Here are some tips for preparing metallographic specimens by hot pressing and inlaying, and let's listen to Ke Mai's introduction:


In fact, metallographic experimental engineers have gained a lot of application experience during their long-term work in material testing and analysis, and there are indeed many small techniques worth learning from each other when preparing metallographic specimens through hot pressing and embedding.


1. The preheating of the hot pressing inlay machine can shorten the sample preparation time

Like MetLab's dual cylinder hot pressing inlay machine METPRESS-2, its preheating function should not be ignored. When I first start work in the morning and have some daily affairs to handle, during the previous cutting process, and during the preparation of resin inlay&hellip& Hellip; You can use this time to turn on the preheating function, with a preheating temperature of 50-90 ℃, which can be set according to the material prepared this time. This will save time for the formal inlay preparation. Once, a day, a month, a year&hellip& Hellip; It will save you amazing time!


2. Flexible use of phenolic resin powder PhenoPowder to save sample preparation costs

Some materials do require the use of QMAXIS (Kemai) epoxy resin EpoPowder, acrylic resin TransPowder, and melamine resin MelaPowder to ensure consistent wear resistance between the inlay resin and the sample, achieving high edge protection experimental purposes. The height of hot pressed inserts is more constrained by the need for grinding and polishing& Flash; Adopting automatic polishing machine METPOL-A, the inlay block should be suitable for the fixture of the polishing machine; When using a manual polishing machine METPOL-1V/2V, the inlay block should be suitable for human hands to grasp. Usually, the height of the inlay block is 15-20mm. However, for samples with smaller heights, the more expensive resin mentioned above can be embedded in the observed area, while for other parts that meet the height of the sample block, phenolic resin can be used to fill. This not only ensures the decisive technical requirements for sample preparation, but also saves the amount of expensive resin used. Over time, it will also save considerable sample preparation costs.


3. Phenolic resin prefabricated blocks can provide many conveniences


Similar to the use of phenolic resin powder mentioned above, when the sample is covered to a sufficient height, a prefabricated inlay block with the same diameter as the inlay cylinder is inserted, which not only avoids the caution of pouring the powder, but also significantly saves the time for heating and pressure, and greatly increases the inlay speed. Especially when there is a large amount of daily inlay, this is a very good choice.


4. QMAXIS (Kemai) versatile melamine resin MelaPowder can solve many applications at once


This non transparent white color is suitable for matching with most materials. There is no need to worry about the detachment of resin chips during the grinding and polishing stages for high wear resistance. The lower shrinkage rate not only provides effective edge protection for the sample, but also saves on inlay materials. Especially, if in addition to microscopic observation, hardness testing is also necessary in the future, this is the best choice. There is no need to prepare new samples for hardness testing.


5. Hot pressing inlay can also easily create sample labels on the inlay block


Place the sample at the bottom of the inlay tube/spacer block, pour in the matching inlay resin, which accounts for approximately 80% of the total molding height, then pour in transparent acrylic resin TransPowder, lay the sample label flat on it, and then cover a thin layer with TransPowder to begin inlaying. After completion, you will receive a permanent and immutable label sample block.


6. Do not use non metallographic resin


The progress of technology has led to the development of countless types of resins. The promotional materials are also overwhelming, and the wording is highly motivating. Some units or individuals, in order to save on sample preparation costs, listen to promotional materials and try to buy some resin instead of metallographic inlay resin. The bottom of the inlay tube flows with non solidified liquid, the bottom edge of the inlay block is missing teeth, the middle of the inlay block is slag, and the inlay block is not formed&hellip& Hellip; There are various phenomena. Don't subvert common sense&ndash& Flash; There is a specialization in the art industry. Taking the seven commonly used hot pressing inlay resins of QMAXIS (Kemai) as an example, these are all hot pressing inlay resins designed specifically for metallographic sample preparation and have been proven in practice. Incorrect resin will waste samples, waste time, damage the hot pressing inlay machine, and even cause laboratory accidents.


7. Firmly believe in the prompt language of MetLab hot pressing inlay machine; CLEAN MACHINE AFTER USE”, Develop good habits


To ensure that different hot pressed inlay resins are not mixed during the preparation of different materials, and to observe the height and edge protection of the surface, please carefully clean the bottom of the inlay cylinder after each sample preparation. This is also a necessary effort to extend the service life of the hot pressing inlay machine. Of course, cultivating good usage habits during the hot pressing inlay operation will also form memories for muscles and consciousness, which can be extended to all aspects of life and work, and it will bring more benefits!




Next issue preview: QMAXIS (Kemai) metallographic specimen inlay technology exchange - common problems and solutions for hot pressing inlay. Stay tuned!