Unveiling the microstructure of metals requires meticulous surface preparation. Metallographic polishing, employed in fields like materials science and engineering, achieves this by creating a flawless, scratch-free surface for microscopic analysis.
Traditionally, various abrasive materials and polishing techniques have been employed such as Colloidal silica for its dispersion ability.
Nowadays, alumina materials are prefered for polishing soft metals, offering enhanced results and processability.
The Superior performance of Baikalox® Alumina for Aluminum and Copper Alloys
The results here are based on the comparative performance of our Baikalox® fine alumina versus traditional colloidal silica in finishing polishing of aluminum alloys and copper samples. Our fine alumina products offer a compelling alternative in terms of :
1. Surface Finish Quality
High-resolution SEM images allowed for detailed observation of surface topography, revealing the absence of scratches, pits, and orange peel effects with Baikalox® polishing.
- Scratch-free: The uniform particle size and high specific surface area of the Baikalox® solutions contributed to a better consistent and controlled material removal than colloidal silica, preserving the integrity of the microstructure for accurate analysis.
- Orange Peel Effect-free: This is a common challenge encountered with colloidal silica, where uneven polishing creates a wavy surface reminiscent of an orange peel. Baikalox®, with its higher polishing efficiency offered a superior flatness and surface finish
2. Time Reduction
The use of fine alumina significantly reduced the overall polishing time thanks to its enhanced abrasive action, which facilitates faster material removal without compromising surface quality.
3. Ease of Cleaning
Colloidal silica suspensions can be challenging to clean. On the contrary, the alumina particles were less prone to embedding in the sample surface, reducing the need for extensive cleaning procedures, promoting faster sample turnaround times and minimizing the risk of residual contamination.
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Polishing Techniques
The process of metal polishing involves several stages: sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing. Polishing itself is usually performed in two stages: coarse polishing and finishing polishing. This fine polishing aims at removing the damage induced by the rough polishing stage and produce a mirror-like surface suitable for microscopic examination.
These evaluations were conducted on soft metals using mechanical polishing. This process generally involves the use of progressively finer abrasives following an initial diamond grinding stage.
Metallography applications
Metal polishing and metallograhy are crucial across diverse industries and research fields that demand precise material characterization and analysis, including:
- Aerospace and Automotive: Ensuring the integrity and performance of critical components.
- Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing: Facilitating the development of advanced materials and the assessment of microstructural properties.
- Biomedical: Supporting the development and quality control of metallic implants and devices.
- Watchmaking: Ensuring the quality and aesthetic appeal of metal components in watches, contributing to both durability and visual appeal.
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Our experts will provide tailored advice to ensure you achieve the highest quality and precision in your metallographic preparations. Let’s innovate together!
Do not hesitate to have a look to our White Paper about our Solutions for superior intermediate and final polishing