Problem select etching microstructure.

[07012524]

Hello.
Problem select used type etching microstructure grain size austenitizing for AISI 5155 and 5160 steel.

 

[metengr]

07012524
Your question is confusing to me and probably to others here. Can you please re-state your question with some additional information?

 

[redpicker]

My guess is that he is wanting an etchant to reveal the prior austenite grain boundries of some quenched and tempered 5155 and 5160 steels. It can be difficult, but I've seen Nital used, as well as Picral. My preference is Picral, with dishwashing soap added. Even with the best procedure, it can be difficult to get a decent etch. There is definately a knack to it.

rp

 

[stanweld]

Do you want to know the etchant for prior austenitic grains in quenched and tempered material?

 

[CdotS]

Contact Dr George Vandervoort at Buehler for help:
George F. Vander Voort
Director, Research & Technology
Buehler Ltd
41 Waukegan Road
Lake Bluff, IL 60044 USA
Phone: 1-847-295-4590

Email: George.VanderVoort@BUEHLER.COM

 

[deadrange]

redpicker,
I'm not sure he is asking for Q&T 5155/5160. It may be in the as-rolled condition for all we know. However, your suggestion of Nital/Picral will both work. I personally, like Picral, but to get grain sizes Nital would work better if you can get it to etch correctly. 2% Nital at a minimum, where you could get away with a significantly less concentration of Picral with your wetting agent of dishsoap. I just worry about the storage of the Picral, especially if it were to recrystalize.

In the past when I have an etch question I typically turn to

http://www.metallography.com/

They are quite knowledable with all etchants.