Metallography Testing
Microstructure examination and material characterisation for industrial components.
Metallographic analysis reveals the internal structure of metals — grain size, phase distribution, weld quality, heat treatment condition and failure origin — with full lab-grade documentation.
What is Metallography
The science of examining metal microstructure.
Metallography is the study of the physical structure and components of metals using microscopy. A prepared and etched metal sample reveals grain boundaries, phases, inclusions, weld fusion zones, cracks and heat treatment effects that are invisible to the naked eye.
It is used in fabrication quality control, failure investigation, heat treatment verification, incoming material acceptance and research — wherever understanding the internal condition of a metal is critical to safety, performance or compliance.
Jagdamba Technology performs metallographic examination in-lab and via portable replication technique on-site, covering a wide range of industrial metals including carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, aluminium, copper alloys and nickel-based alloys.
Reveals What NDT Cannot
While UT or RT finds flaws, metallography reveals why — grain boundary cracking, sensitisation, decarburisation, improper heat treatment, wrong microstructure.
Lab + On-site Capability
Lab examination on sectioned samples gives highest resolution. On-site acetate replication allows microstructure assessment on in-service components without cutting.
Photomicrograph Reports
All examinations are documented with calibrated micrographs, etchant details, magnification, observations and conclusions per applicable ASTM or IS standards.
Supports Multiple Inspection Goals
Weld qualification, failure investigation, PWHT verification, incoming material QC, fitness-for-service assessment and regulatory compliance documentation.
Our Metallography Services
What we examine and report
Each service includes sample preparation, etching, optical microscopy, photomicrograph capture and a formal written report.
Microstructure Examination
Optical microscopic examination of polished and etched metal cross-sections to identify phase constituents, grain morphology, inclusions, segregation, decarburisation and other microstructural features. Performed at magnifications from 50x to 1000x.
Grain Size Analysis
Determination of average grain size using planimetric, intercept or comparison methods per ASTM E112. Used to verify heat treatment effectiveness, detect abnormal grain growth after welding and confirm material specification compliance.
Weld Macro & Micro Examination
Macro examination reveals weld bead geometry, fusion zone, HAZ width and pass sequence. Micro examination identifies lack of fusion, cracking, porosity, HAZ microstructure and sensitisation in the fusion-bonded zone at high magnification.
Heat Treatment Verification
Microstructural confirmation that normalising, annealing, quench-and-temper, solution annealing or PWHT was carried out correctly. Identifies under-tempered martensite, retained austenite, sensitised stainless or incomplete austenitisation.
Failure Analysis Support
Metallographic examination of failed components to determine failure mode and root cause — fatigue cracking, stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen embrittlement, overload, corrosion-fatigue or manufacturing defects. Provided with photomicrograph evidence and written analysis.
Inclusion Rating & Cleanliness
Assessment of non-metallic inclusion content, type and distribution per ASTM E45 or IS standards. Used for incoming steel quality acceptance, bearing grade material verification and quality audits of critical structural material.
Case Depth Measurement
Measurement of carburised, nitrided or induction-hardened case depth on surface-treated components. Hardness traverses and microstructural boundaries used to define effective and total case depth per ASTM or customer specification.
On-site Replication (Portable)
Microstructure assessment of in-service components without cutting or removal from service. Acetate replica technique produces a negative impression of the prepared surface for lab examination — ideal for pressure vessels, piping and turbine components.
Microhardness Testing
Vickers microhardness (HV) testing at precise locations — across weld HAZ profiles, through case depths or within specific phases. Provides hardness distribution maps that complement microstructural examination.
Step-by-Step Process
How we carry out metallographic examination
A precise, laboratory-controlled process from sample receipt to final report.
Sample Receipt & Identification
Each sample is received with a unique identification number, customer reference and examination scope. Material type, heat number and component description are recorded. For on-site replication, the location on the component is mapped and documented before preparation begins.
Sectioning & Mounting
The sample is sectioned at the correct plane of interest — transverse, longitudinal or through-thickness — using abrasive cutting with coolant to prevent heat damage. Small samples are hot- or cold-mounted in resin to enable flat grinding and edge retention where required.
Grinding & Polishing
Sequential grinding with silicon carbide papers (from 120 to 1200 grit) removes sectioning damage. Final polishing with diamond paste or alumina suspension produces a mirror-flat surface free of scratches and preparation artefacts — essential for accurate microstructural interpretation.
Etching
The polished surface is etched with a chemical reagent selected for the material type — Nital for carbon and alloy steels, Kalling's reagent for stainless, Kroll's for titanium, Weck's for aluminium. Etching selectively attacks grain boundaries and phases to reveal the microstructural features.
Optical Microscopy & Photomicrography
The etched sample is examined under an optical microscope at magnifications from 50x to 1000x. Representative photomicrographs are captured at calibrated magnifications with embedded scale bars. Features of interest — cracks, inclusions, phase constituents, grain boundaries, fusion zones — are documented systematically.
Analysis & Interpretation
Observed microstructural features are interpreted by an experienced metallurgist or materials engineer. Grain size is determined per ASTM E112, inclusions are rated per ASTM E45, case depth is measured per applicable method. Abnormal features are identified and flagged with supporting photographic evidence.
Report Issue
A formal metallographic examination report is issued containing: sample identification, sectioning plane, preparation details, etchant used, microscope magnification, calibrated photomicrographs, observations, measurements and conclusions — referenced to applicable standard or customer specification.
Applications
Where metallography is used
Metallographic examination supports quality control, failure investigation, compliance and fitness-for-service across all industrial sectors.
Fabrication & Welding
- Weld procedure qualification (WPS/PQR)
- Weld HAZ width and condition
- Fusion zone microstructure
- Post-weld heat treatment check
- Lack of fusion confirmation
Pressure Vessels & Boilers
- In-service creep damage assessment
- Graphitisation detection
- Temper embrittlement evaluation
- Hydrogen attack screening
- PWHT adequacy verification
Failure Investigation
- Fracture surface characterisation
- Fatigue crack origin identification
- SCC and hydrogen embrittlement
- Corrosion type and mechanism
- Manufacturing defect identification
Heat Treatment Verification
- Normalised vs as-rolled verification
- Quench and temper confirmation
- Solution annealing of stainless
- Sensitisation screening
- Carburising / nitriding case check
Incoming Material QC
- Mill certificate verification
- Inclusion content and cleanliness
- Grain size compliance check
- Microstructure condition
- Surface decarburisation check
Automotive & Engineering
- Case depth on gears and shafts
- Bearing steel cleanliness rating
- Forging flow line assessment
- Casting microstructure check
- Spring steel fatigue assessment
Standards & Codes
We work to your specification
Examination procedures referenced to internationally recognised metallographic standards.
Standard guide for preparation of metallographic specimens
Determining average grain size in metals
Determining the inclusion content of steel
Microetching metals and alloys — etchant selection guide
Microindentation hardness of materials (Vickers / Knoop)
Weld procedure qualification — macro & microstructure requirements
Indian standard for metallographic preparation and examination
Customer-specific procedures, acceptance criteria and reporting formats
Why Choose Us
What makes our metallography service reliable
We combine proper lab practice with clear, client-focused reporting.
Controlled Sample Preparation
Proper sectioning, mounting, grinding and polishing is the foundation of accurate metallography. We follow ASTM E3 preparation protocols — no shortcuts that introduce preparation artefacts.
Calibrated Photomicrographs
Every micrograph includes a calibrated scale bar at the stated magnification. Images are captured at multiple magnifications to show both macro context and fine microstructural detail.
Clear, Useful Reports
Reports include sample ID, all preparation details, etchant, magnification, photomicrographs with captions, observations in plain language and a conclusion referenced to your standard or spec.
Experienced Interpretation
Microstructure interpretation requires materials knowledge — not just image capture. Our team has hands-on experience with industrial failure analysis and weld qualification metallography.
Fast Turnaround
Standard lab turnaround 3–5 working days. Urgent failure analysis and shutdown-related jobs prioritised. On-site replication same-day where surface access is available.
Combined NDT + Metallography
We offer both field NDT (UT, MPT, DPT) and lab metallography under one roof — so your failure investigation or weld qualification can be completed with a single vendor and one consolidated report.
Get a Quote
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