Logo

ASTM E3-01(2007)

Historical Reaffirmation

Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens

$91.00

$91.00

$163.80


Sub Total (1 Item(s))

$ 0.00

Estimated Shipping

$ 0.00

Total (Pre-Tax)

$ 0.00


...

1.1 The primary objective of metallographic examinations is to reveal the constituents and structure of metals and their alloys by means of a light optical or scanning electron microscope. In special cases, the objective of the examination may require the development of less detail than in other cases but, under nearly all conditions, the proper selection and preparation of the specimen is of major importance. Because of the diversity in available equipment and the wide variety of problems encountered, the following text presents for the guidance of the metallographer only those practices which experience has shown are generally satisfactory; it cannot and does not describe the variations in technique required to solve individual specimen preparation problems.

Note 1 - For a more extensive description of various metallographic techniques, refer to Samuels, L. E., Metallographic Polishing by Mechanical Methods, American Society for Metals (ASM) Metals Park, OH, 3rd Ed., 1982; Petzow, G., Metallographic Etching, ASM, 1978; and VanderVoort, G., Metallography: Principles and Practice, McGraw Hill, NY, 2nd Ed., 1999.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.


Microstructures have a strong influence on the properties and successful application of metals and alloys. Determination and control of microstructure requires the use of metallographic examination.

Many specifications contain a requirement regarding microstructure; hence, a major use for metallographic examination is inspection to ensure that the requirement is met. Other major uses for metallographic examination are in failure analysis, and in research and development.

Proper choice of specimen location and orientation will minimize the number of specimens required and simplify their interpretation. It is easy to take too few specimens for study, but it is seldom that too many are studied.

SDO ASTM: ASTM International
Document Number E3
Publication Date July 1, 2007
Language en - English
Page Count 12
Revision Level 01(2007)
Supercedes
Committee E04.01
Publish Date Document Id Type View
May 1, 2011 E0003-11 Revision
July 1, 2007 E0003-01R07E01 Revision
April 10, 2001 E0003-95 Revision
April 10, 2001 E0003-01 Revision
June 1, 2017 E0003-11R17 Reaffirmation
July 1, 2007 E0003-01R07 Reaffirmation