Uses of Optical Microscopy
- Basic identification of the metal or alloy used. The method is particularly suitable for ferrous alloys such as iron, phosphoric iron, steel and cast iron: Case study 5.
- Provides evidence of heat treatments including quenching and tempering used to enhance the physical properties of an alloy.
- Mechanical working, such as cold working, used to harden a metal or alloy, can be identified.
- Composite construction, such as the steeling of the edges of cutting weapons, can be seen and described:
Case study 6.
Case study 9.
Case study 10.
- An assessment of the homogeneity of an alloy and its non-metallic inclusion content can be made
- Metallic surface coatings can be examined and their means of attachment determined.