Grinding and polishing is the final stage in the metallographic sample preparation process and consists of several steps. Each step uses finer abrasive than the previous one, the ultimate goal being to produce a deformation-free, scratch-free and highly reflective sample surface. The sample may need to be examined, either etched or unetched, to reveal the microstructure of the material. It frequently happens that contrasts in the material are only visible after a successful etching step.
Extracted from: https://www.qatm.com/products/grinding-polishing-etching/
The purpose of metal grinding and grinding of other materials is to remove the deformation and possible thermal damage introduced during sectioning and to prepare the samples for polishing.
When your samples have a rough surface or are clamped in a sample holder, you need a plane grinding step first. When preparing individual samples or samples by hand, you can go directly to fine grinding. The purpose of grinding is to reduce deformation and other types of damage introduced from cutting to a level that allows the sample to be polished. Fine grinding can be done in several steps using gradually finer grit sizes or in a single step on a modern rigid grinding disc.
Metal polishing and polishing of other materials have to remove the deformations introduced during grinding and provide a highly reflective finish, so the samples can be examined on the microscope. Akasel polishing consumables are developed and optimised to provide the best result in the shortest time at an affordable cost.
The purpose of metallographic polishing is to assure that the true structure of the sample is made visible with a surface finish that will not disturb the examination in question. This is typically done in 2 or 3 steps using suitable polishing cloths and gradually finer abrasives. These are selected depending on whether it is metal polishing or polishing of another material type.
Why do we need the polishing process in metallography process?
What is the basic procedure for polishing?
What is the common consumables used in polishing process?
For grinding:
For polishing:
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