Inclusion ratings done either manually using Test Methods E45 or automatically using Practice E1122 or E1245 are influenced by the quality of specimen preparation. This guide provides examples of proven specimen preparation methods that retain inclusions in polished steel specimens.

This guide provides a procedure to determine if the prepared specimens are of suitable quality for subsequent rating of inclusions. None of these methods should be construed as defining or establishing specific procedures or limits of acceptability for any steel grade.

1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers two preparation methods for steel metallographic specimens that will be analyzed for nonmetallic inclusions with automatic image analysis (AIA) equipment. The two methods of preparation are offered as accepted methods used to retain nonmetallic inclusions in steel. This guide does not limit the user to these methods.

1.2 A procedure to test the suitability of the prepared specimen for AIA inclusion work, using differential interference contrast (DIC), is presented.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E3 Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens

E7 Terminology Relating to Metallography

E45 Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel

E883 Guide for Reflected-Light Photomicrography

E1122 Practice for Obtaining JK Inclusion Ratings Using Automatic Image Analysis

E1245 Practice for Determining the Inclusion or Second-Phase Constituent Content of Metals by Automatic Image Analysis

Keywords

automatic image analysis; differential interference contrast; inclusions; specimen preparation; steel; Automatic image analysis; Differential interference contrast (DIC); Inclusions--metals/alloys; Metals and metallic materials--inclusion rating; Specimen preparation (for testing)--metals/alloys; Steel; Structural metals/alloys; Structural steel (SS); Surface preparation ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 77.040.01 (Testing of metals in general)

Citing ASTM Standards

[Back to Top]