In the preparation of metallographic samples, magnesium and magnesium alloys are difficult to prepare due to the low hardness of the matrix and the high hardness of the precipitate phase, which can easily lead to embossing phenomenon. Excessive load during the grinding and polishing process may also cause defects such as mechanical crystallization. Therefore, in the polishing process, efforts should be made to appropriately select metallographic polishing cloth.


Our laboratory usually uses a four step method to prepare magnesium alloy samples, with two types of metallographic polishing cloths selected for the third and fourth steps.

The velvet free SatinCloth polishing cloth and the plush MicroMet polishing cloth, both of which are QMAXIS polishing cloth, will be introduced separately below.

SatinCloth metallographic polishing cloth: In the intermediate polishing step, use 3 μ M diamond polishing solution, combined with this polishing cloth. Its material is tightly woven from synthetic silk and silk, belonging to the category of velvet free polishing cloth. Its woven texture is suitable for matching with 9µ The use of diamond, Al2O3, and SiO2 polishing fluids with a thickness of m and below can not only effectively hold the grinding medium particles, but also ensure uniform distribution of abrasive particles and full contact with the sample surface, achieving rapid grinding, removal of deformation layers, and surface smoothness. This metallographic polishing cloth can be applied to the preparation of samples of various materials such as metals, petrography, ceramics, and coatings. Using it in conjunction with diamond polishing solution to perform moderate polishing on magnesium alloy samples has shown good results.

MicroMet metallographic polishing cloth: In the fine polishing step, use 1 μ M diamond polishing solution, combined with this polishing cloth. Its material is woven from artificial fibers and cotton backing, belonging to the long plush polishing cloth. The fine plush surface has a good distribution and load-bearing effect on fine grinding particles, and is mainly used in the fine polishing steps of materials, combined with 3µ The use of diamond, Al2O3, and SiO2 polishing fluids with a thickness of m and below makes polishing softer and finer, effectively removing small scratches on the surface of the sample, resulting in better surface smoothness and smoothness. It is ideal to use it in conjunction with diamond polishing fluids for fine polishing of magnesium alloy samples. Attention: During the polishing process, the loading force should not be too large to avoid defects such as embossing and mechanical twinning.

Kind reminder: Magnesium alloys are prone to water erosion. During the preparation step, water should be avoided as much as possible. 1-3 parts of glycerol can be mixed with alcohol as a lubricant, or the prepared glycerol alcohol mixture can be used throughout the grinding preparation step. Remember to use coolant when polishing, as fine magnesium powder is a fire hazard, so be careful.


The preparation of magnesium alloy samples is difficult. To prepare them well, in addition to proficient preparation techniques, two types of metallographic polishing cloths, SatinCloth without velvet and MicroMet with long velvet, are also needed to provide assistance! For more information on preparation methods, please feel free to contact the application engineer for pulse detection. We are willing to provide you with a faster solution.