Wet Grinding

Cutting and mounting of the sample are succeeded by preparation techniques during which material is removed. Grinding is just one of these techniques. Wet grinding is frequently applied as, by adding water, it ensures a constantly low temperature level. After successful wet grinding, the sample is polished. As these processes build on one another, it is important to achieve the best possible result in each and every process step. For wet grinding, it is important to ensure that a faultless sample surface is provided. The respective desired end result of the sample preparation is also to be taken into consideration. For example: what is the purpose of the examination for which the sample is prepared? In general, two quality criteria can be defined for wet grinding. The objective of wet grinding is to obtain a completely plane sample surface which is free of foreign particles and does not exhibit any scratches and deformations. Furthermore, all initial structural constituents should remain preserved and the result must be reproducible. If these aspects are taken into account for wet grinding, this technique provides an ideal basis for all subsequent preparation steps.

Wet grinding – the technique

After the cutting step, wet grinding serves to remove damages and deformations from the sample. This is done by processing the sample with grinding discs in an appropriate materialographic grinding machine. The sample is smoothened step by step by successively removing pieces of material (chips). The wet grinding begins with plane grinding which is the basis for further processing. Grinding discs with large grit sizes and a high removal rate provide for evenly plane samples. Subsequent fine grinding builds on the results of plan grinding and completes the wet grinding process. During this process, grinding discs with a finer grit further smoothen the sample surface. In order to achieve optimal results, all used machines, technologies and materials need to be matched. The grinding disc's speed, grain sizes and material as well as the contact pressure need to be specifically chosen. In combination with our in-house consumables, SCAN-DIA Metallographic Grinding and Polishing Machines provide best reproducible results.