ASTM E3-11(2017)
Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens

Standard No.

ASTM E3-11(2017)

Release Date

2017

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM E3-11(2017)

Scope

1.1 The primary objective of metallographic examinations is to reveal the constituents and structure of metals and their alloys by means of a light optical or scanning electron microscope. In special cases, the objective of the examination may require the development of less detail than in other cases but, under nearly all conditions, the proper selection and preparation of the specimen is of major importance. Because of the diversity in available equipment and the wide variety of problems encountered, the following text presents for the guidance of the metallographer only those practices which experience has shown are generally satisfactory; it cannot and does not describe the variations in technique required to solve individual specimen preparation problems. NOTE 1—For a more extensive description of various metallographic techniques, refer to Samuels, L. E., Metallographic Polishing by Mechanical Methods, American Society for Metals (ASM) Metals Park, OH, 3rd Ed., 1982; Petzow, G., Metallographic Etching, ASM, 1978; and VanderVoort, G., Metallography: Principles and Practice, McGraw Hill, NY, 2nd Ed., 1999. 1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM E3-11(2017) Referenced Document

• ASTM A90/A90M Standard Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings
• ASTM E1077 Standard Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarburization of Steel Specimens
• ASTM E1122 Standard Practice for Obtaining JK Inclusion Ratings Using Automatic Image Analysis
• ASTM E1245 Standard Practice for Determining the Inclusion or Second-Phase Constituent Content of Metals by Automatic Image Analysis
• ASTM E1268 Standard Practice for Assessing the Degree of Banding or Orientation of Microstructures
• ASTM E1558 Standard Guide for Electrolytic Polishing of Metallographic Specimens
• ASTM E1920 Standard Guide for Metallographic Preparation of Thermal Sprayed Coatings
• ASTM E45 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of Steel
• ASTM E7 Standard Terminology Relating to Metallography*， 2022-10-01 Update
• ASTM E768 Standard Guide for Preparing and Evaluating Specimens for Automatic Inclusion Assessment of Steel*， 2018-05-01 Update

ASTM E3-11(2017) history

• 2017 ASTM E3-11(2017) Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• 2011 ASTM E3-11 Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• 2001 ASTM E3-01(2007)e1 Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• 2001 ASTM E3-01(2007) Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• 2001 ASTM E3-01 Standard Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens
• 1995 ASTM E3-95 Standard Practice for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens