Solutions for Materials Preparation, Testing & Analysis

Metallographic Equipment for Sample Preparation

Buehler provides metallography equipment, consumables and solutions for metallographic sample preparation and materials analysis, including sectioning, mounting, grinding and polishing, imaging and hardness testing.

New From Buehler

Metallography Equipment and Solutions

Buehler provides equipment, consumables and solutions for every stage of metallographic sample preparation and analysis. Explore our core product categories to find the right tools for your application.

Sectioning

Mounting

Grinding and Polishing

Etching

Image Analysis

Hardness Testing

Consumables

Solutions by Material

Expertise Through Every Step

Complete Metallography Solutions

Buehler provides equipment, consumables and technical expertise across the complete metallographic sample preparation workflow. From sectioning and mounting through grinding, polishing, etching, imaging and hardness testing, our solutions help laboratories prepare and analyze materials with consistent, repeatable results.

Our products and application resources support laboratories across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy and other materials-focused industries.

Common Questions, Expert Answers

Your Metallography Questions, Answered

What are the key steps in metallographic sample preparation?

Metallographic sample preparation typically includes sectioning, mounting, grinding and polishing, followed by etching when required for microstructural examination. The specific preparation sequence, equipment and consumables depend on the material and the type of analysis being performed.

How do you choose the right metallographic sample preparation method?

The right preparation method depends on the material, sample size and geometry, hardness, and the analysis or testing being performed. Equipment and consumables should be selected to minimize deformation, preserve microstructure and produce a quality surface for microscopy, image analysis or hardness testing.

How can you reduce damage during metallographic grinding and polishing?

Preparation damage can be reduced by selecting the appropriate abrasives, grinding surfaces, polishing cloths, lubricant, force, speed and preparation time for the material. Each grinding and polishing step should remove deformation introduced by the previous step while minimizing new damage, producing a flat, representative surface for accurate analysis.

Knowledge that Works

Technical Resources & Education

Learn with MetallographyU

MetallographyU provides practical educational content for metallographers, lab professionals and anyone looking to better understand material preparation and analysis. Explore articles covering metallographic techniques, sample preparation, hardness testing, microstructure analysis and other materials science topics.

MetallographyU

6 Ways to Improve Medical Grinding and Polishing

Discover six ways to improve metallographic grinding and polishing for medical devices and implants. Learn practical techniques to enhance sample preparation, minimize surface damage, improve consistency, and achieve high-quality results for accurate microstructural analysis.

MetallographyU

How to Avoid Common Problems When Polishing with Colloidal Silica

Learn how to get consistent results with Buehler's MasterMet colloidal silica polishing suspension. Discover practical tips to avoid common polishing problems, improve surface quality, and achieve reliable metallographic final polishing results.

Explore Buehler Technical Resources

Access Buehler’s technical knowledge library for in-depth application information, preparation guidance, product documentation and laboratory resources. Find technical articles, product literature, SumNotes, TechNotes and Safety Data Sheets to support your metallography and materials testing work.