Cross Sections and Metallography
Cross sections are prepared by mounting samples in epoxy and then grinding and polishing the mount for imaging in the optical microscope or Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Valuable information from cross sectioning can include: film thicknesses, inclusions, corrosion thickness, dimensional verification, and subsurface defects. Metallographic cross sections are typically etched to reveal the microstructure. Microstructural analysis can provide information about heat treatment history, corrosion susceptibility, as well as undesirable microconstituents.
Our cross sectioning lab has an Isomet 1000 diamond saw, an Ecomet 6 grinder/polisher capable of automatically grinding and polishing up to six samples at once, and a Nikon Epiphot 300 inverted microscope with digital image acquisition. We use IQMaterials™ image processing software for automatic grain size measurement, phase percent distribution and accurate NIST-calibrated measurements.
Austenite grains on 0.5 mm diameter stainless steel tube.
Stress corrosion cracking around sensitized weld.
Duplex stainless steel.
Insulation thickness and diameter measurements on ultra-thin wire.
Cross-Section of a Wire Bond.
Edge of a Nitinol Rod.