Metallography Research Paper

4.9. METALLOGRAPHY

Metallography is the study of physical structure and components of metals, generally using microscopy.

Polymeric and Ceramics materials can also be prepared using metallographic techniques, hence the terms used are ceramography, plastography and, collectively, materialography.

PREPARING METALLOGRAPHIC SPECIMENS

The surface of a metallographic specimen is generally prepared by various methods of polishing, grinding, and etching. After preparation, it is analysed using optical or electron microscope. By using only metallographic techniques, a skilled technician can identify alloys and predict properties of a material.

Mechanical preparation is the most common preparation method. Successively finer abrasive particles are used

Mixed as 10 g CuSO4 in 50 mL HCl and 50 mL water.

• Keller's reagent: Highlights common features in aluminum and aluminum alloys, and is sometimes effective at showing grain boundaries. Mixed as 1.0 mL HF and 1.5 mL HCl in 2.5 mL HNO3 and 95 mL water.

APPLICATIONS OF ETCHANTS

Chemical etchants are designed to do almost anything to a metal surface. Some common and important practical uses of etchants are:

Exposing grain boundaries: The metallic grains’ boundaries can corrode very quickly when the appropriate etchant is used; highlighting the edges of the grains and this makes it possible to determine their shape and size.

Highlighting metallic phases: Different phases will have different textures and shadings after etching, allowing it for identification of undesirable phases and estimation of phase fraction.

Identifying inclusions: Non-metallic inclusions have characteristic shapes and colours after applying appropriate etching, which allows the specimen for number density estimation and quick size measurement. Metal under image analyser after etching 4.10. SOME OTHER TESTING

The basic aim of the project was accomplished as I understood the importance of Quality Assurance & Inspection as a part of a manufacturing company. It is suitable for any part in every manufacturing company for more efficient production.

Initiating a separate Quality Assurance department is a major decision that will have a significant impact on your company. QA insures the quality of the products being purchased as well as manufactured. The key assumption relating to quality inspection is to adopt the principle that the ultimate controller is a client. It becomes important to check then quality of the product before being sold to the customer. Quality assurance serves three main purposes identification of the problem, preventing its occurrence & recommending the solutions to the problem.

In view of the increasing competition in the automobile market, it becomes important to check the product life and quality so as to sustain in the market. Thus, even a small defect can cause the customers to shift their focus from one company to another. So the efforts have to be made for checking the quality and proper functioning of the vehicle. Effective quality inspection is dynamic, drawing attention to everything that is happening, searching & providing for the problems associated with product