{"id":19653,"date":"2024-05-23T15:10:06","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T19:10:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/buehler.com\/ca\/?page_id=19653"},"modified":"2024-06-03T11:32:25","modified_gmt":"2024-06-03T15:32:25","slug":"solutions-by-material-stainless-steel","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.buehler.com\/ca\/solutions\/buehler-solutions\/solutions-by-material\/solutions-by-material-stainless-steel\/","title":{"rendered":"Solutions by Material Stainless Steel"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Solutions By Materials:<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Stainless Steel<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Metallographic Preparation Solutions by Material<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Use this guide for advice on how to start performing metallographic preparation and analysis on stainless steel. Included are tips for achieving the best results for your metallographic application.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Buehler\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGeneral Cutting<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGeneral Mounting<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGeneral Grinding & Polishing<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGeneral Etching<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGeneral Hardness Testing<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Things to consider when working with stainless steel<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Things\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Ferrous materials are widely used in many different industries due to their versatility. Properties can vary depending on slight changes in composition and processing steps. Excellent surface finish is generally straightforward using one of the procedures below.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Stainless Steel Cutting Tips<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Abrasive\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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All sectioning should be performed wet, with an ample flow of coolant<\/a> directed into the cut. Wet cutting will produce a smoother surface finish than a dry cut. Using coolant will also guard against surface damage caused by overheating and mechanical strains. Reducing damage while sectioning is important. Mechanical damage can penetrate deep into the structure, this can be difficult to remove in later preparation steps. There are two main types of cutting tools offered: Abrasive and Precision saws.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Abrasive Cutting Tips<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Premium\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Abrasive blades<\/a> have different bond strengths and are recommended based on the efficiency of their bond strength and abrasive type with different materials. Choosing an incorrect blade can lead to an improper wear rate and thermal damage, possibly altering the microstructure. An abrasive blade is entirely made up of abrasive that is bound together by resin. When used, blades get smaller in size until they can no longer cut. A new blade can then be put on the sectioning piece of equipment to make additional cuts.<\/p>

Abrasive wheels\/blades should be selected according to the material type and size of the part being cut. When cutting ferrous materials, knowing the hardness of your material can help narrow down the blade to select. In some instances, like Buehler’s, blades are grouped by the material hardness. Generally the harder the steel the softer the blade bond, this ensures that worn abrasive is broken away and fresh abrasive is revealed to continue efficient sectioning. Softer steel can be cut with a harder bond blade which lends itself to extended blade life.<\/p>

The size of the abrasive blade also affects cutting parameters. Larger, thicker blades remove more material but also generate more heat than a thinner blade. To reduce the heat produced by blades the feed rates should be lowered.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended abrasive blade for ferrous materials\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tDiameter\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t10in (254mm)\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t12in (305 mm)\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t14in (356mm)\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t16in (406mm)\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tHRC 15-35\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t102511P 0.06in [1.5mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t103011P 0.079in [2mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t12-4305-010 0.063in [1.6mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tHRC 35-50\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t102510P 0.06in [1.5mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t103010P 0.083in [2.mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t1103510P 0.098in [2.5mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t10-31616-010 0.125in [3mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tHRC 50-60\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t10-31014-010 0.06in [1.5mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t10-31212-010 0.08in [2mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t103509P 0.098in [2.5mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t10-31612-010 0.125in [3mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tHRC 60+\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t102509P 0.06in [1.5mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t103009P 0.08in [2mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t103509P 0.098in [2.5mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t10-31610-010 0.125in [3mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tHigh Speed Steel, Stainless Steel, Carburized Steel \n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t102508P 0.063in [1.6mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t103008P 0.079in [2mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t103508P 0.102in [2.6mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tGeneral Steel, Superalloys, Non-ferrous\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t12-4205-010 0.051in [1.3mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t12-4405-010 0.055in [1.4mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t12-4305-010 0.063in [1.6mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t12-5605-010 0.075in [1.9mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t<\/table>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Precision Cutting Tips<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Precision\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Precision cutters<\/a> are used in metallographic preparation of ferrous materials when cutting samples that are small or delicate. Precision blades don’t break down as they are being used. On the outer edge of the blade there is a section where abrasive has been bonded with metal alloy and if taken care of one wafering blade can outlast a box of abrasive blades. Wafering blades can be used with ferrous material for more difficult cuts including making a precise cut close to a feature of interest, or when it is critical to reduce the width of a cut (kerf loss).<\/p>

An additional benefit of using a precision cutter is a lower load is applied and consequently less heat is generated, reducing the amount of damage.<\/p>

Abrasive blades are also made for precision cutters. They can be used when potential for blades breaking is high. This could be if you have a difficult to clamp part, have a part that might shift during sectioning or you have more variability in the process (ex: multiple operators).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tRecommended precision blades for Stainless Steels\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tBlade Type\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t5in (127mm)\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t7in (178mm)\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t8in (203mm)\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDressing Stick\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tPrecision Blades\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t11-5265 0.020in [0.4mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t11-5267 0.025in [0.6mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t11-5268 0.035in [0.9mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t11-1190\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t11-2490\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tAbrasive Blades\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t10-4061-101 0.019in [0.48mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t11-4207-010 0.030in [0.76mm]\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t<\/table>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Stainless Steel Mounting Tips<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Composite\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Mounting metallographic samples can allow automation and increase ease of handling during the subsequent steps of metallographic preparation and examination. Intricately shaped samples can be mounted to create uniform shapes allowing automation of the sample preparation process.

Mounting samples also protects and preserves edges or surface defects during metallographic preparation. The method of mounting should in no way alter the microstructure of the specimen. Pressure and heat are the most common sources of injurious effects. Temperatures around 350o<\/sup>F and pressures around 4000 PSI are common for hot compression mounting.

Sample geometry and properties can determine the appropriate method for mounting ferrous samples. Use castable mounting when samples are thin or deformed easily. Samples such as these tend to be sensitive to high pressures. If samples are not sensitive to pressure hot compression mounting can be a time and money saver.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Hot Compression Mounting<\/a><\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor general use PhenoCure\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> is a sound choice. EpoMet\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> or Diallyl Phthalate<\/a> exhibit better edge retention relative to PhenoCure and would be good options if this criterion is a priority. In the event that a transparent mold is of interest, consider TransOptic<\/a>. Being a thermoplastic, TransOptic, when heated and held at temperatures between 105-115o<\/sup>C for around 20 minutes softens allowing sample removal.

For electron microscopy, ProbeMet<\/a> is a suitable copper-based conductive media. If copper content is of interest in the sample KonductoMet\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> is a carbon-filled conductive alternative to ProbeMet.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Mounting\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Castable Mounting<\/a><\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Careful selection can ensure media meets mounting needs regarding timing, viscosity, temperature, and shrinkage. Acrylic systems can increase throughput due to the quick curing time of 30 minutes or less. Though quicker in curing, sample adhesion and viscosity of acrylics can sometimes be lacking especially with more intricate shapes. This is where epoxy systems can help. With longer working times mixed epoxy can be used with a vacuum system to help penetration levels in intricate geometries.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Stainless Steel Grinding & Polishing Tips for All Methods<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Aluminum\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Hard steels are usually not as challenging to prepare as soft steels. Some harder alloys can sometimes be prepared with a three-step method.<\/p>

Pure iron, and austenitic stainless steels are hard to prepare without scratches or deformation. After mechanical grinding and polishing a vibratory step using a napped cloth with MasterPrep\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> can improve surface finish.<\/p>

For ferritic stainless grades, solution annealed austenitic grades and annealed maraging grades Hercules S<\/a> discs or UltraPol<\/a> with a 30-\u03bcm suspension<\/a> can be used for the first step. If in the harder range of materials (>50HCR) the suggested 120 grit silicon carbide papers can be used instead. If a better surface finish is needed a 1-\u03bcm step with Trident can be added following the 3-\u03bcm step or a vibratory step can be added to the end of the sequence.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Using Buehler’s Burst dispensing system<\/a> can conserve diamonds and improve consistency.<\/p>

The ideal rate for the Burst dispensing system changes with the size of the platen and the polishing cloth that is being used. As a general guideline, for platen size of 8\u201d a burst setting of 3 is a good starting point, for sizes of 10″ and 12″ set the burst system to 4 and adjust as needed. Some experimentation may be required to determine optimal settings to ensure sufficient abrasive and wetting of the cloth. Burst dispensers are also capable of dispensing extenders simultaneously with diamond, if desired.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Loads listed in grinding and polishing methods are recommendations for one 1.25″ mounted specimen. If using central force during preparation the force listed should be multiplied by the number of samples being polished. For different sample sizes, use our load conversion calculator<\/a> to determine the correct load for your application.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tProcedure for Grinding and Polishing Stainless and Maraging Steel\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tSurface\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLoads [N]\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBase Speed [rpm]\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRelative Rotation\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tTime\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCarbiMet\u00ae<\/sup> 120 to 320 grit\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t6 [27]\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t300 rpm\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Relative\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tUntil Plane\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tUltraPad<\/a> with 9um MetaDi\u00ae<\/sup> Supreme Diamond<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t6 [27]\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t150 rpm\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Relative\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t5:00\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tTrident<\/a> with 3um MetaDi Supreme Diamond<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t6 [27]\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t150 rpm\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Relative\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t3:00\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tChemoMet\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> with 0.05um MasterPrep\u00ae<\/sup> Alumina<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t6 [27]\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t150 rpm\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Relative\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t2:00\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Platen\" = Platen = Specimen Holder *Plus MetaDi Fluid Extender as desired\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/tfoot>\n\t<\/table>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Stainless Steel Etching Tips<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tTable 20.5: Iron and Steel\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tComposition\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tComments\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t90-99m\u2113 methanol or ethanol 1-10m\u2113 HNO3<\/sub>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNital. Most common etchant for Fe, carbon and alloy steels, cast iron. Reveals alpha grain boundaries and constituents. Excellent for martensitic structures. The 2% solution is most common, 5-10% used for high alloy steels (do not store). Use by immersion or swabbing of sample for up to about 1 minute.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t100m\u2113 ethanol 4g picric acid\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPicral. Recommented for structures consisting of ferrite and carbide. Does not reveal ferrite grain boundaries. Addition of 0.5-1% zephiran chloride improves etch rate and uniformity.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t100m\u2113 ethanol 5m\u2113 HCl 1g picric acid\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tVilella\u2019s reagent. Good for ferrite-carbide structures. Produces grain contrast for estimating prior austenite grain size. Results best on matentsite tempered at 572-932\u00b0F [300-500\u00b0C]. Occasionally reveals prior-austenite grain boundaries in high alloys steels. Outlines constituents in stainless steels. Good for tool steels and martensitic stainless steels.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tSaturated aqueous picric acid solution grain plus small amount of a wetting agent\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBechet and Beaujard\u2019s etch, most successful etchant for prior-austenite boundaries. Good for martensitic bainitic steels. Many wetting agents have been used, sodium tridecylbenzene sulfonate is one of the most successful (the dodecyl version is easier to obtain and works as well). Use at 68-212\u00b0F [20-100\u00b0C]. Swab or immerse sample for 2-60 minutes. Etch in ultrasonic cleaner (see ref. 2, pg 219-223). Additions of 0.5 CuCl2 per 100m\u2113 solution or about 1% HCl have been used for higher alloy steels to produce etching. Room temperature etching most common. Lightly back polish to remove surface smut.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t150m\u2113 water 50m\u2113 HCl 25m\u2113 HNO3<\/sub> 1g CuCl2\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tModified Fry\u2019s reagent. Used for 18% Ni maraging steels, martensitic and PH stainless steels.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t100m\u2113 water 25g NaOH 2g picric acid\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlkaline sodium picrate. Best etch for McQuaid-Ehn carburized samples. Darkens cementite. Use boiling for 1-15 minutes or electrolytic at 6 V DC, 0.5 A\/in2, 30-120 seconds. May reveal prior-austenite grain boundaries in high carbon steels when no apparent grain boundary film is present.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t3 parts HCl 2 parts glycerol 1 part HNO3<\/sub>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\u201cGlyceregia.\u201d For austenitic stainless steels. Reveals grain structure, outlines sigma and carbides. Mix fresh, do not store. Use by swabbing.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t100m\u2113 ethanol 100m\u2113 HCl 5g CuCl2<\/sub>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKalling\u2019s no. 2 (\u201cwaterless\u201d Kalling\u2019s) etch for austenitic and duplex stainless steels. Ferrite attacked readily, carbides unattacked, austenite slightly attacked. Use at 68\u00b0F [20\u00b0C] by immersion or swabbing. Can be stored.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t15m\u2113 HCl 10m\u2113 acetic acid 5m\u2113 HNO3<\/sub> 2 drops glycerol\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAcetic glyceregia. Mix fresh, do not store. Use for high alloy stainless steels.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t100m\u2113 water 10g K2<\/sub>Fe(CN)6<\/sub> 10g KOH or NaOH\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMurakami\u2019s reagent. Usually works better on ferritic stainless grades than austenitic grades. Use at 68\u00b0F [20\u00b0C] for 7-60 seconds: reveals carbides sigma faintly attacked with etching up to 3 minutes. Use at 176\u00b0F [80\u00b0C] to boiling for 2-60 minutes: carbides dark, sigma blue (not always attacked), ferrite yellow to yellow-brown, austenite unattacked. Do not always get uniform etching.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t100m\u2113 water 10g oxalic acid\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tUse for stainless steels at 6 V DC. Carbides reveal by etching for 15-30 seconds, grain boundaries after 45-60 seconds, sigma outlined after 6 seconds. 1-3 V also used. Dissolves carbides, sigma strongly attacked, austenite moderately attacked, ferrite unattacked.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t100m\u2113 water 20g NaOH\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tUsed to color ferrite in martensitic, PH or dual-phase stainless steels. Use at 3-5 V DC, 68\u00b0F [20\u00b0C], 5 seconds, stainless steel cathode. Ferrite outlines and colored tan.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t40m\u2113 water 60m\u2113 HNO3<\/sub>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tElectrolytic etch to reveal austenite boundaries but not twin boundaries in austenitic stainless steels (304, 316, etc.). Voltage is critical. Pt cathode preferred to stainless steel. Use at 1.4V DC, 2 minutes (see ref.2, pgs 235, 238 and 239).\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t50m\u2113 Stock Solution* 1g K2<\/sub>S2<\/sub>O5<\/sub>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKlemm's I Reagent. Immerse at room temperature until surface is colored. It is good to color ferrite in steel, reveals P segregation and overheating, etching time is 40-100 seconds. For coloring ferrite and martensite in cast iron low-alloy steels, usually up to 3 minutes.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t50m\u2113 Stock Solution* 5g K2<\/sub>S2<\/sub>O5<\/sub>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tKlemm's II Reagent. For steel sample, immerse for 30-90 seconds at 20\u00b0C, reveals P segregation. For austenitic Mn Steels, gamma yellow to brown or light to dark blue, alpha-martensite dark brown. Good for austenitic manganese steels.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t100m\u2113 Ehtanol 2m\u2113 HCl 0.5m\u2113 H2<\/sub>SeO4<\/sub>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBeraha's Selenic Acid Etch 1. For cast iron, steels, and tool steels. For better result, Nital pre-etch is recommended. Use by immersion of sample until the sample surface is colored, usually up to 6 minutes. Cementite colored red-violet, ferrite colored yellow or brown, phosphide colored blue-green.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t100m\u2113 Ethanol 5-10m\u2113 HCl 1-3m\u2113 H2<\/sub>SeO4<\/sub>\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBeraha\u2019s Selenic Acid Etch 2. In general, immerse sample at 20\u00b0C for 1-10 minutes. A yellow or light-brown surface color is formed to detect carbides and nitrides or an orange to red surface is formed to detect delta ferrite. Can use 20-30m\u2113 HCl for higher alloy grades, immersion time decrease with higher HCl.\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t* Stock solution: aqueous cold-saturated Na2S2O3 solution\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/tfoot>\n\t<\/table>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Stainless Steel Imaging Tips<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Depending on the alloy and application the goal of analysis can differ. Some common goals of the analysis are, contaminants, grain structure, phase percent, and dimensional measurements. Dimensional measurements can be taken and saved using one of the lower levels of our OmniMet\u00ae<\/sup> software<\/a>. Though for other analysis and exporting needs more advanced versions of the OmniMet software maybe required.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Stainless Steel Hardness Testing Tips<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tReference Materials for Hardness Testing\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tASTM\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tISO\n\t\t\t\t<\/th>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tBrinell\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tE10\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t6506\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tRockwell\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tE18\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t6508\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tVickers\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tE92,E384\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t6507\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tKnoop\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tE384\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t4545\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tInstrumented\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tE2546\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t14577\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tConversions\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tE140\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t18265\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tASM Handbook Volume 8: Mechanical Testing and Evaluation\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHardness Testing Section\n\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t<\/table>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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At Buehler, the equipment offered is made to perform at least one of the following scales: Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers and Knoop. If utilizing a scale previously mentioned there are standards for the method of testing. Standards such as the ones listed in the table are good places to reference the proper method of testing for the scales. Requirements for equipment, samples, testing methods and more are described within that can help determine the correct scale.<\/p>

Equipment capabilities vary in levels of automation and documentation. Some pieces are integrated with hardness testing software. Software such as Buehler’s DiaMet<\/a> can assist with testing parts more efficiently, accuracy and result documentation. This can be especially helpful when a large amount of indents must be done on one part.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Related Products<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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AbrasiMet\u00ae<\/sup> XL Pro<\/a><\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Large Abrasive Cutter<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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SimpliMet\u00ae<\/sup> 4000<\/a><\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Hot Compression Mounting Machine<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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AutoMet\u00ae<\/sup> 300 Pro<\/a><\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Semi-Auto Grinder Polisher<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Wilson\u00ae<\/sup> RH2150<\/a><\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Rockwell Hardness Tester<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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All Solutions by Material<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Choose a material to view Buehler's resources<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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