Replication for Field Metallographic Examination.

Non-destructive replication techniques for in-situ examination of microstructure were examined by reviewing relevant literature and theory and by doing experiments. These replication techniques involve making a replica of the surface relief of the polished and etched surface of a component with rubber or plastic. Experiments with two commercial replication media revealed that a wide range of steel microstructures could be successfully replicated. In each case, most of the information available from routine conventional destructive metallographic examination of the material could be extracted from the replicas.