EBSD Sample Preparation for SLM 3D-Printed Cu-Ni Alloys
Selective laser melting (SLM) offers significant potential for producing Cu-Ni alloys for marine equipment and heat-exchange components, thanks to their corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity.
However, the relatively soft, ductile material and potential microcracks along melt pool boundaries make high-quality EBSD sample preparation challenging. Surface deformation, residual stress, and charging during SEM examination can compromise EBSD pattern quality and data acquisition.
TROJAN provides an integrated preparation workflow combining TJ2227 conductive epoxy resin, Alpha-610 automatic grinding and polishing, and VP-430 vibratory polishing.
- TJ2227 conductive epoxy resin: Low-shrinkage mounting with good edge retention and electrical conductivity helps mitigate charging during SEM/EBSD examination.
- Alpha-610 automatic grinder/polisher: Controlled, stepwise grinding and polishing helps achieve a flat, consistent surface while improving process reproducibility.
- VP-430 vibratory polishing system: A low-stress finishing step helps reduce residual mechanical deformation from previous preparation stages, supporting EBSD analysis.
The prepared surface reveals linear microdefects associated with the printed material, providing a basis for investigating grain orientation, melt pool microstructure, and defect distribution.
Sample Preparation Route
1.Grinding: MET-SP SiC abrasive paper, P400 → P800 → P1200 → P2500
2.Coarse polishing: YS-JP + 3 μm PD-WT
3.Fine polishing: YS-JP + 1 μm PD-WT
4.Final polishing: ZN-ZP + 50 nm SO-A439
5.Vibratory polishing: VP-430
Reliable sample preparation is an important step toward meaningful EBSD characterization and better understanding of additive-manufactured materials.
