Artifacts in metallography: mechanical damage during sample preparation. Part 1. Artifacts introduced by sectioning

Abstract

This study examines the artifacts introduced during metallographic sample preparation when using an angle grinder and plasma cutting for sectioning samples. The effects of heating and melting on the structural and phase composition of samples in the cut zone are discussed. The structures of steels that develop as a result of improper sectioning are also presented.

Keywords

• sample preparation
• sectioning
• plasma cutting
• heat‑affected zone