Challenges in the metallographic preparation of mixed materials

The metallographic preparation of samples with highly divergent material properties in the same sample presents one of the most significant challenges in metallography. The nature of material removal between hard and brittle materials, compared with ductile materials, can be very different. Large differences in removal mechanism, damage depth and abrasion rate can make it extremely challenging to ensure a high quality, damage free finish. However, high quality metallography on samples such as electronic devices, composite materials and assembled products is critical to initial product development, manufacturing quality control and post life failure analysis.

This presentation will provide best practice recommendations to address these issues, as well as review examples of both components and composite materials with highly divergent properties. We will discuss the approaches to metallographic preparation, including selection of consumables, some common problems and how to solve them.