Cast iron is widely used. Everyone is familiar with Gray iron, nodular cast iron, vermicular cast iron, white cast iron, etc. Because of their different chemical compositions and heat treatment methods, their microstructures are also different. The metallographic examination of graphite present in cast iron requires analysis of graphite size, graphite type, or factors such as nitrides and inclusions. The QMAXIS metallographic sample preparation plan for cast iron is for your reference.

（Photos of the microstructure of cast iron after erosion in a 3% nitric acid alcohol solution at 180X open field）

    The specific preparation steps for cast iron samples are as follows：

    Cutting: Pulse metallographic cutting machine, with grinding wheel blades selected for cutting materials with a hardness range of HRC35 to HRC50.

    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 3% nitric acid alcohol solution for shallow 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.