Lab Report Template

Lab 1 ‐ Metallography

Student Name: Student No. ____ Date: ____

Lab Group/Group Members:

1. Summary
This space is for a summary of the lab objectives, results, and conclusion.
The objective of this lab is to use metallographic techniques to determine the classification of
the unknown sample, as well as the grain size of a given iron ingot. Metallographic techniques
involved include the polishing of a given metal sample, followed by an acid etch to emphasize
the grain boundaries. A specialized microscope is used to obtain high magnification pictures for
analysis.
In this case, the unknown sample was SAE 1020 steel as confirmed by comparison against control
micrographs of three known samples. Additionally, the unique patterning found between the
pearlite and ferrite phases common in steel of this carbon concentration supports the previously
deduced classification. As determined during the final section of the lab, the grain size of the
given iron ingot was 6.45.

2. Results and Observations

2.1 Record the etching response time for each sample in the table provided.

Sample Etch Response Time (Seconds)

Iron 94
SAE 1020 Steel 30
SAE 1045 Steel 22
Unknown 27

2.2 Attach the micrographs of the four samples in the space provided. Indicate the magnification and
label all phases present. Record additional observation in the space provided (e.g., differences between
the microstructure of these samples).

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Sample #1 – Ingot Cast Iron Micrograph (400x) Additional Observations
• Single phase
Phase 1: Ferrite • Large crystals
1 • Relatively geometric
q grain structure
• Retains many
scratches, even
from early sanding
steps, likely due to
the metal’s
softness.

Sample #1 – SAE 1020 Steel Micrograph (400x) Additional Observations

• Two phases
Phase 1: Ferrite • Small crystals
• Relatively organic
grain structure,
likely due to
magnification

Phase 2: Pearlite

2
Sample #1 – SAE 1045 Steel Micrograph (400x) Additional Observations
• Two phases
Phase 1: Ferrite • Extremely small
crystals
• Relatively organic
grain structure,
likely due
magnification
• Shows less evidence
of scratches from
the sanding and
polishing processes

Phase 2: Pearlite

Sample #1 – Unknown Sample Micrograph (400x) The unknown sample is:

SAE 1020 Steel

Phase 1: Ferrite
Additional Observations
• Two phases
• Small crystals

Phase 2: Pearlite

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2.3 Calculate the grain size (grain diameter) of Sample #1 (the ingot cast iron). Take three
measurements and show your grain size calculation in the space provided.

Line Number Number of Grain Boundary 3500𝜇𝑚

𝑀= = 700𝑥
Intersections (GBI) 50𝜇𝑚
1 7
2 7 (3 lines)(175mm/line) = 525mm
3 8
𝐿 525𝑚𝑚
Total 22 𝑙 ̅ = 𝑃𝑀
𝑇
= (22 𝑔𝑏𝑖)(700𝑥)
= 0.0341𝑚𝑚

G = -6.6457 log𝑙 ̅ – 3.298

= (-6.6457) log(0.0341) – 3.298
= 6.45

3. Provide answers to the questions given by the TA and attach them to the end of this
template.

1. A metallurgical microscope works by shining light onto a polished specimen, rather than
through as is seen in biological microscopes, the reflected light then passes through
objective lenses and the eyepiece, magnifying the perceived image. This allows the grain
boundaries to be seen as dark lines due to the difference in surface angles and depth in
comparison to the polished grain surfaces, causing the light to be dispersed rather than
reflected.

2. Under the microscope, pearlite looks dark in color with lighter sections in a pattern
similar to marbling. This is caused by the presence of both ferrite, which comprises the
light spots, and the darker iron carbide.

3. The etching time of the SAE 1045 steel is much lower than the iron ingot due to the
higher density of grain boundaries. This causes the etching to progress much faster as the
increase in grain boundaries means a higher quantity of atoms with additional chemical
activity, allowing the etching agent to create enough contrast between grains in less time.