What is a Metallurgical Microscope?
Metallurgical Microscopes, also named as Materials Microscopes, are mainly used in metallography, forensics, plastics processing, metal detection, semiconductor materials, laser systems, solar cells using thin-film and wafer technology, and many other fields of material science. Whether they are optical or digital, metallurgical microscopes can be used in virtually any industry or field of study that must observe glossy metal surfaces. These include metallurgy, mineralogy, and gemology. Manufacturers also utilize digital or optical metallurgical microscopes to inspect materials and components for signs of defects or wear. Some of the types of samples you might look at with a metallurgical microscope include metal parts, fiberglass, industrial manufacturing failures in materials, carbon fiber, plastics and concrete.
Microscopic analysis method is a very important research method in the field of material science. It can observe and study the structural details and defects in materials such as metals that cannot be observed by macroscopic analysis methods. Metallographic microscope is the main tool for microscopic analysis.
Metallurgical Microscopes may look similar to compound biological microscopes, but they differ in a number of ways. Using a metallurgical microscope allows the user to view samples at high magnification (up to 500x and 1000x), without any light passing through the sample the way a biological sample is viewed. Stereo microscopes are another option when reflected illumination is required, however metallurgical microscopes provide a much higher resolution and magnification than a stereo microscope would provide.
Metallurgical Microscopes are available as an Upright metallurgical microscope, or an Inverted metallurgical microscope, or on a boom stand for viewing extra large samples.
Upright metallurgical microscopes are used to view samples that will fit on the microscope stage. The structure of the upright metallurgical microscope is similar to the upright biological microscope, and the space between the objective lens and the worktable is limited, which is suitable for observing smaller samples that can be placed between the working stage and the objective lens. It can supply both transmit & reflect light source.
An inverted metallurgical microscope would be used to view larger parts, as the objective lenses are located beneath the stage and allow for placing heavy mechanical parts directly on the stage above the objectives. It usually only has reflected light source.
Features of Metallurgical Microscope
Metallurgical microscopes have several unique features that are not always found on a biological or stereo microscope:
● Polarizer & Analyzer
● Aperture Diaphragm & Field Diaphragm
● Differential Interference Contrast (DIC)
● High Magnification & High Resolution Objectives
● Brightfield & Darkfield
● Reflected & Transmitted Illumination
Metallurgical Microscope Light Source
Bright Field Illumination
Bright field illumination is the main illumination method of metallographic microscope. In bright field illumination, the light from the light source enters the objective lens at an angle of 90° through the vertical illuminator, and hits the sample surface vertically (or nearly vertically). The light reflected from the sample passes through the objective lens to the eyepiece. If the sample is a polished mirror, almost all the reflected light enters the objective lens for imaging, and a bright piece can be seen in the eyepiece. If the sample is corroded after polishing and the surface of the sample is uneven, the reflected light will diffuse and rarely enter the objective lens for imaging, and what is seen in the eyepiece is a dark black image.
Dark Field Illumination
In special purposes such as identifying non-metallic inclusions, dark field lighting is often used. Dark-field lighting is different from bright-field lighting. The light from the light source passes through the condenser lens to form a beam of parallel light. When passing through the dark-field annular diaphragm, the central part of the parallel light is blocked to form a tube-shaped beam; then it is reflected by the plane glass. , and then reflected by the dark field curved mirror, the tubular beam is projected on the sample at a large inclination angle. It should be noted here that the tubular light beam passes around the objective lens, and the objective lens does not pass the light and thus does not play a role in concentrating light. If the sample surface is smooth and homogeneous, the projected light is reflected at large inclinations. light does not enter
Into the objective lens, what is seen in the eyepiece is a dark black. If there are unevenness on the surface of the sample, some of the reflected light will enter the objective lens to form a bright image. This is exactly the opposite of what was observed under brightfield illumination
Two Diaphragms & Filters in Metallurgical Microscope
There are two diaphragms in the metallurgical microscope illumination system:
Aperture Diaphragm
The aperture diaphragm is used to control the thickness of the incident beam, and its position is close to the light source. The aperture diaphragm can be adjusted continuously. When the aperture diaphragm shrinks, the light beam entering the objective lens becomes thinner, and the light does not pass through the edge of the objective lens group. The spherical aberration is greatly reduced, but the narrowing of the beam reduces the aperture angle of the objective lens, which will The numerical aperture actually used decreases and the resolution decreases. When the aperture diaphragm expands, the incident light beam becomes thicker, and the aperture angle of the objective lens increases, allowing the light to fill the rear lens of the objective lens. At this time, the numerical aperture can reach the rated value (that is, the N.A. value marked on the objective lens), and the resolution also increases. The improvement. However, due to the increase of spherical aberration and the increase of reflection and glare inside the lens barrel, the image quality will be reduced. Therefore, the aperture diaphragm has a great influence on the image quality, and it must be properly adjusted when using it. It cannot be too large or too small. The appropriateness should be based on the lens after the beam fills the objective lens, and it should be judged according to the clarity of the image. After changing objectives, the aperture diaphragm must be adjusted appropriately, but it should not be used to adjust the brightness of the field of view.
Field Diaphragm
In addition to the aperture diaphragm, the metallographic microscope also has a field diaphragm. Relative to the light source, its position is behind the aperture stop. Adjusting the field of view diaphragm can change the size of the microscope field of view without affecting the resolution of the objective lens. Properly adjusting the field of view diaphragm can also reduce the reflection and glare in the lens barrel, and improve the contrast and quality of the image. However, it should be noted that if the diaphragm of the field of view is too small, the observation range will be too narrow. Generally, it should be adjusted to the same size as the field of view of the eyepiece.
Filter
Color filter is an auxiliary part of the microscope, reasonable selection can improve the image quality. Color filters have the following main functions:
1) Use a yellow-green color filter with an achromatic objective lens to maximize the correction of aberrations.
2) For the apochromatic objective lens, a blue color filter can be used, because the wavelength of blue light is shorter than that of yellow-green light, it can improve the mirror resolution.
3) Decreases the intensity of the light source. In addition to the commonly used yellow-green color filter, the new microscope also has one or several gray neutral density color filters, which can be used to weaken the intensity of the incident light without changing other characteristics of the incident light. Color filters with different light transmittance can be made according to needs, and the transmittance can vary from 80% to 0.001%
How To choose a Metallurgical Microscope
Three general directions help to choose:
1, The type of sample
Are the samples sufficiently small to fit in the palm of your hand? If so, then an upright metallurgical microscope will meet your needs. If you need to observe large metal parts or other types of large samples, an inverted/column metallurgical microscope will be more suitable for you.
2, Light source
All metallurgical microscopes have reflected light source. But if you need to observe samples through which light can pass, you may need the model with transmit light source.
3, The type of objective lens
Some objectives can only be used for bright field, while others can be used for observation of dark field, DIC, ect. If you need both bright field and dark field, choose the optional BF/DF objectives.
Here below we have listed some hot sale Opto-Edu metallurgical microscopes for your quick choice:
● Upright Metallurgical Microscope ●
A13.0211 Upright Metallurgical Microscope, Transmit & Reflect, Polarizing
● Modularization Function Design For BF/DF, DIC, Polarizing View In Metallurgical Lab
● LWD Infinity BD Plan Objective (No Cover Glass) For DIC
● DIC Push-Pull Group Slide For 5x/10x/20x Objective
● Epi Illumination Intergrate Field Diaphragm, Aperture Diaphragm, Filters Switching Device For Y,B,G And Ground Glass Filters
● Transmit & Reflect Halogen Light Source For Metallurigcal Observe
A13.2604-B Metallurgical Microscope, Reflect & Transmit Light
● Best Reflect & Transmit Metallurgical Microscope, Both 5W LED Halogen Koehler Illumination
● 2021 Upgrade To Semi-APO Metallurgical LWD Infinity Plan Objective 5x,10x,20x,50x,80x,100x
● 2021 Upgrade To BF/DF Model With Metallurgical LWD BD Objectives 5x10x20x50x
● Large Size Trinocular Head Eyepiece Tube Dia.30mm With Light Split Switch E100:P0/E20:P80
● Mechanical Stage 182x140mm/77x52mm For Both Reflect & Transmit Light View
A13.0910-R Metallurgical Microscope, BF/DF, DIC, Semi-APO, PL, Reflect Light
● BF/DF, Polarzing, DIC, Semi-APO View Under Transmit & Reflect Light Source
● 30° Trinocular Head With Erect Image Light Spiltting Ratio Switch E100:P0/E0:P100
● Super Wide Field Plan Eyepiece 10x/25mm, 10x/26.5mm Optional
● LWD Infinity Plan Metallurgical BF/DF DIC & Semi-APO Objectives
● 4" Large Working Stage 230x215mm Moving Range 105*102mm For Reflect & Transmit Light
A13.0900-R Metallurgical Microscope, DIC, Semi-APO, Reflect Light
● Bright Field, Oblique Light, Polarizig, DIC, Transmit & Reflect Light Metallurgical Microscope
● Infinity LWD Plan BD DIC Semi-APO Metallurgical Objectives 5x10x20x50x
● Infinity Color Corrected BF/DF 5 Holes Nosepiece With DIC Slot
● 4" Double Layer Mechanical Stage, Moving Range 105x105mm
● Transmit & Refected 5W LED, With Oblique Light, With Iris Field Diaphragm, Aperture Diaphragm
A13.0901N-RT Metallurgical Microscope, BF/DF, DIC, Semi-APO, PL, Reflect & Transmit Light
● Bright/Dark Field, Polarzing, DIC, Semi-APO View Under Transmit & Reflect Light Source
● 5°-35° Tiltable Trinocular Head With Erect Image Light Spiltting Ratio Switch E100:P0/E0:P100
● Super Wide Field Plan Eyepiece 10x/25mm, 10x/26.5mm Optional
● LWD Infinity Plan Metallurgical BF/DF DIC & Semi-APO Objectives
● 6" Large Working Stage With Moving Range 158x158mm For Reflect & 100x100mm For Transmit Light
● Inverted Metallurgical Microscope ●
A13.2602-B Inverted Metallurgical Microscope, Binocular, Infinity Plan
● Classical Best Compact & Economical Inverted Metallurgical Microscope!
● Quadruple Nose With Metallurgical LWD Infinity Plan Objective
● Mechanical Working Stage 180x180mm Moving Range 30x30mm
● 3W LED Standard Light Source, 12V20W Halogen Optional
● Eyepiece Micrometer + Stage Micrometer For Measuring Function Optional
A13.2606 Invered Metallurgical Microscope, Reflect Light, BF
● Professional Metallurgical Microscope For Bright Field, Dark Field, Polarizing Observation
● Seidentopf Trinocular Head, Light Split Switch E100:P0 / E20:P80
● Metallurgical LWD Infinity Plan BF Semi-APO (Bright Field) & BD (Bright & Dark Field) Objectives
● Large Working Stage Size 210×180mm, Moving Range 50×50mm, Scale 0.1mm
● High Brightness Reflect Light Halogen 12V50W Koehler Illumination
A13.0210 Metallurgical Microscope, BF/DF, DIC
● Modularization Function Design For BF/DF, DIC, Polarizing View For Metallurgical Lab
● LWD Infinity BD Plan Objective (No Cover Glass) For DIC
● DIC Push-Pull Group Slide For 5x/10x/20x Objective Available
● Epi Illumination Intergrate Field Diaphragm, Aperture Diaphragm, Filters Switching Device For Y,B,G And Ground Glass Filters
● Transmit & Reflect Halogen Light Source For Metallurigcal Observe
A13.0912 Inverted Metallurgical Microscope, BF,DF,DIC,PL,ECO, Semi-APO
● Professional Inverted Metallurgical Microscope For BF, DF, DIC, PL With Semi-APO Objective
● Infinity Plan LWD BF/DF DIC Objective 5x10x20x Semi-APO FL50x,100x
● Quintuple Nosepice With DIC Slot, Polarizer & 360° Analyzer
● 3 Layers Mechanical Stage 240x250mm/ 50x50mm, Coaxial Coarse & Fine Focusing
● Intelligent Front Panel With Light Indicator, Objective Indicator ECO Auto On/Off Function Switch
● Metallurgical Microscope on Pole Stand ●
A13.0212 Metallurgical Microscope
● Modularization Function Design For BF/DF, DIC, Polarizing View For Metallurgical Lab
● LWD Infinity BD Plan Objective (No Cover Glass) For DIC
● DIC Push-Pull Group Slide For 5x/10x/20x Objective
● Epi Illumination Intergrate Field Diaphragm, Aperture Diaphragm, Filters Switching Device For Y,B,G And Ground Glass Filters
● Reflect Halogen Light Source For Metallurigcal Observe
A13.1005-BD Metallurgical Microscope, Bright Field/Dark Field
● A Compact And Versatile Detecting Microscope System. Bright Field Dark Field,Polarization And DIC is Available.
● Various Illuminations: 150W Halogen And 40W LED Cold Light, Connecyed By Fiber.
● With Big Base And Extral Long Pole, Convenient For Observation Of Big Size LCD Panel, PCB And Thick Sample.
● Siedentopf Trinocular Viewing Head, Inclined At 30° Interpupillary 48-75mm
● Coaxial Coarse And Fine Adjustment, Fine Division 1μm, Moving Range 32mm
● Advanced Motorized, Semi-APO Metallurgical Microscope ●
M13.5850 Motorized Metallurgical Microscope, BD+PL, XYZ Motorized
● Infinity Plan Semi-APO BD DIC5x10x20x50x100x Objectives With 6 Holes Motor Nosepiece
● XYZ Motorized Stage 255x210mm, Moving 85x70x42mm Resolution 0.05um
● Transmit & Reflect Reflect 12V100W Halogen Illuminator, With Reflect Polarizer & Analyzer
● Upgradeable to 2D Pro & 3D Version Software Enable 3D Image Stitching & Measuring
● Cooling USB3.0 7M GS Shutter Digital Camera With Computer Pre Installed Maxcope 2D Software
A13.1095-R Metallurgical Microscope, Full Auto, Reflect, Semi-APO, BF+DF+DIC+PL
● Research Level Metallurgical Microscope Semi-Auto, With Reflect, Transmit/Reflect Light
● Manual 6 Holes Nosepiece With NIS45 Infinity Plan Semi-APO BD Objective 5x10x LWD 20x50x100x
● 4" Working Stage, Size 210x170mm, Move Range 102x102mm, With Round Crystal Holder, Wafer Holder Etc.
● Reflect 12V100W Halogen Illuminator, Bright Field, Polarizing, DIC View
● Transmit 12V100W Halogen Kohler Illumination, Auto Adjust Brightness, ECO Function
A13.1096 Inverted Metallurgical Microscope, Semi-APO, BF/DF/PL/FL/DIC
● Research Level Inverted Metallurgical Microscope For BF/DF/PL/FL/DIC
● Trinocular Head With Built-in Bertrand Lens SW10x/22mm Eyepiece
● Infintiy Plan BF/DF Sem-APO 5x10x20x APO 50x100 Triple Layer Working Stage Moving Range 130x85mm, With 3 Holder
● LWD Condensor N.A.0.55 W.D.26mm, With 6 Holes Phase Contrast Disc
● Reflect 12V100W Halogen Light Support Fluorescent Illumination
A13.0921-21 Precision Measuring Metallurgical Microscope, BD, DIC
● Precise 3D Measuring 0.1um For X/Y/Z Axies With Motorized Optical Grating Ruler
● Reversed Quintuple Nosepiece, With DIC Slot, For Bright & Dark Field
● Long Working Distance Infinity Plan Achromatic BD Metallurgical Objective
● Large Size Manual Stage, With Digital Indicator. Z Axis With Auto-control Box For Focusing
● Include Simple & Powerful Measure Software Used In Computer
● Portable Metallurgical Microscope ●
A13.2501-B Portable Metallurgical Microscope
● Portable Cordless Metallurgical Microscope 100x-400x
● Long Working Distance Plan Objective 10x, 40x Standard
● LWD Plan Objective (No Cover Glass) 20x, 50x, 60x, 80x, 100x Optional
● Magnet Stand, X/Y Moving Range 10x10mm Optional
● Upgradeable To Digital Microscope A31.2501
A31.2501 Digital Portable Metallurgical Microscope
● 3.1M CCD Camera, WF10x/18mm, LWD Plan Coverless Objective 10x, 40x, Rechargeable Batteries, Aluminum Case
Metallurgical Image Analysis Software
A30.1810, the metallographic image analysis software system is combination of the current metallographic testing needs of foundry companies, auto parts companies, heat treatment companies, bearing steel industry, power system industry, railway parts industry, and various related testing companies to improve product qualification. To help improve the inspection level of various laboratories, we collect the needs and opinions of experts and teachers in various industries, and develop this metallographic image analysis software system.
The national standard library of the software system contains about 700 commonly used sub-modules in 150 categories, basically covering commonly used metallographic standards, and meeting the requirements of most units for metallographic analysis and inspection. According to the needs of different industries, designate open related categories to meet industry testing requirements. Call all modules free of charge for life, and upgrade the standard for free for life.
more detailed information, please visit : https://www.optoedu.com/How-to-Select-Metallurgical-Microscope.html