Archives

Rockwell Hardness Testing

Rockwell hardness testing methods are defined in the following standards: ASTM E18 Metals, ISO 6508 Metals, and ASTM D785 Plastics. It is recommended that operators have a current copy of the relevant standards, which are updated regularly. The Rockwell hardness test is based on the measurement of the depth to which an indenter is forced […]

Brinell Hardness Testing

Brinell test methods are defined in the following standards: ASTM E10 and ISO 6506. It is recommended that operators have a current copy of the relevant standards, which are updated regularly. The Brinell hardness test consists of applying a constant load or force, usually between 187.5 and 3000Kgf, for a specified time (from 10 – […]

Grinding and Polishing Guide

Grinding should commence with the finest grit size that will establish an initially flat surface and remove the effects of sectioning within a few minutes. An abrasive grit size of 180-240 [P180-P280] is coarse enough to use on specimen surfaces sectioned by an abrasive wheel. Hack-sawed, bandsawed, or other rough surfaces usually require abrasive grit […]

Metallographic Etching

Metallographic etching encompasses all processes used to reveal particular structural characteristics of a metal that are not evident in the as-polished condition. Examination of a properly polished specimen before etching may reveal structural aspects such as porosity, cracks, and nonmetallic inclusions. Indeed, certain constituents are best measured by image analysis without etching, because etching will […]

Live Experience: State-of-the-Art Sample Preparation and Hardness Testing

Open House Week at Buehler ITW Test & Measurement: Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany, April 2022 – From May 2 to May 6, 2022, Buehler ITW Test & Measurement GmbH invites to the opening of the laboratory at its new European location in Leinfelden Echterdingen. Conveniently located next to Stuttgart Airport and Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre, the company […]

Magnesium Metallographic Specimen Preparation and Testing

Preparation of magnesium and its alloys is rather difficult due to the low matrix hardness and the higher hardness of precipitate phases that lead to relief problems, and from the reactivity of the metal. Mechanical twinning may result during cutting, grinding, or handling if pressures are excessive. Final polishing and cleaning operations should avoid or […]

Metallographic Preparation and Analysis: Coatings

Buehler is offering a new webinar that will focus on metallographic preparation and analysis of coatings. ‘Metallographic Preparation and Analysis of Coatings’ will be presented on Wednesday, February 23 2022. This presentation will include the metallographic challenges of coatings. You can register here. The webinar will be presented by Dr. Mike Keeble. Mike is Buehler’s […]

Image Analysis for Hardness Testing

Hardness testing is a fundamental characteristic in analyzing component properties, and, as an important materials testing tool, this critical parameter can performed and measured by a multitude of methods and techniques. While some hardness test types such the Rockwell test will yield fast, single process results based on indentation depth, many of the commonly used […]

Advanced Techniques for Hardness Testing

Materials testing, including hardness testing, is a fundamental but useful element in analyzing component properties, and can be accomplished by a multitude of methods and techniques. Determining the hardness value can provide valuable insight to the performance, durability, strength, flexibility, and capabilities of a variety of material types from raw materials to prepared specimens and […]

Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility

What is Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility (GR&R)? Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility, commonly known as a GR&R, is a statistical method used in process control (SPC) to measure the precision and variation present in a measuring device and the subsequent effectiveness of the instrument to be used as a measuring tool. There are, as the name […]