Metallographic Examination Lab
32 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of metallography?

  • Study of metal fatigue
  • Examination of microscopic structures of materials (correct)
  • Analysis of material costs
  • Inspection of surface finishes

What factors significantly influence the properties of materials?

  • Internal structures of the materials (correct)
  • The color of the materials
  • The geographical location of production
  • The method of packaging

What is the maximum magnification commonly used in metallographic optical microscopy?

  • 1500X (correct)
  • 2000X
  • 100X
  • 50X

What is the purpose of polishing a specimen in metallography?

<p>To create a mirror finish on one face for better observation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are non-metallic inclusions observed during macro investigation?

<p>Cavities and slag (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is etching performed on a polished specimen?

<p>To reveal structural details by attacking parts at different rates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of microscope is primarily used to examine microstructures in metallography?

<p>Metallographic microscope (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of sectioning a specimen in metallographic examination?

<p>To provide maximum information from a limited area (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum area typically allowed for metallographic examination specimens?

<p>15 mm x 15 mm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to mount small metallographic specimens?

<p>To ensure convenience in handling and protect edges (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions does hot mounting typically occur?

<p>Under pressure and temperatures up to 200 ºC (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference between hot mounting and cold mounting?

<p>Cold mounting is preferred for heat-sensitive specimens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the cold mounting process?

<p>A resin is mixed with a hardener to form a block (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What grinding sequence is recommended for metallographic specimens?

<p>Using emery papers with grits of 240, 320, 400, and 600 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of grinding metallographic specimens?

<p>To gradually reduce the thickness of the distorted layer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should the grinding process ideally be carried out?

<p>Wet and by hand on a flat surface (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a stream of water during the grinding process?

<p>To cool down the metal sample and prevent clogging (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to rotate the specimen 90° during the transfer to finer abrasive papers?

<p>To aid in the removal of striations left by coarser abrasives (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal surface condition you aim for during the final polishing operation?

<p>A mirror-like finish free of scratches (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cloth is typically used for the polishing operation?

<p>Napped cloth like synthetic rayon or velvet (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after the final polishing is complete?

<p>Wash the sample, rub it with a cotton swab, and dry with hot air (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should the specimen be moved during polishing to ensure uniform surface removal?

<p>In a clockwise direction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended hand pressure during the final polishing operation?

<p>Heavier pressure initially, reduced near the end (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to wash both the specimen and your hands between grinding steps?

<p>To avoid contamination and ensure cleanliness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a metallurgical microscope at a magnification of usually 100X?

<p>To reveal structural features such as porosity and micro cracks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should a polished metallographic specimen be stored in a desiccator?

<p>To prevent it from being damaged by moisture and contaminants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of etching a polished metal surface?

<p>To reveal grain boundaries and other structural characteristics. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT used for etching a polished surface?

<p>Using a rolling technique with a polishing wheel. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately after the bright metallic shine of the polished surface disappears during etching?

<p>Quickly remove the specimen from the etchant and rinse it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What materials are typically needed for the metallurgical examination of specimens?

<p>Emery papers, polishing paste, and alcohol. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue should be avoided when handling a polished metallographic specimen?

<p>Allowing hands or clothes to come in contact with the surface. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After etching, what is the recommended procedure to prepare the specimen for observation?

<p>Rinse with running water and then flush with methyl alcohol. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Metallography

The study of the internal structures of metals and alloys using microscopes to understand their properties.

Metallographic Specimen Preparation

The process of preparing a sample for microscopic examination, involving cutting, grinding, polishing, and etching to reveal its structure.

Sectioning

The process of cutting a representative piece of metal from the larger material for detailed examination.

Polishing

A technique used to examine the surface of a metal using successively finer sandpaper and polishing wheels to achieve a mirror-like finish.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Etching

A chemical treatment applied to the polished metal surface to reveal the internal structure by selectively etching different regions at varying rates.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Metallographic Microscope

An optical instrument used to magnify and examine the microstructure of prepared metal samples.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Microstructure

The visible features of the internal structure of a metal, including grains, phases, inclusions, and defects.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Grains

The smallest individual crystals within a metal, each with a distinct orientation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mounting

A method of securing a small metal sample in a solid matrix (usually resin) for easier handling and protection of its edges during preparation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hot Mounting

A method of mounting where the specimen is heated and pressed into a resin, providing a strong and durable mount.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Grinding

The process of smoothing the surface of a mounted metal specimen using successively finer sandpaper and polishing wheels to achieve a mirror-like finish.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Grinding Sequence

Using a series of emery papers with increasing grit sizes to gradually reduce the thickness of the distorted layer created by sectioning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cold Mounting

A method of mounting where the specimen is embedded in a resin that is cured at room temperature, ideal for specimens that are sensitive to heat or pressure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Aluminum Oxide Suspension

A suspension of aluminum oxide (alumina) with micron-sized particles used to polish a metal surface.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Polishing Wheel

A cloth-covered revolving wheel used for final polishing, typically made of synthetic rayon or velvet.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Clockwise Specimen Movement

The process of moving the metal specimen in a clockwise direction during polishing to ensure even surface removal, since the polishing wheel rotates counterclockwise.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cleaning the Polished Surface

The process of rubbing the polished surface with a cotton swab and flushing it with alcohol to remove any remaining polishing residue.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Drying the Polished Surface

The use of a blast of hot air to dry the polished metal specimen after cleaning, ensuring a clean and dry surface for examination.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why is Polishing Important?

The purpose of polishing is to remove scratches from the metal surface to create a highly reflective surface for microscopic examination.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Particle Size in Polishing

Different particle sizes of aluminum oxide are used in polishing to achieve progressively finer finishes, starting with larger particles and ending with smaller ones.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Etching Rate

The difference in etching rate between different regions of a metal, making the microstructure visible.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Etching Technique

A technique involving applying an etchant to the polished metal surface to reveal its internal structure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Immersion Etching

The method of etching a metal by dipping it into a small vessel containing etchant.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Swabbing Etching

The method of etching a metal by applying etchant to the surface using cotton gauze.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Metallographic Examination Lab

  • Objective:
    • Learn specimen preparation for metallographic examination
    • Learn how to use an optical microscope
    • Learn to identify structural features

Background

  • Material properties depend heavily on their internal structure.
  • The interior structure dictates how a material performs in various applications.
  • Microstructures of materials define how they handle industrial processes.
  • Metallography is the study of microscopic structures of metals.

Macro Investigation

  • Visual examination with naked eyes or magnification up to 5x.
  • Characterized by: grain shape, size, cavities, and non-metallic (e.g., slag, oxides) inclusions.

Micro Investigation

  • Higher magnification reveals more details of structure, e.g., phases, distributions, and micro-segregation.
  • Optical technique is the most common method for structural examination.

Specimen Preparation for Microscopic Examination

  • Sectioning: Select sample representative of the whole material. Keep area small (e.g., 15 mm x 15 mm). Avoid altering microstructure during cutting process. Use low-speed cutting saw.
  • Mounting:
    • Used for smaller samples, embedding in thermosetting/thermoplastic polymer matrix.
    • Hot and cold methods are used for mounting
    • Convenience and handling important factors
    • Protection of edges for micrograph taking
  • Grinding:
    • Successive finer emery papers (240, 320, 400, 600)
    • Purpose: gradually reduce thickness of distorted surface layer from sectioning.
    • Wet grinding with water is best practice to prevent scratching sample and clogging emery paper. Continuous 90° rotation of the specimen during grinding helps remove coarse surface striations.
  • Polishing:
    • Use revolving cloth wheels with fine abrasive material for final surface smoothness.
    • Remove scratches left from grinding.
    • Employ suspensions of aluminum oxide with varying particle sizes (15, 6, and 1 micron).
    • Ensure uniform surface removal throughout using a constant clockwise rotation.
    • Important: wash specimen and hands between steps and after polishing
  • Etching:
    • Enhance visibility of structural features like grain boundaries, plastic deformation, etc.
    • Chemical reagents applied to polished surface.
    • Use cotton gauze/vessel and rinse with water, methyl alcohol before drying under hot air

Microscope Use

  • Magnification typically 100X for revealing structural features like porosity, microcracks, and non-metallic pieces.

Equipment

  • Metallurgical microscope, emery papers (various grits), polishing wheel, polishing agent (paste or powder), suitable etchant.

Procedure

  • Follow the step-by-step procedures provided in the experiment or lecture.

Required

  • Sketch and explain microstructure observed
  • Highlight any challenges faced during preparation and the final surface appearance
  • Explain the importance of grain size.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Lab 2- Sample Preparation PDF

Description

This quiz focuses on the essential techniques for metallographic examination, including specimen preparation and the use of optical microscopes. Participants will learn to identify and analyze microstructures of materials that impact their properties and performance. The content is crucial for understanding the relationship between material structures and their industrial applications.

More Like This

Metageography Quiz
10 questions

Metageography Quiz

AccomplishedBixbite avatar
AccomplishedBixbite
Ataque Químico en Metalografía
12 questions
Metallic Materials and Metallography
10 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser