Day 1 // 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Introduction to Metallography and its Importance

1 hour

• Basics and Applications of Metallography in Materials Testing
• Differences between Micro and Macro Sections

Sample Preparation – The First Step to Reliable Test Results

1.5 hours

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

Grinding and Polishing: Basics for clean preparation

2 hours

• Manual and Automatic Preparation Techniques
• Selection and Use of Grinding and Polishing Media
• Practical tips for avoiding preparation errors

Basics of Etching Techniques

1.5 hours

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

Practical Exercises: Sample Preparation and Microscopy

2 hours

• Independent preparation of samples
• Introduction to Light Microscopy
• First microscopic images and their analysis

Day 2 // 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Basics of Microstructure Assessment

1.5 hours

• Recognition and description of simple microstructure components
• Influence of heat treatments on the microstructure

Hardness Testing in Metallography

1.5 hours

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

In-depth practical exercises

3 hours

• Independent preparation of samples, working in small groups
• Microscopic examination and microstructure analysis
• Assessment of typical errors and their prevention

Discussion and Conclusion

1 hour

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

Day 1 // 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Deepening of 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

• Optimization of grinding and polishing processes for different materials
• Preparation techniques for demanding materials (nitrided layers, coatings)
• Prevention of typical preparation artifacts

Special Etching Procedures

1.5 hours

• Grain boundary etching, representation of austenite grain boundaries
• Application and interpretation of macro etchings

Practical Exercises: Sample Preparation and Microscopy

2 hours

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

Day 2 // 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Microstructure Interpretation and Assessment

2 hours

• Systematic approach to microstructure assessment
• Analysis of hardened structures in steels and cast materials
• Assessment and documentation of microstructure components

Failure Analysis and Error Prevention in Practice

2 hours

• Typical sources of error in sample preparation and analysis
• Case studies on damage cases and their root cause analysis

Practical Deepening: Analysis of Complex Samples

3 hours

• Preparation and analysis of participant samples
• Microstructure interpretation in small group work
• Creation of a final report with practical recommendations

Final Discussion and Feedback Round

1 hour

• Answering specific questions
• Exchange of best practices and experiences
• Certificate Awarding and Farewell