Skip to content

High Carbon Steel / Heat Treated Steel - Metallographic Sample Preparation

Preparing high carbon steel for metallographic analysis is simple when using OnPoint Abrasives' consumables and procedures. We have provided a step by step process for metallographic sample preparation of high carbon steel below.

Sectioning: Section specimen with ToughSec abrasive blade or multi-purpose diamond blade.

Mounting: For best results, compression mount specimen using EpoMount epoxy powder. The high hardness of the epoxy will provide superior edge retention and promote flatness across the entire surface of the mount. 

For samples that require cold mounting, we recommend using EpoPro liquid epoxy system. Employing a vacuum impregnation chamber while conducting the cold mounting procedure effectively eradicates undesired air bubbles from the epoxy material, enabling its penetration into the intricate geometries of your specimen. This may not be required in all instances,

Grinding and Polishing: OnPoint's guidelines for grinding and polishing serve as a reference for preparing samples for metallographic analysis. Our steel alloy procedure is specifically designed for employment on an automated polisher featuring Central Force capability. This procedure uses a contra directional pattern between the working wheel and specimen holder.

When using polishers that possess exclusively Individual Force capability or when opting for manual polishing, the operator should commence the procedure from step number 2. Adjustments are also necessary when using Individual Force or manual polishing. We advise adopting a complimentary directional pattern. For Steps 1 and 2, maintain an RPM of 200/base and 150/head. For steps 3 and 4, reduce the RPM to 150/base and 100/head. It might be necessary to extend polishing durations for all steps.

In this section, we've provided two methods for preparing your steel specimen for analysis, Traditional Method and Advanced Method.

The Traditional Method uses a series of Silicon Carbide grinding papers to first planarize and grind the surface to around 15 micron (600 grit), before moving to polishing steps using suspensions and cloths. This method is effective for general purpose metallography, although it can introduce some relief, or rounding of the specimen's edge.

 TRADITIONAL METHOD FOR PREPARING HIGH CARBON STEEL FOR METALLOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Step Abrasive Surface Lube Load/Sample RPM Time
1 180 Grit CarbiPro SiC Water 6 lbs 200 Planar
2 240 Grit CarbiPro SiC Water 6 lbs 200 01:00
3 320 Grit CarbiPro SiC Water 6 lbs 200 01:00
4 400 Grit CarbiPro SiC Water 5 lbs 200 01:00
5 600 Grit CarbiPro SiC Water 5 lbs 200 01:00
5.1 Clean specimens/holder Cotton Ball Water - - -
6 9µm Diamond MasterPlan Cloth Lubricant/Extender 5 lbs 150 05:00
6.1 Clean specimens/holder Cotton Ball Water - - 00:30
7 3µm Diamond GoldStandard Cloth Lubricant/Extender 5 lbs 150 03:00
8.1 Clean specimens/holder Cotton Ball Water - - 00:30
8

0.05µm AlumaPro Alumina

0.04µm ProPrep 2 Colloidal Silica

 SpecCloth Cloth - 5 lbs 150 02:00

Note: Clean specimen by gently scrubbing the surface with a cotton ball under running water. Repeat until all alumina is removed. Use of an ultrasonic cleaner is highly recommended for samples with high porosity content or intricate geometries.

Our Advanced Method uses fewer steps of SiC grinding paper to initially planarize the mounted specimen. This is followed by a series of "loose" abrasive polishing steps that utilize diamond and alumina suspensions along with polishing cloths. The less aggressive nature of this method preserves the specimen's edge and produces ultra-flat results. This can be critical for case depth analysis or for samples that are examined near the specimen's edge. It is viewed by many that the "advanced" methods of preparation offer superior results and higher consistency when compared to traditional methods.

 ADVANCED METHOD FOR PREPARING HIGH CARBON STEEL FOR METALLOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Step # Abrasive Surface Lube Load/Sample
 RPM Time
1 180 or 240 Grit CarbiPro SIC Water 6 lbs 200 Planar
2 320 Grit CarbiPro SiC Water 6 lbs 200 02:00
2.1 Clean specimens/holds Cotton Ball Water
 - - 00:30
3 9µm Diamond MasterPlan Cloth Lubricant/Extender
 5 lbs 150 08:00
3.1 Clean specimens/holder Cotton Ball Water - - 00:30
4 3µm Diamond GoldStandard Cloth Lubricant/Extender 5 lbs 150 03:00
4.1 Clean Specimens/holder Cotton Ball Water - - 00:30
5*

0.05µm AlumaPro Alumina

0.05µm ProPrep Colloidal Silica

 SpecCloth Cloth - 5 lbs 150 02:00

 *For the final step, alternate between the alumina and ProPrep colloidal silica at 20 second intervals. Finish with a large dose of alumina when 0:30 seconds remain. 

Clean specimen by gently scrubbing the surface with a cotton ball under running water. Repeat until all alumina is removed. Use of an ultrasonic cleaner is highly recommended for samples with high porosity content or intricate geometries.

Filters

  • Alumina Suspension 0.05 micron
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension - 1 Gallon - 0.05 µm

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension is an ideal water-based polishing agent for soft materials such as copper, aluminum, and lead. It comes in a 1-gall...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
  • Alumina Suspension 0.05 micron
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $48.00
    $48.00 - $48.00
    $48.00

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension - 32 oz - 0.05 µm

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension is an ideal water-based polishing agent for soft materials such as copper, aluminum, and lead. It comes in a 32oz c...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $48.00
    $48.00 - $48.00
    $48.00
  • $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension 1 Gallon

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension is a specialized water-based polishing medium for soft materials such as copper, aluminum, and lead. Its high-visco...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $150.00
    $150.00 - $150.00
    $150.00
  • $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $28.00
    $28.00 - $28.00
    $28.00

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension 16oz

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension is a specialized water-based polishing medium for soft materials such as copper, aluminum, and lead. Its high-visco...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $28.00
    $28.00 - $28.00
    $28.00
  • $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $48.00
    $48.00 - $48.00
    $48.00

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension 32oz

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension is a specialized water-based polishing medium for soft materials such as copper, aluminum, and lead. Its high-visco...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $48.00
    $48.00 - $48.00
    $48.00
  • $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $18.00
    $18.00 - $18.00
    $18.00

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension 8oz

    Alumabrasive Alumina Suspension is a specialized water-based polishing medium for soft materials such as copper, aluminum, and lead. Its high-visco...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $18.00
    $18.00 - $18.00
    $18.00
  • Polycrystalline Alumina Suspension AlumaPro MasterPrep Nanometer
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00

    AlumaPro Polycrystalline Alumina Slurry 16 oz - 0.05 µm

    AlumaPro Polycrystalline Alumina is an optimal polishing slurry for metallographic sample preparation, recommended for polishing of ferrous metals,...

    View full details
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00
  • AlumaPro alumina 0.05 micron
    $110.00 - $110.00
    $110.00
    $110.00 - $110.00
    $110.00

    AlumaPro Polycrystalline Alumina Slurry 64 oz - 0.05 µm

    AlumaPro Polycrystalline Alumina is an optimal polishing slurry for metallographic sample preparation, recommended for polishing of ferrous metals...

    View full details
    $110.00 - $110.00
    $110.00
    $110.00 - $110.00
    $110.00
  • Polycrystalline Alumina Suspension AlumaPro MasterPrep Nanometer
    $195.00 - $195.00
    $195.00
    $195.00 - $195.00
    $195.00

    AlumaPro Polycrystalline Alumina Slurry- 1 Gallon - 0.05 µm

    AlumaPro Polycrystalline Alumina is an optimal polishing slurry for metallographic sample preparation, recommended for polishing of ferrous metals...

    View full details
    $195.00 - $195.00
    $195.00
    $195.00 - $195.00
    $195.00
  • Polycrystalline Alumina Suspension AlumaPro MasterPrep Nanometer
    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00
    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00

    AlumaPro Polycrystalline Alumina Slurry- 32 oz - 0.05 µm

    AlumaPro Polycrystalline Alumina is an optimal polishing slurry for metallographic sample preparation, recommended for polishing of ferrous metals...

    View full details
    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00
    $70.00 - $70.00
    $70.00
  • 240 grit silicon carbide grinding paper roll
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $45.00
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00

    CarbiPro SiC Grinding Paper Roll (3-7/16-in x 60-ft) - 240 grit

    CarbiPro's Silicon Carbide abrasive grinding paper is ideal for metallurgical grinding of a host of materials. This roll-form C-weight paper has a ...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $45.00
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00
  • 320 grit silicon carbide grinding paper roll
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $45.00
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00

    CarbiPro SiC Grinding Paper Roll (3-7/16-in x 60-ft) - 320 grit

     CarbiPro's Silicon Carbide abrasive grinding paper is ideal for metallurgical grinding of a host of materials. This roll-form C-weight paper has a...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $45.00
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00
  • 400 grit silicon carbide grinding paper roll
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $45.00
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00

    CarbiPro SiC Grinding Paper Roll (3-7/16-in x 60-ft) - 400 grit

    CarbiPro's Silicon Carbide abrasive grinding paper is ideal for metallurgical grinding of a host of materials. This roll-form C-weight paper has a ...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $45.00
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00
  • 600 grit silicon carbide grinding paper roll
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $45.00
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00

    CarbiPro SiC Grinding Paper Roll (3-7/16-in x 60-ft) - 600 grit

    CarbiPro's Silicon Carbide abrasive grinding paper is ideal for metallurgical grinding of a host of materials. This roll-form C-weight paper has a ...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $45.00
    $45.00 - $45.00
    $45.00
  • 1200 grit Silicon carbide grinding paper roll
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $55.00
    $55.00 - $55.00
    $55.00

    CarbiPro SiC Grinding Paper Roll (3-7/16-in x 75-ft) - 1200 grit

     CarbiPro's Silicon Carbide abrasive grinding paper is ideal for metallurgical grinding of a host of materials. This roll-form C-weight paper has a...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $55.00
    $55.00 - $55.00
    $55.00
  • 800 grit silicon carbide grinding paper roll
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $55.00
    $55.00 - $55.00
    $55.00

    CarbiPro SiC Grinding Paper Roll (3-7/16-in x 75-ft) - 800 grit

     CarbiPro's Silicon Carbide abrasive grinding paper is ideal for metallurgical grinding of a host of materials. This roll-form C-weight paper has a...

    View full details
    $0.00 - $0.00
    $0.00
    $55.00
    $55.00 - $55.00
    $55.00
  • CarbonMount conductive mounting resin
    $29.00 - $29.00
    $29.00
    $29.00 - $29.00
    $29.00

    CarbonMount Graphite-Filled Conductive Compound 1 lb

     CarbonMount Conductive Compression Mounting Resin Graphite-Filled to produce conductive mounts for SEM analysis 1 lb - Item No CBM-2001

    $29.00 - $29.00
    $29.00
    $29.00 - $29.00
    $29.00
  • CarbonMount conductive mounting resin
    CarbonMount conductive mounting resin
    $635.00 - $635.00
    $635.00
    $635.00 - $635.00
    $635.00

    CarbonMount Graphite-Filled Conductive Compound 25 lbs

     CarbonMount Conductive Compression Mounting Resin Graphite-Filled to produce conductive mounts for SEM analysis 25 lbs - Item No CBM-2025

    $635.00 - $635.00
    $635.00
    $635.00 - $635.00
    $635.00
  • CarbonMount conductive mounting resin
    $140.00 - $140.00
    $140.00
    $140.00 - $140.00
    $140.00

    CarbonMount Graphite-Filled Conductive Compound 5 lbs

     CarbonMount Conductive Compression Mounting Resin Graphite-Filled to produce conductive mounts for SEM analysis 5 lbs - Item No CBM-2005

    $140.00 - $140.00
    $140.00
    $140.00 - $140.00
    $140.00
  • ChemPro Polishing Cloth
    ChemPro Polishing Cloth with PSA Backing 10in
    $185.00 - $185.00
    $185.00
    $185.00 - $185.00
    $185.00

    ChemPro Polishing Cloth with PSA Backing 10in

    ChemPro metallographic polishing cloth is a soft, porous, synthetic pad used for final polishing of soft materials.  Commonly used with ProPrep Col...

    View full details
    $185.00 - $185.00
    $185.00
    $185.00 - $185.00
    $185.00
  • ChemPro Polishing Cloth
    ChemPro Polishing Cloth with PSA Backing 12in
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00

    ChemPro Polishing Cloth with PSA Backing 12in

    ChemPro metallographic polishing cloth is a soft, porous, synthetic pad used for final polishing of soft materials.  Commonly used with ProPrep Col...

    View full details
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
  • ChemPro Polishing Cloth
    $140.00 - $140.00
    $140.00
    $140.00 - $140.00
    $140.00

    ChemPro Polishing Cloth with PSA Backing 8in

    ChemPro metallographic polishing cloth is a soft, porous, synthetic pad used for final polishing of soft materials.  Commonly used with ProPrep Col...

    View full details
    $140.00 - $140.00
    $140.00
    $140.00 - $140.00
    $140.00
  • ChemPro Polishing Cloth
    ChemPro Polishing Cloth with Rubber Magnetic Backing 10in
    $185.00 - $185.00
    $185.00
    $185.00 - $185.00
    $185.00

    ChemPro Polishing Cloth with Rubber Magnetic Backing 10in

    ChemPro metallographic polishing cloth is a soft, porous, synthetic pad used for final polishing of soft materials.  Commonly used with ProPrep Col...

    View full details
    $185.00 - $185.00
    $185.00
    $185.00 - $185.00
    $185.00
  • ChemPro Polishing Cloth
    ChemPro Polishing Cloth with Rubber Magnetic Backing 12in
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00

    ChemPro Polishing Cloth with Rubber Magnetic Backing 12in

    ChemPro metallographic polishing cloth is a soft, porous, synthetic pad used for final polishing of soft materials. Commonly used with ProPrep Coll...

    View full details
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00
    $215.00 - $215.00
    $215.00