The team of Applied Laboratory And Engineering Solutions – AppLES has recently completed the installation of advanced metallographic equipment for cutting, embedding, and preparing copper alloy samples.

The goal of this installation is to optimize grinding and polishing methodologies, ultimately achieving scratch-free surfaces suitable for microstructure observation using optical, inverted metallographic, and scanning electron microscopes.

Installed Equipment

The comprehensive solution included four machines from the German manufacturer QATM, covering all stages of metallographic sample preparation:

• Qcut 250M: Bench-top cutting machine for manual cross-section cutting of copper samples. It uses specialized consumable corundum wheels, ideal for non-ferrous metals.
• Qcut 150A: Precision microtome for automatic cutting of thin samples, with controlled feed and force, equipped with a Silicon Carbide cutting wheel suitable for non-ferrous alloys.
• Infiltration Unit: Vacuum embedding system that allows the use of epoxy resins depending on the specific application requirements. Appropriate molds ensure precise and reliable sample preparation. For faster processing, embedding can also be performed in air using a rapid-curing acrylic resin.
• Qetch 1000: Electrolytic etching and polishing system, offering chemical or electrolytic preparation to achieve optimal surfaces, depending on the selected electrolyte.

Demonstration and training

The installation included a demonstration using actual copper samples, emphasizing cutting parameters (rotation speed, feed, and force) and the importance of proper sample clamping to prevent vibrations and micro-cracks. Additionally, customized grinding and polishing methods of up to four stages were tested and applied, aiming to reduce preparation time while ensuring high-quality surfaces.

Our company, considering the specific characteristics of each alloy, designs tailored preparation methods so that each partner can achieve the best possible microstructural results, whether for optical or scanning electron microscopy.

AppLES, in collaboration with QATM, continues to equip laboratories and research teams with reliable state-of-the-art tools while providing technical support, training, and expertise.