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Guide to Troubleshooting Scratches in Metallographic Polishing: Common Causes and Quick Solutions (with Flowchart)

Jin Cheng
2026-02-26
Tutorial Guide
Are there scratches on your metallographic samples after polishing? Don't worry! This article delves deep into the common causes, from contamination of grinding media and aging of polishing cloths to unstable rotation speeds. It provides a clear and executable troubleshooting flowchart and solutions. Combining the stepless speed regulation advantage and single - disc multi - function design of the MP - 1B metallographic grinder - polisher, it teaches you to quickly locate the root cause of the problem, improve sample preparation efficiency and image quality, and help you easily tackle high - frequency pain points in laboratory and quality inspection scenarios.
Illustration of common causes of scratches in metallographic polishing

Guide to Troubleshooting Scratches in Metallographic Polishing: Common Causes and Quick Solutions (with Flowchart)

Are you facing the issue of scratches on your metallographic samples after polishing? Don't worry! This guide will delve into the common causes, from contamination of grinding media to aging of polishing cloth and unstable rotation speed. We'll provide you with a clear and executable troubleshooting flowchart and solutions. With the stepless speed regulation advantage and single - disc multi - function design of the MP - 1B metallographic grinder - polisher, you'll be able to quickly locate the root cause of the problem, improve sample preparation efficiency and image quality, and easily tackle the high - frequency pain points in laboratory and quality inspection scenarios.

Understanding Your Core Concerns

You may be wondering why there are still scratches on your polished samples. These scratches can significantly affect your scientific research or quality inspection results. The presence of scratches can lead to inaccurate analysis and misinterpretation of the microstructure of the samples, causing delays in your projects and potentially leading to incorrect decisions.

Breaking Down the Five Common Causes

1. Grinding fluid contamination: Contaminated grinding fluid can introduce foreign particles onto the sample surface, causing scratches during the polishing process. 2. Polishing cloth wear: Over time, the polishing cloth can wear out, losing its ability to provide a smooth polishing surface. 3. Improper pressure: Applying too much or too little pressure during polishing can result in uneven polishing and scratches. 4. Rotation speed fluctuations: Unstable rotation speed can cause inconsistent polishing, leading to scratches. 5. Incorrect operating habits: For example, improper handling of the sample or incorrect use of the polishing equipment can also cause scratches.

Illustration of common causes of scratches in metallographic polishing

Structured Troubleshooting Process

To effectively troubleshoot the scratches, you need to follow a structured process. First, check the equipment status, including the rotation speed stability and the functionality of the MP - 1B's stepless speed regulation system. Then, examine the condition of the consumables, such as the polishing cloth and the grinding fluid. Finally, review the process parameters, such as the pressure and the rotation speed settings. By following this process, you can quickly identify the root cause of the scratches.

Highlighting the Technical Value of MP - 1B

The MP - 1B metallographic grinder - polisher is equipped with a stepless speed regulation system that allows for precise speed adjustment from 50 to 1000 rpm. This precise control ensures the stability of the polishing process, effectively avoiding scratches caused by rotation speed fluctuations, especially in the low - speed range. With its single - disc multi - function design, the MP - 1B can meet various polishing requirements, improving your work efficiency.

MP-1B metallographic grinder-polisher in operation

Preventive Maintenance Guide

To prevent scratches from occurring in the first place, regular maintenance is crucial. Here are some practical suggestions:

  • Regularly clean the equipment to remove any debris or contaminants.
  • Replace the polishing cloth and grinding fluid at regular intervals according to the usage frequency.
  • Keep the working environment clean and free from dust and other particles.

Enhanced Understanding with Visual Aids

To help you better understand the troubleshooting process, we've included a flowchart and schematic diagrams. These visual aids will enhance your comprehension and provide practical guidance for your work.

Flowchart for troubleshooting scratches in metallographic polishing

Ready to solve your metallographic polishing scratch problems? Click here to learn more about the MP - 1B metallographic grinder - polisher and how it can help you achieve high - quality sample preparation!

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