The metallographic laboratory of IMSETHC “A. Balevski” investigates the macro and micro structures of all used in the industrial and research practice metals and alloys. There are determined the dependence between the production conditions of certain part, the structure, properties, thermal treatment and its behavior in operational conditions. Quality control is also performed for cast, welded and plastic deformed metal products.
In order to improve the quality of the examinations carried out some original methods for metallographic samples preparation are developed – electrolytic and chemical polishing of aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, tin and their alloys.
The Laboratory has important contribution to the achievement of significant research and applied results in:
- The investigation of the phase composition of more than 20 aluminum alloys, the type and metallographic characteristics of the intermetallic compounds being defined as well as their behavior at high temperatures and electrochemical etching.
- Study of the phase transformations in high nitrogen chromium-manganese steels, copper, zinc and aluminum alloys as well as investigation of the precipitation processes effect on the corrosion behavior of high nitrogen steels.
- Study of the possibilities to lay combined boride coatings on steels and different types of ceramics.
- Study of the possibilities to produce high quality castings of aluminum alloys by the counter pressure casting method. By means of the method for image quantitative assessment and numerical simulation there is determined the structure of several types of castings from the actual production, cast of aluminum alloys.
- Study of metal alloys, modified by nanosized materials.
The Laboratory has participated in international project CIPA – CT 94-0156 under the Copernicus program, a number of projects from the National fund for researches of the Ministry of Education and Science and from the National innovation fund of the Agency for encouragement of SME at the Ministry of Economics and Energetics.
The Laboratory works with many clients from leading industrial enterprises and research institutions.
The laboratory is equipped with optical microscope PolyvarMet, connected to a microhardness tester MicroDuromat 4000, and optical microscope MIT 500, both connected to a digital cameras and a computer with software for quantitative metallographic analysis
). Samples are prepared with sample preparation devices, including Modular grinding/polishing machine with variable speed with non-motorized head – LECO PX300, purchased under Project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0008 “National Center for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies”, funded by the Operational Program “Science and Education for Smart Growth” 2014-2020
LECO PX300 is equipped with a control panel for controlling the speed of the disc, a water spigot and a timer. A holder for 4 samples is mounted on the head stand; ergonomic handle that allows safe and easy lowering of the head; adjustment of the force applied to the treated specimens.
From our metallographic albums:
compacted shavings of alloy macrostructure of double-sided butt
AlCu4Mg1 welded stainless steel joint
microstructure of Cu microstructure of Cu-Zn alloy
microstructure of brass microstructure of AlSi7Mg
microstructure of AlCu4Mg1 silicon particles in AlSi7Mg alloy
ferritic-pearlitic microstructure of steel