---
title: NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System
url: https://www.buehler.com/products/grinding-and-polishing/electropolishing-and-etching/neoterra-electrolytic-metallography-system/
date: 2025-10-08T18:42:52+00:00
modified: 2026-06-24T17:31:54+00:00
lang: en_US
---

# NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System

# NeoTerra® Electrolytic Metallography System

![NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NeoTerra-Electrolytic-Metallography-System_6.png)

*NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System*

![NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NeoTerra-Electrolytic-Metallography-System_4.png)

*NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System*

![NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NeoTerra-Electrolytic-Metallography-System_5.png)

*NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System*

## NeoTerra

### Electrolytic Metallography System

**NeoTerra** is an Electrolytic Metallography System that uses new technology to reveal microstructures using acid free **TerraBlends®**. A special nozzle applies a current across the sample’s surface along a defined area of the sample. The result is a plug and play process that eliminates steps in grinding and polishing of materials and achieves an etched surface.

#### Metallography without Acids

Traditional etching requires metallographic etchants such as Picral, Nital, Marbles reagent, and many others. Acid-free **TerraBlends** provide a safer alternative that is better for the lab and better for the environment.

![NeoTerra Video](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Watch-NeoTerra-Video-Icon.png)

Click *[here](#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjI3ODA5IiwidG9nZ2xlIjpmYWxzZX0%3D)* to see how the NeoTerra works

## A New Safer, Smarter

### Approach to Sample Preparation

(Click below to learn about the benefits of NeoTerra)

[![NeoTerra - Fast](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Fast-Icon-Blue.png)](#fast)

### [Fast](#fast)

[![NeoTerra - Easy](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Easy-Icon-Blue.png)](#easy)

### [Easy](#easy)

[![NeoTerra - Safe](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Safe-Icon-Blue.png)](#safe)

### [Safe](#safe)

![NeoTerra - Fast](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Fast-Icon-Blue.png)

Fast

NeoTerra’s unique nozzle design does the work of multiple traditional grinding and polishing steps and reveals microstructure.

Click on the common bottlenecks in the lab to see how NeoTerra can help the lab achieve more in less time.

**Common Bottlenecks in Metallography Sample Preparation:**

Multiple steps are needed to achieve good results.

NeoTerra uses fewer steps than traditional sample preparation methods.

Sample preparation may require rework, with multiple steps needed to correct errors.

NeoTerra methods are repeatable making rework less likely. If rework is necessary, the number of steps repeated are fewer.

Etching with acids requires special steps for safe handling and disposal.

NeoTerra doesn’t use acids, and the TerraBlends recirculate in the machine.

NeoTerra uses fewer steps than traditional sample preparation methods.

NeoTerra methods are repeatable making rework less likely. If rework is necessary, the number of steps repeated are fewer.

NeoTerra doesn’t use acids, and the TerraBlends recirculate in the machine.

[Contact Sales Rep](https://www.buehler.com/request-product-information-neoterra.php)

See it for yourself-acid-free results, proven on your sample

For a limited time we are offering method development at no cost. Contact your sales representative today to see if you qualify.

Preparation of Additive (Nickel Alloy) with NeoTerra

![CarbiMet](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CarbiMet.png)

CarbiMet®

Grind until Plane

![Blue Arrow](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Blue-Arrow-605x1024.png) ![NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NeoTerra-Electrolytic-Metallography-System_6.png)

NeoTerra

1 -2 min.

Microstructure of Additive
Nickel Alloy

(viewed under polarized light)

![Inconel Microstructure prepared with NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Inconel-Microstructure.jpg)

Prepared with NeoTerra

Traditional Preparation
of Additive (Nickel Alloy)

![CarbiMet](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CarbiMet.png)

CarbiMet®

Grind until Plane

![UltraPad MetaDi Supreme](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/UltraPad-MetaDi.png)

UltraPad® with 9μm MetaDi Supreme

Polish for 5 minutes

![TriDent 3um MetaDi Supreme](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TriDent-3um-MetaDi.png)

TriDent® with 3μm MetaDi Supreme

Polish for 3 minutes

![TriDent 1um MetaDi Supreme](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TriDent-1um-MetaDi.png)

TriDent® with 1μm MetaDi Supreme

Polish for 2 minutes

![ChemoMet with MasterMet](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ChemoMet-MasterMet.png)

ChemoMet® with 0.06μm MasterMet

Polish for 2 minutes

![Kallings Reagent](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kallings-Reagent-1.png)

Etchant

Etch Sample with Kalling's 2 Reagent

![NeoTerra - Easy](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Easy-Icon-Blue.png)

Easy

Traditional metallographic etching—whether electrolytic etching or chemical etching, can be inconsistent, and prone to errors. Discover how NeoTerra simplifies etching for reliable, repeatable results.

Click below to explore the most common problems with conventional etching methods and see how NeoTerra makes achieving high quality microstructure and macrostructure results effortless.

**Common Challenges in Metallography Etching (Chemical Etching)**

Difficulty achieving good preparation prior to etching.

NeoTerra uses fewer steps than traditional sample preparation methods.

Finding the right etching time can be challenging.

NeoTerra’s custom programs include tailored settings designed for fast, consistent, and accurate results.

NeoTerra uses fewer steps than traditional sample preparation methods.

NeoTerra’s custom programs include tailored settings designed for fast, consistent, and accurate results.

**Common Challenges in Metallography Etching (Electrolytic Etching)**

Traditional electrolytic polishers and etchers can be complex to set up (find the right electrolyte, pump settings, etch time, density curves).

NeoTerra uses fewer steps than traditional sample preparation methods.

Traditional electrolytic polishers and etchers are restricted to small areas and changing the area means changing the settings.

NeoTerra offers a larger etch area that is user selectable.

NeoTerra uses fewer steps than traditional sample preparation methods.

NeoTerra offers a larger etch area that is user selectable.

[Contact Sales Rep](https://www.buehler.com/request-product-information-neoterra.php)

See it for yourself-acid-free results, proven on your sample

For a limited time we are offering method development at no cost. Contact your sales representative today to see if you qualify.

![NeoTerra Easy Operation](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NeoTerra-Easy-Operation_3-806x1024.jpg)

![NeoTerra - Safe](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Safe-Icon-Blue.png)

Safe

Click on the common risk with traditional metallography etching methods.

Both chemical and electrolytic etching use strong chemical mixtures as etchants. Therefore, the etchants must be used with care and disposed of properly. Commonly used etchants can cause burns, can be fatal if inhaled or even be explosive.

NeoTerra uses a unique nozzle and acid-free TerraBlends to reveal microstructure.

Temperature control is required for perchloric acid based electrolytic etching to avoid overheating. The consequences can be serious if cooling fails.

NeoTerra maximizes safety by etching without acids. The TerraBlands do not heat up in the process. No fume hoods or cooling controls required.

Annual training on safe handling of etchants is standard for most labs. Even with this training, risk normalization can occur. When workers are repeatedly exposed to hazards or unsafe conditions without immediate negative consequences, over time, they can begin to perceive those risks as “normal” and stop taking them seriously.

NeoTerra removes the strong chemical mixtures from the process, creating a safer substitution in the workplace.

NeoTerra uses a unique nozzle and acid-free TerraBlends to reveal microstructure.

NeoTerra maximizes safety by etching without acids. The TerraBlands do not heat up in the process. No fume hoods or cooling controls required.

NeoTerra removes the strong chemical mixtures from the process, creating a safer substitution in the workplace.

[Contact Sales Rep](https://www.buehler.com/request-product-information-neoterra.php)

See it for yourself-acid-free results, proven on your sample

For a limited time we are offering method development at no cost. Contact your sales representative today to see if you qualify.

![NeoTerra Safe](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Safe-Image.jpg)

## How NeoTerra Works

![NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NeoTerra-Nozzle.jpg)

### Watch the NeoTerra Demonstration Video

![NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NeoTerra-Prep-Place.jpg)

#### Prep & Place

Start with a fast, reduced-step grinding and polishing workflow. Then simply load your sample into NeoTerra and establish the circuit.

![NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NeoTerr-Target-and-Tap_3.jpg)

#### Target & Tap

Use the intuitive joystick and laser sight to select your target area. Choose your pre programmed method with a tap.

![NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NeoTerra-Play-Reveal.jpg)

#### Press Play & Reveal

Hit play and watch NeoTerra bring the microstructure to life—acid-free and hassle-free—thanks to our powerful TerraBlends technology.

[Contact your Sales Representative to learn more](https://www.buehler.com/request-product-information-neoterra.php)

## Introducing TerraBlends

TerraBlends are unique, patented formulas for use with NeoTerra. They contain no acid and recirculate in the NeoTerra system. Each bottle contains 5L of TerraBlend that can be easily poured into the refillable reservoir. Our applications experts will select the best TerraBlend specifically for your samples.

![TerraBlends Acid Free](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Acid-Free-Icon.png) ![TerraBlend AQ1](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TerraBlend-AQ1-Bottle.png) ![TerraBlend AQ2](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TerraBlend-AQ2-Bottle-499212.png)

Ordering

| NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Part Number | Voltage/Frequency | Request a Quote |
| 499200 | 100-240VAC/50-60hz Single Phase | [Request a Quote](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php) |

Specifications

| NeoTerra Electrolytic Metallography System |  |
| --- | --- |
| Machine Dimensions | Depth: 27.5in \[699mm\] Width: 35in \[889mm\] Height: 30.5in \[775mm\] |
| Maximum Sample Size | 6in x 6in x 2in \[152mm x 152mm x 50mm\] |
| Maximum Etch Area (X,Y) | 93mm \[3.6in\] X 96mm \[3.7in\] |
| Voltage | 110-220 (-15/+10%)VAC, 50/60Hz, Single Phase |
| Maximum Wattage | 3000W |
| Weight | 50lbs \[68kg\] |

##### Consumables and Accessories

[![TerraBlend AQ1](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TerraBlend-AQ1-Bottle.png)](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php)

[TerraBlend-1](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php)

PN: 499211

[![TerraBlend AQ1 Bundle 1](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TerraBlend-AQ1-Bundle-1.png)](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php)

[TerraBlend-1 Bundle](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php)

PN: 499221

[![TerraBlend AQ2](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TerraBlend-AQ2-Bottle-499212.png)](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php)

[TerraBlend-2](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php)

PN: 499212

[![TerraBlend AQ2 Bundle 1](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TerraBlend-AQ2-Bundle-1.png)](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php)

[TerraBlend-2 Bundle](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php)

PN: 499222

[![NeoTerra Mounted Sample Holders](https://www.buehler.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Mounted-Sample-Holders_2.png)](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php)

[Mounted Sample Holders](https://www.buehler.com/buehler-request-a-quote.php)

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