QATM offers advanced solutions for the preparation of metallographic samples from heat-treated materials, ensuring accurate and reproducible results.

Heat treatments, with historical roots dating back to the Bronze Age and the renowned Damascus steel, alter the microstructure of steel and other alloys, enhancing their mechanical properties. In modern industry, the use of time–temperature diagrams enable precise control of the formation of structures such as austenite, martensite, and bainite, depending on the requirements of each application.

Proper sample preparation is critical for revealing the microstructures resulting from heat treatments and for evaluating hardness, strength, and material durability. QATM’s equipment and methods – including cutting, grinding, polishing, and mounting systems – enable reliable sample characterization, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency in analyses.

With solutions tailored to the needs of both research and industry, QATM supports critical sectors ranging from tool and component manufacturing to aerospace and automotive, contributing to the understanding and optimization of heat-treated materials.

Sample preparation in hardening plants requires:

• High throughput
• Fast and simple procedures
• Excellent flat surfaces for precise inspection and hardness testing

1. Sample Preparation Requirements

The preparation method should include:

• Fast and gentle cutting of samples
• Quick mounting with a flat surface
• Fast and gentle grinding/polishing

The use of wet diamond cutting machines with the CareCut function reduces heat and deformation, facilitating the next stages. Hot mounting with modular presses and Epo Black provides high throughput, good edge retention, and a flat surface.

2. Grinding and Polishing Methods

Method 1: SiC Papers

• Use of silicon carbide papers (P180 → P1200) with water as lubricant
• Speed: 300 rpm, clockwise rotation
• Final polishing with IOTA, diamond 3 μm, 150 rpm
• Relatively high cost due to the short lifespan of the papers

Method 2: Stone Grinding + Diamond Lapping Discs

• Grinding with special stone (P100) → fast and economical
• Pre-polishing: Galaxy Contero H, 9 μm, 150 rpm
• Final polishing: IOTA, 3 μm, 150 rpm
• Requires investment in a dedicated machine but reduces preparation time

Method 3: Galaxy Grinding Disc

• Hard Galaxy red disc → flat surface regardless of sample hardness
• Pre-polishing: Galaxy Contero H, 9 μm, 150 rpm
• Final polishing: IOTA, 3 μm, 150 rpm
• Uses existing machines, long consumable life, cost-effective solution

3. Conclusion

In hardening plants, sample preparation should combine:

• Short preparation time
• High throughput
• Reliable results with a flat surface

SiC method: high cost
Stone: requires dedicated machine, fast
Diamond Lapping Discs: uses existing machines, long consumable life, optimal economy and quality