Good results start with the right equipment at every stage. Here's what we make and why each step matters.
Sectioning
Everything that follows depends on a clean cut. Our MEGA abrasive cutters handle high-throughput work on most metals and alloys, while the PICO precision wafering saws are built for delicate materials like electronics, ceramics, and composites where heat and deformation have to stay minimal. Both are designed to keep your sample intact from the start.
Mounting
A well-mounted sample holds its edges through grinding and polishing, which means better results and less rework. Our TERAPRESS compression presses handle routine work quickly and consistently. For heat-sensitive or fragile specimens, our castable mounting systems (vacuum, pressure, and UV curing) give you options that won't damage what you're trying to analyze.
Grinding & Polishing
This is where you remove sectioning damage and work toward a surface you can actually evaluate. The PENTA grinders handle initial material removal and planar grinding. From there, the NANO (manual), FEMTO (semi-auto), and ATTO (programmable) grinder-polishers give you progressively more control over speed, pressure, and consistency. The ZETA automated dispenser keeps abrasives flowing at the right rate so you get repeatable results.
Vibratory Polishing
When you need a surface free of directional scratches and mechanical deformation, vibratory polishing is the way to finish. Our GIGA polishers use gentle, uniform motion with colloidal silica to produce the kind of surface quality required for EBSD, phase identification, and other advanced analysis. Set it up, walk away, and come back to a finished sample.
Analysis Equipment
After preparation, you need to see what's there and measure it accurately. Our OMEGA hardness testers cover microhardness, Rockwell, and Brinell testing with digital readouts and automated test sequences. Our metallurgical microscopes give you the magnification and contrast modes needed for grain structure, phase analysis, and defect identification.
Lab Furniture
The right lab layout makes daily work easier and safer. We build ventilated fume hoods for chemical etching, dedicated workbenches sized for your equipment, microscope stations, and storage cabinets. Everything is designed to fit a metallographic workflow, not adapted from general lab furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need for a complete metallographic lab?
At minimum, you need a way to section, mount, grind, polish, and analyze your samples. That typically means an abrasive cutter or precision saw, a mounting press, a grinder-polisher, and a hardness tester or microscope. The specific models depend on your materials, sample volume, and how much automation you need. We can help you figure out the right setup for your lab.
What is the difference between abrasive sectioning and precision wafering?
Abrasive cutters use bonded abrasive wheels and are built for speed. They handle most metals, alloys, and harder materials well. Precision wafering saws use thin diamond blades and cut much more slowly, but with far less damage. Use wafering when you're working with delicate materials like electronics, thin ceramics, or anything where heat and deformation need to stay minimal.
Do I need both compression and castable mounting?
Most labs start with compression mounting because it's fast and gives you strong edge retention. You need castable mounting when your sample can't take the heat and pressure of compression, or when it's an unusual shape that doesn't fit a standard mold. Labs that prepare a wide variety of materials usually end up with both.
What's the difference between manual and semi-automatic grinder-polishers?
With a manual system like the NANO, the operator controls pressure and movement by hand. It's simple, affordable, and works well for low-volume labs or experienced technicians. Semi-automatic systems like the FEMTO use a polishing head that applies consistent, programmable pressure across all samples at once. That means more uniform results and less operator dependence, which matters when you're running higher volumes or training new people.
When should I use vibratory polishing?
Vibratory polishing is the best choice when you need a surface with no directional scratches or mechanical deformation. That's especially important for EBSD analysis, phase identification, and other techniques that are sensitive to surface preparation. It's also useful as an unattended final polishing step. Load your samples, set the time, and come back to finished work.
Do you offer equipment installation and training?
Yes. We install equipment on-site and train your team on operation and maintenance. We also provide ongoing technical support by phone if questions come up later. You can reach us at (520) 882-6598.
Can I get a custom lab layout?
Yes. We've designed and built out metallographic labs from scratch for companies across a range of industries. We'll work with your floor plan, sample types, and workflow to recommend the right equipment and furniture layout. Give us a call to get started.
How do I choose the right hardness testing method?
It depends on the material, the sample size, and what you need to measure. Microhardness (Vickers/Knoop) is best for small features, thin layers, and case depth profiles. Rockwell is the standard for production testing on bulk materials. Brinell works well for large-grained or inhomogeneous materials like castings. If you're not sure, tell us what you're testing and we'll recommend the right method.
Ready to Outfit Your Lab?
Tell us what you're working on and we'll recommend the right equipment. Or browse the full lineup and reach out when you're ready.