Summary

This book provides a solid overview of the important metallurgical concepts related to the microstructures of irons and steels, and it provides detailed guidelines for the proper metallographic techniques used to reveal, capture, and understand microstructures. This book provides clearly written explanations of important concepts, and step-by-step instructions for equipment selection and use, microscopy techniques, specimen preparation, and etching. Dozens of concise and helpful 'metallographic tips' are included in the chapters on laboratory practices and specimen preparation. The book features over 500 representative microstructures, with discussions of how the structures can be altered by heat treatment and other means. A handy index to these images is provided, so the book can also be used as an atlas of iron and steel microstructures. Contents include: Introduction to steels and cast irons; Origin of microstructure; Alteration of microstructure; The metallographer and the metallographic laboratory; The metallurgical microscope; The expanded metallographic laboratory; Metallographic specimen preparation; The art of revealing microstructure; Appendices; Index.