Practical Interpretation of Microstructures, 4 Day, September 14-17, 2026

When:  Sep 14, 2026 from 08:30 to 16:30 (ET)

Practical Interpretation of Microstructures is a hands-on four-day course that focuses on building practical skills in microstructural analysis. The course presents microstructures, heat treatment effects, and applications for each group of alloys through a comprehensive lecture. Following the lecture, students view actual structures on a projection screen where important features are identified and discussed. Students then examine over 200 mounted specimens at microscope stations and compare them with an illustrated and annotated reference notebook.

No prerequisites are required, though having some background in sample preparation, heat treating, or metallurgy will enhance the understanding of the presented material.

Students are encouraged to bring their own prepared specimens for discussion during the course.

ENDORSED BY:

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • Metallographers looking to strengthen their interpretation skills
  • Technicians working with microstructural analysis
  • Engineers who need to understand microstructures in their work
  • Individuals who are required to interpret microstructures

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

  • Apply correct terminology when describing microstructures
  • Correlate structures to manufacturing processes and heat treatment
  • Identify martensite, pearlite, ferrite, bainite, and other structures
  • Interpret iron/carbon phase diagrams and TTT diagrams
  • Distinguish between structures in stainless steels and heat-resisting alloys
  • Recognize microstructures in non-ferrous alloys including titanium, aluminum, and copper
  • Identify common failure modes in various alloys

COURSE OUTLINE:

  1. Proper Terminology for Describing Microstructures
  2. Optimizing the Images on the Metallograph
  3. Iron/Carbon Phase Diagram and TTT Diagram
  4. Structures of Carbon and Alloy Steels as Produced by Heat Treatments
  5. Structures of Stainless Steels and Heat Resisting Alloys
  6. Microstructures of Titanium and Its Alloys
  7. Structures of Aluminum Alloys, Cast and Wrought
  8. Microstructures of Copper-Based Alloys
  9. Common Failure Modes of Various Alloys

Continuing Education Units: 3.0

This course satisfies one of the requirements for the Certificate of Achievement in Metallography.


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