The field of Metallography which has been commercially popularized by companies like Akasel.com was born out of a need to understand how the microstructure of metallic alloys affect their macroscopic properties. Metallography is an important field of study because the knowledge of the principles learned from microstructural studies can be applied for the design, manufacture and development of different alloy materials.
Metallography refers to the study of the microstructure of different metallic alloys. This scientific field deals with the chemical composition, atomic structure and spatial distribution of the microscopic constituents, inclusion, phases or grains of metallic alloy. The principles derived from the study of these microscopic components can then applied in characterizing these materials and in their application.
Techniques used in metallography
Different methods are used to study the microstructural feature of metallic alloys. However, the most commonly applied method of investigation is through the use of incident light microscopy typically in brightfield mode. However, other techniques like dark field and differential interference contrast (DIC) may also be used. Color etching is another method that has recently become popular for metallographic investigations. The most commonly used
For these techniques, the basic procedure for metallographic examination is pretty much the same. It usually involves sample collection, specimen preparation and microscopic observation followed by digital imaging and documentation. The process of specimen preparation may include sectioning, cutting, planner grinding, polishing and etching the sample before observation can begin. Quantitative data from the examination is usually extracted through image analysis or stereological analysis.
Why is metallography important
Metallography is needed to understand many of the properties of metallic material. This is because most of the macroscopic properties of a material such as its tensile strength, thermal properties, electrical conductivity and other mechanical properties are dependent of the microstructure. Therefore, an understanding of these microscopic structures will play an important role in the manufacture of more reliable materials with desired physical features.