Metallographic Specimen Preparation of Cast Iron

Cast Irons are difficult materials to prepare properly because the graphite nodules or the graphite flakes are easily pulled out during preparation. By minimizing the sectioning damage and by starting with a modest grit size SiC paper, retaining these difficult particles can be accomplished.

SECTIONING
MAXCUT Abrasive blade (Cat. No. MAX-D or MAX-I series)

MOUNTING
Compression Mounting with Phenolic, Epoxy or Diallyl Phthalate compression mounting resins

POLISHING

Abrasive/surface	Lubricant	Force/ sample	Speed (Head/base)	Time
240 grit SiC paper 360 grit SiC paper 600 grit SiC paper 800 grit SiC paper 1200 grit SiC paper	Water	5-10 lbs	200/200 rpm	Until plane 1 minute 1 minute 1 minute 1 minute
1 um DIAMAT diamond on GOLDPAD pad	DIALUBE Purple Extender	5-10 lbs	200/200 rpm	2 minutes
0.05 um Nanometer alumina on TRICOTE pad		5-10 lbs	100/100 rpm	1 minute

Metallographic micrograph of nodular cast iron

Cast Iron, 2% nital etchant, 100X (DIC)

Metallographic micrograph of graphite flakes in cast iron

Graphite cast iron, 2% nital etchant, 500X

Metallographic Preparation Procedures - Cast Iron

Cast Iron

Guidelines Chart

Ordering on-line Technical information MSDS sheets Brochures and catalogs

Metallography Support