Field Metallography and Replication
Optical micrograph of a replica that was taken of the austenitic microstructure of 316 stainless steel.
How Does It Work?
A section of material in the field is polished using a rotary tool to a mirror finish. The area is then swabbed with etchant, or submerged in etchant contained in a silicon shell for the appropriate amount of time. After etching, the microstructure can be imaged using a stereo-microscope. However, if higher resolution imaging is necessary, a replication of the microstructure is made using a chemically activated film. The film fills in all the voids on the surface of the material and then hardens upon drying. Once dry, the film is removed and the microstructure of the material is imprinted on the film, which can then be analyzed using a compound optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope.
Advantages
Disadvantages
When should it be used?
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KnightHawk Engineering, Inc.
400 Hobbs Rd
League City, TX 77573
(281) 282-9200 telephone
(281) 282-9333 fax
General Information: hawkwork@knighthawk.com
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Customer Support: Chris Creech
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