Metallographic Sample Preparation
At Akasel we want to make metallographic sample preparation more convenient by sharing our knowledge. Therefore, we have developed preparation methods for a wide range of different materials and material groups covering the majority of metallographic specimen types. These methods are called Aka-Brief, and they are optimised for the shortest preparation time with the best result. Each Aka-Brief shows the preparation step-by-step, with all the preparation parameters and a micrograph of the sample surface after every step.
Our Demo Kits are available at a very low price and give you the opportunity to try our products and methods before you make any larger investments or changes to your consumables purchase. They are based on the Aka-Brief preparation methods and contain all the necessary consumables for one of these specific methods. Each Demo Kit is available for 200, 250 and 300 mm dia. preparation equipment and allows for the metallographic sample preparation of at least 50 samples.
Below you find our cut-off wheel and mounting resin recommendations for each Aka-Brief
Aka-Brief Cut-off Wheel Recommendation
Aka-Brief Mounting Resin Recommendation
FAQ:
What is an Aka-Brief?
An Aka-Brief is a preparation method for either a specific material or a group of materials. You can see all our Aka-Briefs here. Each Aka-Brief shows all grinding and polishing steps in detail with the necessary consumables and preparation parameters. Additionally, a microphotograph of each step is shown to demonstrate how the result should look after each step. Finally, a series of micrographs show the final result in different magnifications and illuminations.
Is there a way to test these Aka-Brief?
Yes, for each Aka-Brief we have a Demo Kit. These demo kits are available for purchase in the standard sizes 200, 250 and 300 mm dia. They contain all the consumables necessary to run the entire preparation method. Plane grinding and fine grinding discs, polishing cloths and the necessary diamond and oxide polishing suspensions are included. A demo kit will allow you to prepare 50 samples or more and thus test our preparation method and consumables thoroughly.
What is the purpose of metallographic sample preparation?
The purpose of metallographic sample preparation is to produce samples that can be examined on the microscope without any change of the structure during sample preparation. This is often referred to as the true structure. In the industry today it is important that the preparation method is as fast as possible and shows the correct structure of the sample without alteration.
What is the optimal surface finish in metallographic sample preparation?
That very much depends on the requirements. For a fast examination in the QC lab a few scratches do not matter as long as the correct structure is visible. When using image analysis or for documentation purposes a perfect finish is required. Scratches or other preparation artefacts can alter the result and ultimately produce false results.
How are metallographic specimens most often examined?
Metallographic samples are mostly examined using an optical microscope. However, samples for macroscopic examination can be examined with the naked eye or under a stereo microscope, and in some cases very high demands to the sample preparation are made when samples are examined in an SEM or AFM or subjected to EBSD. Then of course the preparation method must be adjusted accordingly.