Soft Low Carbon Steels (ferrite and pearlite)
Specimen Preparation (Class 5 Procedures)
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1018 furnace cooled steel is a soft steel consisting of a pearlite and ferrite structure. The challenge in microstructural preparation of this material is the tendency for the material to smear. This smearing has a tendency to mask scratching which is more apparent following etching.
To minimize this effect of smearing, the use of tightly graded nanometer alumina with a polish-etch-polish sequence should eliminate this problem.
SECTIONING
MAXCUT Abrasive blade (Cat. No. MAX-D or MAX-E series)
MOUNTING
Compression Mounting with Phenolic, Epoxy or Diallyl Phthalate compression mounting resins
POLISHING
| Abrasive/surface | Lubricant | Force/ sample | Speed (Head/base) |
Time | Individual Force mode |
Central Force mode |
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| 120 grit SiC paper* 240 grit SiC paper* |
Water | 5-10 lbs | 200/200 rpm | Planar 1 min |
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| 360 grit SiC paper 600 grit SiC paper 800 grit SiC paper 1200 grit SiC paper |
Water | 5-10 lbs | 200/200 rpm | 1 min 1 min 1 min 1 min |
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| 1 um DIAMAT diamond on GOLDPAD polishing pad |
DIALUBE Purple Extender | 5-10 lbs | 200/200 rpm | 2 min | |
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| 0.05 um Nanometer alumina on TRICOTE polishing pad |
5-10 lbs | 100/100 rpm | 30 sec | |
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*Required for central polishing force. Click here for more information on central vs. individual polishing force polishing.
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| 1018 Furnace cooled steel,
1000X (polarized light), etched with 2% nital. Structure is Ferrite and Pearlite |
ETCHING
Common Etchants
CAUTION:Safety is very important when etching. Be sure to wear the appropriate protective clothing and observe all WARNINGS on chemical manufacuters SDS (Safety Data Sheets). Also review the COMMENTS and CONDITIONS Section for each etchant.
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