Comparison of Different Preparation Processes and Final Surface Finishes of Metallographic Specimens

The carburizing process requires metallurgical inspection by means of polished metallurgical mounts. Metallographic preparation for a metallurgical mount is an important process. The purpose of this study is to clarify the differences between expert and nonexpert executions of the grinding and polishing process and the consequent polished surface finishes. Three inspectors with 0.5, 2 and 20 years of experience in metallographic preparation were interviewed and their processes analyzed. As a result of the process analysis, the differences between an expert and a nonexpert were determined.