The polishing of the materialographic specimen serves, similar like grinding and after the grinding step, to remove the deformation introduced into the material. For this purpose, the unbound abrasive/grain is applied to special polishing cloths in gradually finer grain sizes.
The polishing of the materialographic specimen serves, similar like grinding and after the grinding step, to remove the deformation introduced into the material. For this purpose, the unbound abrasive/grain is applied to special polishing cloths in gradually finer grain sizes. A distinction is made between three polishing processes with different polishing media:
QPREP diamond suspensions are the polishing product of choice for materialographic preparations. The range of different chemical bases (water, alcohol, or oil) allows scratch-free polishing, depending on the application.
QPREP diamond suspensions are characterized by
The abrasive used is (industrial) diamond, which is divided into monocrystalline and polycrystalline, since different levels of material removal rate are achieved.
Polycrystalline (industrial) diamonds |
Monocrystalline (industrial) diamonds |
||
 |
It consists of a single crystal that breaks into small slices like a block when used. There is no self-sharpening effect as with polycrystalline diamonds. Due to this, a more material-friendly but also more time-consuming removal rate is achieved during polishing. |
 |
It consists of a multi-crystal, which breaks into smaller components when used, thus repeatedly creating new cutting edges (self-sharpening effect). This results in a high material removal rate and time-optimized polishing results. |
QPREP diamond suspensions are used in combination with a lubricant based on water, alcohol, or oil. The right mixing ratio between suspension and lubricant must be observed to achieve correct polishing results. Alternatively, QATM offers the QPREP Dia-COMPLETE All-In-One diamond suspension. It contains the lubricant in an optimized ratio, which eliminates the need for manual dosing and mixing of suspension and lubricant.
QPREP fine polishing suspensions are the polishing products of choice for the most demanding polishing requirements. In this process, a chemical-mechanical polishing is performed using colloidal silicon dioxide or aluminum oxide. A colloidal suspension is a heterogeneous mixture, in which fine particles are evenly distributed in a liquid, and do not settle. Fine polishing suspensions with colloidal silicon dioxide utilize this stability for effective and gentle polishing, which improves surface quality and consistently delivers high-quality results.
Product Advantages
Recommended applications
QPREP lubricants (diamond lubricants) based on water, alcohol and oil are used with the polishing products mentioned above. The lubricant ensures even distribution of the polishing product on the polishing cloth. In addition, it also serves to cool the cloth and sample while polishing.
QPREP Diamond lubricant yellow (water-based) is especially environmentally friendly and provides an even lubricating film on the polishing cloth.
QPREP Diamond lubricant blue (alcohol-based) has a higher viscosity and surface tension. Due to this, the lubricant remains longer on the polishing cloth. This allows a more economical dosage.
QPREP Diamond lubricant red (oil based) is an oil – water emulsion and due to its higher viscosity ensures a consistently stable lubricating film on the polishing cloth. Optimal for heat as well as water sensitive materials.
As an alternative to the diamond suspension as a polishing product, QATM also offers QPREP diamond spray and diamond paste. These are particularly well suited for commissioning new polishing cloths. When using these, make sure that the QPREP lubricants are also used.
Product Advantages
Recommended applications
For a deformation- and relief-free polishing result, choosing the right polishing cloth is crucial. The cloth material and texture (silk, artificial silk, synthetic fibers, wool fabric, felt, flocked or foamed synthetic fabrics) and the resulting impact elasticity play a decisive role in the selection of the suiting polishing cloth. The fastening systems (GALAXY metal disc with magnetic foil or GALAXY X-Tap) also differ, and can influence the polishing result. The GALAXY polishing cloths, optimized with the QPREP anti-slip backing, withstand high shear forces even under high contact pressures and fully loaded sample holders, ensuring a stable polishing process at all times.
At the beginning, pre-polishing, polishing cloths with a low resilience (hard cloth material) are selected, as these support the retention of edge sharpness. In comparison to the further polishing steps, a higher material removal is achieved during pre-polishing due to longer polishing times.
Polishing cloths with different resilience are used for intermediate polishing. The objective of the polish and the material to be polished are always the determining factors for the selection of a suitable polishing cloth.
The selection of QPREP polishing cloths offers a suitable cloth for every polishing step, which, with the matching QPREP diamond suspension, ensures excellent polishing results.
