THICKNESSMEASUREMENTTESTING (TM):

By using suitable frequency sound waves, thickness variation can be detected cavities, pores and
binding faults that act as discontinuities in metal gas interface can also be easily detected.
REPLICATION (IN-SITU METALLOGRAPHY):
The process involves preliminary preparation of the metal surface using polishing equipment. When the
spot is ensured free from rust and scale polishing will be done using abrasive paper of varying grits from
80, 120, 220, 320, 500, 800 & 1000 in sequence. Subsequently diamond paste lapping is done followed by
etching with 2% natal to reveal the structure.
Adopting Electro- polishing can also do the surface preparation. After the preparation of the surface the
microstructure of component is truly transferred to a film.
For examination at higher magnification, the microstructure of the component can be transferred to
cellulose acetate replicating tape. A cellulose acetate film of 0.1 to 0.15mm thickness and 20x40 mm size is
cut from roll or sheet. A few drops of acetone will be applied on the surface for about 5 seconds and this
makes the acetate film soft on the side and retains hardness on the reverse side. The soft side is pressed
uniformly over the etched surface using clean and plain rubber and exerting the force of the thumb 10
seconds. It will be protected against dust and left for some time for drying.
The dried film will be lifted up by using fine knife and will be kept between parallel glass slides. This helps
in microstructure all examination using light optical microscope.
Transparent film with green reflecting foil can be used which can be examined in laboratory with
magnification up to 500x to assess the metallurgical damages like creep cavitations.