Microstructure and hardness profiles of surface-treated parts

Application example for discussing a method. This is not a customer test report or a fixed recipe. Confirm conditions, methods and acceptance requirements before use.

1. Define the cross-section

   Select a representative section from surface to core and record its orientation.

2. Protect the edge by mounting

   Select a mounting material and process that retain the region to be measured.

3. Prepare the measurement surface

   Grind, polish and inspect surface condition and flatness before microhardness testing.

4. Measure the hardness profile

   Position indents according to the agreed test procedure and record hardness against distance.

5. Record surface and core structures

   Retain overview, surface and core images at the magnifications required by the inspection plan.

Instrument references

• ZQ-30D Automatic precision cutting machine
• AXQ-5Y Automatic metallographic mounting press
• ZMP-2000Z Automatic grinding and polishing machine
• Related test instrument
• Related test instrument

Records to retain

• Specimen ID, material, sampling position and orientation.
• Instrument model, consumable batch, actual settings and operator.
• Surface condition, observations and corrective actions at each stage.
• Images, raw measurements and the method version used.

Interpreting results

Evaluate results against the agreed method and acceptance requirements. No measured outcomes or customer results are asserted by this example.