Metallography, the study of the microstructure of metals and alloys, relies heavily on the quality of specimen preparation. One critical step in this process is specimen mounting, and there are two predominant methods: compression or hot mounting and castable or cold mounting. Each method has its own set of advantages and considerations, catering to different needs in metallographic analysis.
Metallography is a critical aspect of the metallurgical analysis and quality control of materials, including those produced through additive manufacturing (AM). It involves the study of a material's microstructure by examining its constituent phases, grain structures, inclusions, and defects at a microscopic level. Metallography helps in understanding the material's mechanical properties, performance, and overall quality. Here's a more detailed overview of metallography and sample preparation in the context of AM:
Precision saws excel in targeting specific areas of metallurgical specimens with a heightened degree of precision. They are known for their suitability under low load and low RPM conditions, making them a preference for delicate materials. Typically found in smaller laboratory settings, precision saws replace abrasive wheels with metal core blades featuring embedded diamonds or cubic boron nitride (CBN) on their perimeters. Blade diameters vary from 3 to 8 inches, and thickness can range from 0.006” to 0.040”. This thin profile proves particularly advantageous when sectioning delicate materials like precious metals, PCBs, ceramics, or glass, though it necessitates careful handling due to fragility.
