In the field of materials science, metallographic analysis is one of the most common testing methods in teaching, scientific research, and quality control. With the development of modern technology, the demand for materials is becoming increasingly diverse and the standards are becoming higher, resulting in the emergence of some materials that are difficult to prepare. During the sample preparation process, these materials may exhibit defects such as excessive scratches, plastic deformation, convexity, comet trailing, rounding, and embedding. Some of these problems can be solved by selecting polishing cloth reasonably. Kemai editor will share some of the experiences summarized from work with everyone.

Usually, there is not much problem in rough and medium polishing processes. The deformation layer generated by cutting and large scratches generated by grinding can be removed, with a focus on the precision polishing stage. If the polishing agent and polishing cloth do not match, it not only affects the performance of the polishing agent, but also can cause waste of the polishing agent. Both technical and economic benefits are not ideal.

How to choose a fine polished metallographic polishing cloth? Please take a look at the table below and understand it. The metallographic samples are finely polished, and the selection of metallographic polishing cloth is within reach！

The metallographic polishing fabrics listed in the table are all from the QMAXIS brand in the United States and are used for fine polishing. Made of high-quality polished fabrics such as synthetic fiber woven fabric, non-woven fabric, flocked fabric, and chemical corrosion resistant synthetic materials, with different weaving properties such as long velvet, short velvet, and no velvet, combined with diamond, alumina, silicon oxide, etc μ Fine polishing fluid of m and below is used.


Let's take a look at the table, from left to right:


First column: Application process&flash& Flash; Fine polishing refers to the stage of fine polishing process.


Column 2: Product Description. This column provides a concise and concise explanation of the material, weaving process, types and particle sizes of polishing agents that can be used for each polishing cloth, as well as the materials suitable for polishing. According to the instructions in this column, the appropriate type of metallographic polishing cloth can be selected for the prepared sample.


Column 3: Backing, divided into two types: adhesive with backing and magnetic backing. Adhesive with backing is a non drying adhesive, which can be removed from the plastic film and directly applied to the iron plate on one side of the backing. Magnetic backing is different from adhesive in that it is more convenient to stick and remove, and easier to replace and clean the surface of the iron plate. This option can be chosen based on individual habits.


Column 4: Packaging specifications, available in 10 pieces/pack and 5 pieces/pack, with purchase quantity determined based on usage.


Columns 5-7: Columns 5 refer to polishing cloth models with a diameter of 8 inches (203mm), columns 6 refer to polishing cloth models with a diameter of 10 inches (254mm), and columns 7 refer to polishing cloth models with a diameter of 12 inches (305mm). Suitable models can be selected based on the grinding disc diameter of the metallographic polishing machine used.

The QMAXIS metallographic polishing cloth from the United States is made of four materials used for fine polishing. According to the table, they are in descending order: artificial fiber plush, velvet short, soft with plush, and chemically resistant synthetic fabric. The characteristics of these polishing fabrics are soft texture, non curling, non shedding, and non staining. By reasonably matching different materials and types of polishing agents, the grinding performance of the polishing agent can be fully utilized to achieve ideal polishing effects.


After reading the table and understanding these methods, the metallographic sample is finely polished, and the selection of metallographic polishing cloth is within reach! Have you learned? If you have any questions, please contact Kemai Testing Engineer for more detailed solutions.