ISO/TR 20580:2022 PDF

Preparation of metallographic specimens

First page of standard ISO/TR 20580:2022

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Title (English):

ISO/TR 20580:2022

Preparation of metallographic specimens

Document status:: Active
Format:: Electronic (PDF)
Number of pages:: 17
Publication date:: July 1, 2022
Edition:: ISO TR 20580 edition 1 version 1
ICS:: 77.080.20

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Description (English):

This document presents a list of common practices in preparation methods of metallographic specimens for optical and scanning electron microscopy, including preliminary preparation, grinding and polishing of specimens as well as microstructure revelation methods covering the optical method, etching methods (chemical, electrolytic, constant potential, ion sputtering and high temperature relieving) and the interface layer method [1][2].

Technical details

Technical committee: ISO/TC 17/SC 7 - Methods of testing (other than mechanical tests and chemical analysis)
SKU: ISO/TR 20580:2022

Abstract

Overview

ISO/TR 20580:2022 - Preparation of metallographic specimens - is a technical report from ISO that compiles common, state-of-the-art practices for preparing metallic samples for optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The document covers the full specimen workflow: preliminary selection, cutting, cleaning, mounting, grinding and polishing, and microstructure revelation (including multiple etching and interface-layer methods). An informative annex lists etchants for metals.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO/TR 20580:2022 organizes practical guidance across the preparation chain and highlights considerations to avoid altering the native microstructure:

Specimen selection and sectioning
- Choose representative locations and section types (transverse, longitudinal, radial, tangential) based on the examination objective (routine studies, failure analysis, coatings, heat-treated layers).
- Typical limits for polished section area are noted (specimens to be polished are generally ≤ 400 mm in area for the section to be prepared).
Cutting and marking
- Recommend cutting techniques that minimize deformation and overheating; use of coolant and removal of damaged layers by subsequent grinding.
- Mark specimens outside the observed surface and re-mark after processes that obscure marks.
Cleaning
- Remove oils, coolants and residues with suitable solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone); ultrasonic cleaning for final residue removal.
Mounting
- Rationale for mounting (handling, edge retention, standardization) and choices between mechanical and plastic mounting; mount so as not to change microstructure.
Grinding and polishing
- Planar/rough grinding and fine grinding (manual and automated) to produce a flat, deformation-free surface.
- Mechanical polishing (rough and fine), electrolytic and chemical polishing, and vibratory finishing are described as options depending on material and analysis needs.
Microstructure revelation
- Optical-method guidance plus etching techniques: chemical, electrolytic, constant-potential, ion sputtering (cathode vacuum etching), and high-temperature relieving.
- The interface layer (interference layer) method and an annex of recommended etchants are provided.

Practical applications

ISO/TR 20580:2022 is a practical reference for:

Metallurgists and materials scientists preparing samples for microstructural characterization
Failure analysts and forensic engineers (preparing specimens near fracture zones)
Quality control and production labs inspecting coatings, decarburization, inclusions, banding, or heat-treated layers
Microscopy technicians developing repeatable, standardized sample preparation workflows for optical microscopy and SEM

Related information

The report contains no normative references but provides informative annexes (e.g., etchants for metals) and bibliography for further reading.
Use ISO/TR 20580 in conjunction with specific test standards and laboratory procedures to ensure traceable, reproducible metallographic preparation.

Related standards

Other ISO standards

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO/TR 20580:2022 organizes practical guidance across the preparation chain and highlights considerations to avoid altering the native microstructure:

Specimen selection and sectioning
- Choose representative locations and section types (transverse, longitudinal, radial, tangential) based on the examination objective (routine studies, failure analysis, coatings, heat-treated layers).
- Typical limits for polished section area are noted (specimens to be polished are generally ≤ 400 mm in area for the section to be prepared).
Cutting and marking
- Recommend cutting techniques that minimize deformation and overheating; use of coolant and removal of damaged layers by subsequent grinding.
- Mark specimens outside the observed surface and re-mark after processes that obscure marks.
Cleaning
- Remove oils, coolants and residues with suitable solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone); ultrasonic cleaning for final residue removal.
Mounting
- Rationale for mounting (handling, edge retention, standardization) and choices between mechanical and plastic mounting; mount so as not to change microstructure.
Grinding and polishing
- Planar/rough grinding and fine grinding (manual and automated) to produce a flat, deformation-free surface.
- Mechanical polishing (rough and fine), electrolytic and chemical polishing, and vibratory finishing are described as options depending on material and analysis needs.
Microstructure revelation
- Optical-method guidance plus etching techniques: chemical, electrolytic, constant-potential, ion sputtering (cathode vacuum etching), and high-temperature relieving.
- The interface layer (interference layer) method and an annex of recommended etchants are provided.

Practical applications

ISO/TR 20580:2022 is a practical reference for:

Metallurgists and materials scientists preparing samples for microstructural characterization
Failure analysts and forensic engineers (preparing specimens near fracture zones)
Quality control and production labs inspecting coatings, decarburization, inclusions, banding, or heat-treated layers
Microscopy technicians developing repeatable, standardized sample preparation workflows for optical microscopy and SEM

Related information

The report contains no normative references but provides informative annexes (e.g., etchants for metals) and bibliography for further reading.
Use ISO/TR 20580 in conjunction with specific test standards and laboratory procedures to ensure traceable, reproducible metallographic preparation.

ISO/TR 20580:2022 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications

Related information

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key topics and technical requirements

Practical applications

Related information

Related standards

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