Abrasive Cutting

Abrasive cutting is generally used for metal specimens Sample preparation, it starts with “Cutting” and good “Cutting” means a good start. Selecting the right cut-off wheel ensures freedom from burn and distortion and is the best way to save time and consumables. Correct cutting produces specimens which are in perfect condition for the next preparation steps.
 

Why abrasive cutting is the most popoular method of sectioning in metallography compared to other methods (flaming, fracturing, sawing)?

It is the most appropriate method for metallography cutting due to its several benefit such as:

• Using a coolant, thus it can prevent thermal damage
• Use abrasive cutter and diamond cutter
• Cutting direction – to soft material from hardened materials
• Can remove small amounts of material, producing tiny chips
• Abrasive processes can produce fine surface finishes and accurate dimensional tolerances.

What is the type of abrasive used in the metallography?

Type of abrasive:

 

What is the process of abrasive wheels?

1. Select the appropriate abrasive wheel
2. Secure specimen. Improper clamping may result in wheel and/or specimen damage
3. Check coolant level and replace when low or excessively dirty. Note abrasive wheel break down during cutting and thus produce a significant amount of debris
4. Allow the abrasive wheel to reach its operating speed before beginning the cut
5. A steady force will produce the best cuts and minimize wheel wear characteristics, as well as maintain sample integrity (no burning)
6. When sectioning materials with coatings, orient the specimen so that the wheel is cutting into the coating and exiting out of the base material, thereby keeping the coating in compression.

 

What is the common consumables used in abrasive cutting process?

There are two types of consumables used in abrasive cutting which are;

The property of consumables:

• High speed cut-off for big specimen relatively (3,500 RPM)
• Main material – SiC(Non ferrous metal), Al2O3 (Ferrous metal)
• Bonding – Resin, Rubber.
• Main size: 10”(250mm), 12”(250mm)
• Necessary use with water soluble coolant
• Coolant must has a good anti –rust, cooling, no smell

Above sharing just for your reference. When you’re interested in investing a metallographic equipment to improve your quality process, select a supplier who offer a quality service and meet your specific needs.

If you have any enquiry with metallographic equipment, welcome to contact us by email: enquiry@mspmetrology.com