Advanced Metallographic Techniques, October 12-15, 2026

Advanced Metallographic Techniques is designed to build upon the skills of an experienced metallographer. The course focuses on teaching and reinforcing practices that will reveal the true microstructural characteristics of a wide range of materials and will delve into the theory and understanding of the proper selection of abrasives, lubricants, equipment, polishing cloths/pads, as well as analysis and quantification techniques. Like the introductory course, Metallographic Techniques, Advanced Metallographic Techniques incorporates a combination of lectures with course material, demonstrations utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, and hands-on laboratory work. The structure of the course promotes sharing of ideas and expanding participants’ metallographic skills through exposure to new preparation and analysis methods and collaboration with others from various industries. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to bring their own samples, which can be used for real-time problem solving and preparation for particularly difficult-to-prepare materials.

ASM Handbook, Volume 9: Metallography and Microstructures is provided to each student.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Anyone who is a materials professional
• Metallographers
• Lab technicians

REQUIRED PRE-REQUISITES

Prior metallographic experience

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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

• Describe the theory behind metallographic preparation methods and quantification techniques
• Apply the theory to properly section, mount and metallographically prepare a wide range of material types
• Select proper etching solutions that will reveal various characteristics of microstructures in the prepared materials
• Evaluate and document characteristics of the prepared materials using image capture and measuring systems

COURSE OUTLINE:

1. Overview of Modern Specimen Preparation Procedures
2. Operation of Laboratory Equipment - cutoff machines, mounting presses, electropolisher, automated grinding/polishing machines
3. Etching and Etchants – chemical, electrolytic, anodizing and color etching, selective etching
4. Instruction and Practice in Operation of Optical Equipment – metallurgical microscopes, metallographs, cameras for micrographs, polarized light, DIC
5. Quantitative Measurements – calibration, case depth, plating thickness, grain size, inclusion rating, volume fraction, stereological concepts
6. Microhardness Measurements – Vickers, Knoop, theory and practice, ASTM E384

Continuing Education Units: 3.0