.

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the scientific and practical considerations for proper sample orientation and sectioning
• Differentiate between sawing, fracturing, cutting, shearing, and torch cutting
• Explain the parameters for selecting a sectioning method
• Demonstrate the correct use of sectioning equipment and instruments
• Identify optimal cut placement based on material defects or anomalies
• Perform proper cleaning and drying techniques after sectioning, successfully preparing the sample for mounting

Lesson 3: Mounting

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify the advantages of mounting metallographic samples
• Justify the need for mounting a sample by providing a clear explanation
• List and describe the function of key equipment and materials used in mounting samples
• Compare and contrast at least two different mounting methods, providing reasons for selecting each method
• Identify common problems that occur during compression mounting

Lesson 4: Mechanical Grinding and Polishing Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the role of grinding in removing deformed layers
• Identify the stages of grinding and polishing
• Outline the correct cleaning procedures between each stage of grinding and polishing
• Select appropriate preparation materials and techniques based on the type of specimen
• Document grinding and polishing parameters accurately, including abrasive type, speed, and pressure
• Evaluate the final polished surface quality by identifying key characteristics such as reflectivity and absence of scratches
• Understand the safety risks associated with grinding and polishing

Lesson 5: Etching

Upon completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of etching and its role in metallographic analysis
• List the types of etching techniques and explain when to use each technique
• Justify why chemical etching is the most commonly used method
• Identify the best etchants for various metals and alloys
• Describe the process of electrolytic etching and identify suitable applications
• Specify the process for safe and proper handling of etchants

Lesson 6: Microscope and Documentation

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify and describe the various parts of a microscope and their functions
• Explain the use of filters for color correction and light polarization
• Demonstrate understanding of the function of a stage micrometer
• Recognize the clear microstructure through the microscope

Lesson 7: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Upon completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the basic functionality of a scanning electron microscope
• Distinguish between various mounting and preparation methods for SEM samples (mounting materials, coatings, etc.)
• Summarize the analytical techniques available via SEM
• Interpret basic images and analytical results from SEM

Lesson 8: Microindentation Hardness Testing Upon completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the theory behind microindentation hardness testing
• Identify the materials and instruments used in microindentation hardness testing
• Describe the proper operation of microindentation hardness testing instruments
• Outline the procedural steps for conducting microindentation hardness testing

Lesson 9: Safety Procedures

In general, the metallographic laboratory is a reasonably safe environment. However, depending on the materials being prepared, dangerous situations can arise.

Continuing Education Units: 3.0

Pricing:

List Price:  $ 3,275.00

Member Pricing:  $ 3,075.00
(Please make sure you use your membership email address when providing attendee information to receive your member discount.)