From preparation to hardness and microstructure

Application example for discussing a method. This is not a customer test report or a fixed recipe. Confirm conditions, methods and acceptance requirements before use.

1. Cut a representative specimen

   Select the region to be examined and retain a representative section.

2. Mount the specimen

   Choose a mounting method compatible with the geometry and material.

3. Grind and polish

   Prepare the surface for subsequent hardness testing and microscopy.

4. Measure hardness

   Support the specimen securely and measure according to the applicable test requirements.

5. Observe the microstructure

   Choose observations before or after etching as required by the inspection task and record images.

Instrument references

• ZQ-30D Automatic precision cutting machine
• AXQ-5Y Automatic metallographic mounting press
• ZMP-2000Z Automatic grinding and polishing machine
• MVSD-5103050AEZ
• 4XC

Records to retain

• Specimen ID, material, sampling position and orientation.
• Instrument model, consumable batch, actual settings and operator.
• Surface condition, observations and corrective actions at each stage.
• Images, raw measurements and the method version used.

Interpreting results

Evaluate results against the agreed method and acceptance requirements. No measured outcomes or customer results are asserted by this example.