Chaineng Metallographic Editor has been engaged in the work of metallographic sample making consumables for several years. During this period, users often discuss with me some problems encountered in daily work regarding sample making methods and consumables usage, especially some small problems encountered during the use of metallographic polishing cloth. Sometimes, users are not very clear, so there may be some confusion, which can more or less affect the efficiency and quality of sample making. The editor will collect and organize the answers to these small questions, hoping to help friends in the metallographic industry.

    Question 1: Does each polishing process require the use of different metallographic polishing cloths?


In the practical application of using metallographic polishing cloth, in principle, each metallographic polishing cloth can only be polished with a polishing agent of one particle size to avoid cross contamination. If different particle sizes of polishing agents are used on a piece of cloth, the coarse polishing agent remaining on the cloth will produce large scratches on the sample surface during polishing, which cannot effectively remove the scratches and deformation layer from the previous process in the subsequent process. Therefore, each polishing process requires the use of a different metallographic polishing cloth.


Question 2: How long can the metallographic polishing cloth last?


Generally speaking, the use of metallographic polishing cloth does not define its service life based on accurate time, but mainly depends on the degree of wear to determine whether replacement is necessary. Usually, metallographic polishing cloth will show obvious wear marks after repeated use. If the washing and storage methods are not appropriate, surface pollution may also occur. When the metallographic polishing cloth is used to polish the same sample, if the relative polishing time is too long or there is a significant difference in texture from the new cloth, it is basically not suitable for further use and needs to be replaced with a new cloth.

    Question 3: How to preserve the metallographic polishing cloth after use?


After using the metallographic polishing cloth, there will be residual polishing agent abrasives on the surface of the cloth or water stains after cleaning. After we have used it and rinsed it thoroughly, we can place the iron plate with the metallographic polishing cloth vertically or obliquely on the drainage bracket. After the metallographic polishing cloth is dry, it can be placed flat in the cabinet to avoid light storage, to prevent the edges of the cloth from curling up. At the same time, the storage cabinet does not need to be sealed to avoid moisture and mold. This can effectively maintain the normal use of metallographic polishing cloth.

    Question 4: How to extend the service life of metallographic polishing cloth?


With the answers to the previous few questions, I believe you already have the answers! Yes, correct use, maintenance, and proper storage can effectively extend the service life of metallographic polishing cloth. However, it is not enough. It should be noted that additional polishing agents need to be added during the grinding process of the sample, and the bottom edge of the sample needs to be rounded off to reduce mechanical damage to the metallographic polishing cloth by the sharp edges of the sample, thereby extending the service life of the metallographic polishing cloth.

I am not sure if the answers to some common questions about the use of metallographic polishing cloth have solved your problem. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please feel free to contact us.