Specimen Preparation for Optical Microscopy

The most important single feature of metallographic technique is the preparation of specimens. This involves correct and representative sampling, cutting and grinding with a minimum of mechanical distortion, shaping the spec-imen or mounting the specimen, so that it can be conven-iently handled during the subsequent operations removing the rough grinding marks and can be polished free from
scratches and mechanical distortion, and finally etching the specimen to reveal and differentiate the various phases present in the metallic matrix. Even though it appears very simple, but in reality their technical art needs great care, patient and continued practice.