Metallography -- the microscopic study and analysis of pure and alloy metals – has grown increasingly complex and demanding as newer, more exotic alloys have been developed.
The study of metal was, in fact, one of the first uses for which Olympus began designing and building the world’s best microscopes. The science of metallography demanded precision and accuracy that was previously unattainable by a microscope. This instrument was designed to allow for the simple and easy positioning of a sample over the optics and gave rise to the inverted microscope or inverted metallograph. The inverted microscope design enables the researcher to use the common sample preparation technique of "potting"" to easily mount the sample onto the microscope and enjoy quick operation by virtue of the flat sample requiring almost no focus change.
The analyses carried out for grain size distribution and phase under this classic optical design are the standards still used today. A microscope, such as one of our Olympus GX Series, enables the size of the metal grains to be measured accurately and repeatably and the phase, or state of formation, of the metal when the sample was formed to be determined. Historically, to preserve a record of the event and make analysis easier, photographs were taken and stored or used to make the measurements when combined with a optical reticule. Now by combining a digital imaging system, such as the Olympus DP 71 camera and our Discover Series software, with one of our inverted metallographic microscopes, a complete digital micro-imaging solution can be easily integrated into your R&D or quality control process to provide images and data that can be shared within the lab or around the world.
These samples were submitted by:
R. B. Prince
Chief Metallurgist
Manager of Quality Engineering
General Dynamics Armament & Technical Products
