The Applied Laboratory & Engineering Solutions – AppLES team successfully completed the supply and installation of a state-of-the-art metallography laboratory on behalf of a partner, aimed at the metallographic preparation of aluminum samples for microstructure observation and analysis, as well as the detection and measurement of intermetallic compounds.
The project included:
- Selection of appropriate equipment based on the needs and samples of our partner.
- Supply and installation of the machinery.
- Systematic user training, conducted on the partner’s actual samples (not “dummy” samples), which allowed us to optimize the preparation method and provide immediately applicable results for study.
Installed Equipment
- UV Mounting Press, QMount model (QATM, Germany) – for rapid sample preparation.
- Grinding/Polishing Machine, Qpol 250A1 ECO model (QATM, Germany) – with an automatic 4-pump dosing system for precise distribution of polishing solutions.
- Electrolytic Polishing & Etching Unit, Qetch 1000 model (QATM, Germany) – for revealing the microstructure of samples.
- Inverted Metallographic Microscope, Eclipse MA200 model (Nikon Metrology) – with polarization, analysis, and DIC (Differential Interference Contrast) capabilities.
- High-Speed Microscope Camera, DS-Fi3 model (Nikon Metrology) – for capturing high-resolution images.
- Microstructure Analysis and Measurement Software, NIS Elements D (Nikon Metrology) – with specialized modules for automated measurements, grain size analysis using classical methods, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques.
Preparation Stages / Equipment Usage
- Sample cutting was performed manually due to their sensitivity, which does not allow the use of variable-speed cutting machines or microtomes.
- Mounting was carried out with the QMount UV (QATM, Germany), using specialized molds for photopolymerization technology. Simultaneous preparation of 12 samples is completed in less than 2 minutes.
- Special attention was paid to securing the samples before UV resin injection, using plastic or metal clips (1–4 positions), depending on the complexity of the shape.
- Different techniques were applied during resin injection to ensure full penetration, even in irregular geometries.
- Grinding/polishing was performed mechanically on the Qpol 250A1 ECO, using the automatic 4-pump dosing system and a method optimized for aluminum.
- Electrolytic etching was conducted with Barker’s solution on the Qetch 1000, adjusting time and voltage according to the alloy to achieve optimal results without burn-outs.
- Microstructure observation was carried out on the inverted metallurgical microscope Eclipse MA200 (Nikon Metrology) using polarization, analysis, and DIC techniques.
- High-resolution image capture was performed with the DS-Fi3 camera (Nikon Metrology).
- Intermetallic compound measurements and grain size analysis were performed using NIS Elements D (Nikon Metrology), employing both classical methods and advanced AI techniques.
The study produced high-resolution microstructure images with clear visualization of intermetallic compounds using polarization techniques.
AppLES, in collaboration with leading companies such as QATM and Nikon Metrology, continues to provide comprehensive metallographic preparation solutions, from cutting to observation, supporting partners with training, technical assistance, and specialized expertise.
Contact us, share the details of your application, and we will be happy to recommend the specialized equipment required to achieve the desired microstructure results.
10, Agion Anargiron Str.
Marousi Attica, 151 24
Greece
