Every step in metallographic preparation depends on the one before it. Here's what we make for each stage, and why it matters.
Sectioning
A bad cut means rework at every step that follows. Our abrasive blades are formulated for specific material groups like hardened steels, non-ferrous alloys, and ceramics, so you get clean cuts with minimal deformation right from the start. For delicate or composite materials, our wafering blades give you thin, precise sections without thermal damage. And the right cutting fluid makes a real difference: ours use corrosion inhibitors that protect your sample and extend blade life. See our Sectioning Equipment.
Mounting
Good mounting means your sample stays put through grinding and polishing. No pullout, no edge rounding, no gaps. Our compression mounting powders give you strong edge retention for routine work. For heat-sensitive or fragile specimens, our castable resins cure at room temperature with excellent clarity. If you're dealing with porous materials, we have vacuum impregnation options that fill every crack and void. See our Mounting Equipment.
Grinding / Lapping
This is where most of the damage gets introduced, or prevented. Our grinding discs and lapping films are designed to remove material quickly while keeping surface damage to a minimum, whether you're working with soft aluminum or hard carbides. We offer a full range from coarse abrasive papers through diamond grinding discs and precision lapping films, all engineered for flat, consistent results. See our Grinding & Polishing Equipment.
Rough Polishing
Rough polishing takes you from a ground surface to something you can actually start analyzing. Our polishing pads are matched to specific diamond suspensions: polycrystalline for fast, consistent removal on most materials, monocrystalline for harder specimens where surface finish really matters. The magnetic system makes pad changes quick and repeatable. See our Grinding & Polishing Equipment.
Final Polishing
This is where microstructure becomes visible. Our final polishing cloths paired with colloidal silica suspensions produce the kind of surface clarity you need for accurate analysis. No scratches, no artifacts, no relief. The uniform particle size in our colloidal silica means consistent results across the entire specimen. See our GIGA Vibratory Polisher.
Cleaning & Etching
After polishing, your sample needs to be clean before you etch, and the etch needs to be right for your material and what you're trying to see. Our cleaning agents remove residual polishing compounds without affecting the surface. Our etching solutions are formulated for specific alloy systems. Pick the right one and grain boundaries, phase structures, and defects come through clearly. Shop Etching & Cleaning Supplies
Hardness Testing
Reliable hardness numbers start with good calibration. Our calibration blocks, indenter tips, and reference materials are made to tight tolerances so your measurements are consistent test after test. Whether you're running microhardness profiles, Rockwell production checks, or Brinell testing, we have the consumables to keep your tester performing. See our Hardness Testing Equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What consumables do I need for metallographic sample preparation?
It depends on what you're preparing and what you're looking for, but a typical setup includes sectioning blades and cutting fluid, mounting material (compression or castable), grinding discs or papers, polishing pads with diamond suspension, final polishing cloth with colloidal silica, and etching reagent. If you're not sure what's right for your material, call us and we'll walk you through it.
What is the difference between polycrystalline and monocrystalline diamond?
Polycrystalline diamond is made up of many small crystals that break down during use, constantly exposing fresh cutting edges. It's a good all-around choice for most materials and gives you fast, consistent removal. Monocrystalline diamond is a single crystal. It's harder, sharper, and better for very hard materials or when you need the best possible surface finish with minimal subsurface damage.
How do I choose the right mounting material?
For most routine work, compression mounting is the way to go. It's fast, gives you strong edge retention, and the resulting mount is easy to handle. Use castable resins when your sample can't take heat or pressure, or when it's an odd shape that won't fit in a mold. If your material is porous or has cracks you need to fill, vacuum impregnation is the best option. Not sure? Give us a call.
How often should I replace my polishing pads?
It depends on how heavily you use them and what materials you're polishing, but a good rule of thumb is to replace a pad when you start seeing inconsistent finishes, longer polishing times, or scratches that weren't there before. Some labs get weeks out of a pad, others change them daily. If you're mixing different diamond sizes on the same pad, that will shorten its life too. When in doubt, start fresh. A worn pad costs you more in rework than a new one costs to replace.
What sectioning blade should I use for my material?
The short answer: match the blade to the material hardness. For soft metals like aluminum or copper, use a harder bond blade so it doesn't wear too fast. For hard materials like tool steels or ceramics, use a softer bond that exposes fresh abrasive as it cuts. We also make specialty blades for composites and heat-sensitive materials. If you tell us what you're cutting, we can recommend the right blade.
Can I use the same polishing suspension for different materials?
You can, but you'll get better results if you don't. Different materials respond differently to abrasive types and concentrations. A polycrystalline diamond suspension works well as a general-purpose option, but if you're preparing something specific, like a soft non-ferrous alloy or a very hard ceramic, a suspension matched to that material will give you a cleaner surface in less time. Cross-contamination between samples is also a concern if you're switching materials on the same pad.
What's the difference between colloidal silica and alumina for final polishing?
Both work for final polishing, but they behave differently. Colloidal silica has a slight chemical polishing action in addition to the mechanical removal, which helps produce a flatter, more artifact-free surface, especially on metals. Alumina is purely mechanical and works well for harder materials or when you need to avoid chemical effects. For most metallographic work, colloidal silica is the go-to choice for final polish.
Do you ship consumables internationally?
Yes. We ship to labs around the world and have been doing it for decades. Some items like certain cutting fluids or etching chemicals may have shipping restrictions depending on the destination, but we'll work through that with you. Just give us a call or place your order through the shop and we'll take care of the rest.
Need Consumables?
Browse our online shop or give us a call. If you're not sure what you need for your material, we'll help you figure it out.