Metallography of AISI 1020 Steel
Steel is an alloy consisting mostly of iron, with a smaller amount of carbon. AISI 1020 steel is a low carbon steel with a variety of uses. It is commonly used for the production of metals such as automobile parts, structural components, and hand tools. The composition of AISI 1020 steel allows it to be heat treated, giving it the ability to be hardened for increased strength and wear resistance. The study of the microscopic structure of metals is known as metallography. To observe the microscopic structure of AISI 1020 steel, metallography is often used.
Metallic samples must first be prepared before metallography can be conducted. This preparation includes cutting the metallic specimen into smaller pieces and then smoothing the surface using an abrasive. The smoothing process should create raised and flattened surfaces which allow the interior microstructure of the specimen to be seen.
Once the specimen has been properly prepared, it is then mounted on a specimen holder in order to prevent movement during examination. A metallographic wheel is used to carefully inspect the specimen so that any microstructural features can be accurately analyzed. Once the wheel has been properly aligned, it is then connected to a microscope.
With the wheel and microscope now connected, the specimen can now be examined. The wheel and microscope allow the operator to zoom in on a specific area of the specimen, allowing them to observe and identify any microstructural features. Depending on the purpose of the examination, a wide variety of features can be identified. During the examination of AISI 1020 steel, carbides, matrix structure, grain size, surface finish, and any anomalies present can all be observed.
The examination and analysis of the specimen will typically lead to the production of a metallographic diagram. This diagram will contain information on the examination and any noteworthy microstructural features present in the specimen. With the knowledge gathered from the metallography examination, engineers are able to predict the properties and performance of the steel in particular applications.
Metallography is an important tool used to study the microscopic structure of metals. Due to its ability to be heat treated and its proven strength, AISI 1020 steel is a commonly used material in the production of automobile parts, structural components, and hand tools. By using metallography, engineers are able to examine and analyze the specimen enabling them to predict the behavior, durability, and performance of the steel in certain applications.