This three day course is constructed to address all aspects of specimen preparation for microstructural analysis, as well as optical microscopy and hardness testing. The idea is to develop
a technical understanding of what happens when specimens are sectioned, encapsulated, ground, polished, etched and then observed optically. Extensive practical sessions on specimen
preparation and demonstration of analysis techniques, for various materials.
Areas covered include:
Sample Selection and Sectioning (Theory and Practical)
Specimen Encapsulation (Theory and Practical)
Grinding and Polishing (Theory and Practical)
Etching Techniques (Theory)
Optical Microscopy
Imaging and Image Analysis (Theory)
Principles of Hardness Testing (Theory