The purpose of this technical report is to describe the optimum methods for sample taking, polishing av etching, with a view to preparing a micrographic surface which accurately representents the sintered metal part, when viewed using an optical microscope.

This technical report applies to all sintered metals including those submitted to core or surface heat treatment. It does not apply to hard metals, for which reference shall be made to ISO 4505 and ISO 4499.

It can be applied to metal materials containing a substantial amount of non-metallic components (e.g. friction materials and cermets). The special procedures required for these materials are given in 4.6.3.

NOTE - The methods described may also be used for the micrographic examination of unsintered powder compacts. In such a case, the procedures should be adapted to t he material, e.g.: cleaning (removing pressing lubricant), impregnation sectioning of cut-off. It is also possible to examine the morphology or the structure of loose compact powder (see 4.4).