Day 1 // 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Introduction to metallography and its importance

1 hour

• Fundamentals and applications of metallography in materials testing
• Differences between micro- and macro-section preparation

Sample preparation – The first step toward reliable test results

1.5 hours

• Cutting: Selecting the right cutting wheel, microstructural changes caused by cutting
• Mounting: Cold and hot mounting, avoiding edge gaps

Grinding and polishing: Fundamentals for clean preparation

2 hours

• Manual and automated preparation techniques
• Selection and use of grinding and polishing media
• Practical tips for avoiding preparation errors

Fundamentals of etching techniques

1.5 hours

• Purpose of etching and selection of etchants
• Application and safety aspects of etching

Practical exercises: Sample preparation and microscopy

2 hours

• Independent preparation of samples
• Introduction to light microscopy
• First micrographs and their analysis

Day 2 // 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Fundamentals of microstructure evaluation

1.5 hours

• Identifying and describing basic microstructural constituents
• Influence of heat treatments on the microstructure

Hardness testing in metallography

1.5 hours

• Introduction to Rockwell, Brinell and Vickers methods
• Testing on metallographic sections

Advanced practical exercises

3 hours

• Independent sample preparation, working in small groups
• Microscopic examination and microstructure analysis
• Assessment of typical errors and how to avoid them

Discussion and conclusion

1 hour

• Questions and answers on the practical exercises
• Exchange on challenges in laboratory work
• Issuance of certificates of participation

Day 1 // 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Advanced materials science and microstructure analysis

1.5 hours

• Interpretation of the iron-carbon diagram
• Effects of alloying elements on the microstructure
• Time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagrams

Advanced sample preparation

2 hours

• Optimising grinding and polishing processes for different materials
• Preparation techniques for demanding materials (nitrided layers, coatings)
• Avoiding typical preparation artefacts

Special etching methods

1.5 hours

• Grain boundary etching, revealing austenite grain boundaries
• Application and interpretation of macro-etching

Practical exercises: Sample preparation and microscopy

2 hours

• Working with demanding samples
• Microscopy: Operating and adjusting different microscope types
• Documenting results and error analysis

Day 2 // 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Microstructure interpretation and evaluation

2 hours

• Systematic approach to microstructure evaluation
• Analysis of hardness microstructures in steels and cast materials
• Evaluation and documentation of microstructural constituents

Failure analysis and error prevention in practice

2 hours

• Typical sources of error in sample preparation and analysis
• Case studies of failures and root-cause analysis

Practical deepening: Analysis of complex samples

3 hours

• Preparation and analysis of participants’ samples
• Microstructure interpretation in small-group work
• Preparation of a final report with practical recommendations

Final discussion and feedback session

1 hour

• Answering specific questions
• Exchange of best practices and experience
• Certificate award and farewell