Introduction to Metallurgical Lab Practices, September 21-23, 2026

When:  Sep 21, 2026 from 08:30 to 16:30 (ET)

During this course, students will work directly with basic techniques used in a metallurgical laboratory. Students will become familiar with metallography by sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching samples. These samples will be examined, and photomicrographs obtained, using optical microscopes equipped with digital cameras.

Various microhardness and macrohardness equipment will be used to demonstrate the strengths and limitations of the tests. Tensile testing and impact testing will be performed on standard samples. Basic principles and a sample demonstration on the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) will also be covered.

Hands-on testing, complemented by lectures on the basics of each test, will give a thorough overview of these procedures. This is the course you need if you learn by doing and could use an overview of metallographic lab procedures. 

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

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • Those new to metallurgy
  • Those in need of a solid overview of metallurgical lab practices
  • Purchasing, sales, or other non-technical professionals

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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

  • Identify the steps required to prepare a metallographic sample
  • Operate a metallographic microscope to observe and document the microstructure
  • Compare hardness testing methods and choose the appropriate test for a given sample
  • Interpret Tensile Test Data to identify mechanical properties
  • Compare Scanning Electron Microscopy to the optical microscopy and describe the strengths and limits of each.

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

Endorsed by:

IACET CEU's will be awarded for successful completion of the course requirements.

COURSE OUTLINE:

  1. Metallography/Sample Preparation
  2. Photomicroscopy/Digital Imaging
  3. Microhardness Testing
  4. Macrohardness testing
  5. Tensile Testing
  6. Impact Testing
  7. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Demonstration

Continuing Education Units: 2.0