http://sop.mse.mtu.edu/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Nanoindentation_sample_preparation_for_AlNanoindentation sample preparation for Al - Revision history2026-06-05T17:39:22ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.37.2http://sop.mse.mtu.edu/index.php?title=Nanoindentation_sample_preparation_for_Al&diff=219&oldid=prevGcanzalo: Copied from old2022-05-24T19:06:30Z<p>Copied from old</p>
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[[Category: SOP]]<br />
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The following is an SOP for the preparation of cast aluminum alloys samples for nanoindentation testing.<br />
<br />
=Loss Prevention=<br />
*Safety glasses are required to work in polishing labs at Michigan Technological University.<br />
*Be mindful of the polishing machines. There are pinch points when moving the head and the grinding pads could cause abrasions.<br />
*The air hose in the polishing lab is strictly for drying samples.<br />
*EDM produces Ozone- keep machine closed during operation<br />
<br />
=Procedure=<br />
#Mark part with a marker where future cuts will be made<br />
[[File:Autopolisher2.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Figure 1. Autopolisher in Polishing Lab]]<br />
#Cut samples from part using edm (electrical discharge machining) to minimize subsurface deformations<br />
#*Cutting settings<br />
#**Current 3A<br />
#**Voltage 4kV biased voltage<br />
#**Feed rate .4mm per minute (speed through material)<br />
#**Enter code (Gcode) to determine cut<br />
#Mount the samples<br />
#*[http://sop.mse.mtu.edu/index.php?title=Sample_Epoxy_Mounting See Sample Epoxy Mounting SOP] <br />
#Grind the testing surface manually using 600-grit SiC paper (Hudson)<br />
#*When the marking is gone, the epoxy layer should be removed (Roughly 5 minutes)<br />
#*Lubricate disk with water<br />
#Grind the testing surface using 800-grit SiC paper (Hudson)<br />
#*Polish for 2 minutes with a pressure of 20N or 5lb<br />
#*Lubricate disk with water<br />
#Grind the surface using 1200-grit SiC paper (Hudson) using an auto-polisher(shown in figure 1) for 3 minutes with 20N load<br />
#*Fully load the auto polisher (3 samples) to maintain an even force on the samples<br />
#*Lubricate disk with water<br />
#Polish samples with 3μm diamond paste polish for 10 minutes with a 20N load on a disc reserved for this purpose.<br />
#*Use Red lube to lubricate the disk. '''Do not use water'''.<br />
#*To apply diamond paste, Rub the paste into the disk with a '''gloved''' fingertip while the wheel spins around 100-200RPM.<br />
[[File:100X .05um partA 1.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Figure 2. A380 aluminum with .05um polish under 100X magnification]]<br />
#Polish samples with 1μm diamond paste polish for 10 minutes with a 20N load on a different disc reserved for this purpose.<br />
#*Use Red lube to lubricate the disk. '''Do not use water'''.<br />
#*To apply diamond paste, Rub the paste into the disk with a '''gloved''' fingertip while the wheel spins around 100-200RPM.<br />
#Polish samples with .05μm Aluminum oxide polish for 5 minutes with a 40N load on a disc reserved for this purpose.<br />
#Inspect surface under an optical microscope to ensure that the surface is well polished.<br />
#*For nanoindenation, the testing area should be smooth under 100X magnification<br />
#*If surface is too damaged, It needs to be resurfaced starting with the 600 grit paper</div>Gcanzalo