Low alloy steel refers to alloy steel with a total alloying element content of less than 5%. Low alloy steel is relative to carbon steel, which is based on carbon steel. In order to improve the performance of steel, one or several alloy elements are intentionally added to the steel. When the amount of alloy added exceeds the normal production method of carbon steel, this steel is called alloy steel. When the total alloy content is less than 5%, it is called low alloy steel. QMAXIS provides a metallographic sample preparation plan for low alloy steel for your reference.

Microstructure photo of low alloy steel AISI4140 under 180X bright field after being corroded by a 4% nitric acid alcohol solution

    The specific preparation steps for low alloy steel samples are as follows:

    Cutting: QMAXIS metallographic cutting machine, diamond blades with metal binder selected for grinding wheel blades

    Embedding: Hot press inlay machine, using QMAXIS black phenolic resin powder as the inlay material

    Mechanical sample preparation: Metpol-A

    Note: Comp. refers to the rotation of the sample fixture and the grinding disc in the same direction, Contra refers to the reverse rotation of the sample fixture and the grinding disc

    Etching: Use a 4% nitric acid alcohol solution for etching

    Attention: When polishing with diamond polishing paste/liquid, add QMAXIS DiaFluid water-based polishing lubricant as a lubricant and dispersant. After each polishing step, it is necessary to clean with alcohol or distilled water and dry the sample with compressed air. After the nitric acid alcohol solution corrodes, the sample needs to be washed clean with distilled water first, then cleaned with anhydrous alcohol, and dried with compressed air or a hair dryer.

    Can the above preparation methods help you solve the sample preparation problem? For more technical guidance, please contact QMAXIS customer service or application engineers.