Tool Steel
Specimen Preparation (Class 8 Procedures)
Tool steels are very hard steels, typically in the range of Rc 50-60. Microstructural preparation is relatively staight forward. With the use of polycrystalline diamond and nanometer alumina abrasives, these very hard materials can be very easy to polish.
SECTIONING
MAXCUT Abrasive blade (Cat. No. MAX-E or MAX-V series)
MOUNTING
Compression Mounting with Phenolic, Epoxy or Diallyl Phthalate compression mounting resins
POLISHING
Abrasive/surface |
Lubricant |
Force/ sample |
Speed
(Head/base) |
Time |
Individual
Force mode |
Central Force
mode |
120 grit SiC paper*
240 grit SiC paper*
|
Water |
5-10 lbs |
200/200 rpm |
Planar
1 min
|
|
|
360 grit SiC paper
600 grit SiC paper
|
Water |
5-10 lbs |
200/200 rpm |
1 min
1 min |
|
|
9 um DIAMAT diamond
on POLYPAD polishing pad |
DIALUBE Purple
Extender |
5 lbs |
200/200 rpm |
3 min |
|
|
3 um DIAMAT diamond
on TEXPAN polishing pad |
DIALUBE Purple
Extender |
5 lbs |
200/200 rpm |
3 min |
|
|
1 um DIAMAT diamond
on GOLDPAD polishing pad |
DIALUBE Purple
Extender |
5-10 lbs |
200/200 rpm |
2 min |
|
|
0.05 um Nanometer alumina
on MICROPAD polishing pad |
|
5 lbs |
100/100 rpm |
30 sec |
|
|
*Required for central polishing force. Click here for more information on central vs. individual polishing force polishing.
|
44 MnV F6 Steel, 500X, 3 second nital etch
|
|
High alloy tool steel, 200X (BF), Etchant Picral
|
ETCHING
CAUTION:Safety is very important when etching. Be sure to wear the appropriate protective clothing and observe all WARNINGS on chemical manufacuters SDS (Safety Data Sheets). Also review the COMMENTS and CONDITIONS Section for each etchant.
PACE TECHNOLOGIES CONTACT
PACE Technologies
3601 E. 34th St.
Tucson, Arizona 85713
+1-520-882-6598
FAX +1-520-882-6599
email: pace@metallographic.com
https://www.metallographic.com
Information Requests
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