Graphite Spheroidization Ratio Measurement

黒鉛球状化率測定 

 

 

 

 

1. Graphite Spheroidization Ratio

 

Metal materials are used in various fields, and there are many types of metals. It is essential to select the appropriate material according to the application and purpose. One such metal material is cast iron.

 

金属材料の一つである鋳鉄。

 

Cast iron is a composite material in which graphite (a non-metal) is three-dimensionally dispersed within steel. The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elongation, as well as physical properties like thermal conductivity, vary depending on the shape of the graphite present. Notably, mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation require a graphite spheroidization ratio of at least 80% on average, as observed under a microscope at 100x magnification. Therefore, the graphite spheroidization ratio is a crucial evaluation criterion to ensure tensile strength and elongation.

 

鋳鉄とは

 

 

2. Methods of Analyzing Graphite Spheroidization Ratio

The procedure for analyzing the graphite spheroidization ratio involves the following steps:

1. Preprocessing step: Rough cutting for large samples
2. Preprocessing step: Embedding in resin
3. Preprocessing step: Cutting the sample
4. Preprocessing step: Coarse polishing of the cut surface
5. Preprocessing step: Fine polishing of the cut surface
6. Preprocessing step: Buff polishing for a mirror finish on the cut surface
7. Preprocessing step: Etching treatment with chemicals (burning the surface with chemicals)
8. Microscope observation
9. Classification, counting, and calculation

The preprocessing steps are numerous and time-consuming. For observation, a metallurgical microscope is used, and microscope observation is conducted at 100x magnification. Classification and numbering are performed using the roundness factor standardized by JIS industrial standards.

Using these methods, the area calculation and counting are performed to determine the graphite spheroidization ratio.

 

黒鉛球状化率を算出

 

The calculation of the graphite spheroidization ratio in the microstructure is performed as follows:

1. The magnification is set to 100x in principle, and the analysis is conducted over five fields of view to determine the average value.
2. Graphite and inclusions less than 2 mm (actual dimension 20 μm) are excluded from the analysis.
3. Comparison is made using a classification table.
4. The graphite spheroidization ratio is calculated as the percentage (%) of graphite particles with shapes V and VI relative to the total number of graphite particles.

This method is analog, requiring complex and time-consuming tasks. Including preprocessing steps, the process demands significant time and effort, is prone to human error, and makes evaluation challenging.

 

 

3. Improving the Efficiency of Graphite Spheroidization Ratio Analysis

We propose a method using graphite spheroidization software. This approach involves capturing clear images of spheroidized graphite under a microscope and analyzing them with software. The analysis adheres to the aforementioned calculation methods through image processing. Various shapes and sizes of spheroidized graphite can be identified in the images. Additionally, the software can automatically measure the area and count the graphite from these high-resolution images. Moreover, the software can export the static images and precise values in an Excel format, streamlining the entire process of report creation.

For more details on the graphite spheroidization ratio measurement software, please refer here.

 

Graphite Spheroidization Ratio Measurement Software (Nippon Steel Technology Co., Ltd.) KKS04

 

 

4. An Efficient Set for Analyzing Graphite Spheroidization Ratio

Recommended for those who need to analyze large cast iron samples, prefer portability, and want a simplified method for measuring the graphite spheroidization ratio!
● Set includes a compact, easy-to-use metallurgical microscope with a camera, and graphite spheroidization ratio measurement software.

 

小型簡易金属顕微鏡

Compact and Portable Metallurgical Microscope KKKI-STD6-130DN

● Easy observation of large cast iron samples
● Compact and portable design for convenient use

小型簡易金属顕微鏡

 

プラス
黒鉛球状化率測定ソフト(日鉄テクノロジー株式会社製)

 

Graphite Spheroidization Ratio Measurement Software (Nippon Steel Technology Co., Ltd.)

 

 

Highly recommended for those who want a more comprehensive approach to measuring the graphite spheroidization ratio!

● Set includes a metallurgical microscope, a microscope camera, and graphite spheroidization ratio measurement software.

 

倒立型金属顕微鏡 (超高倍率顕微鏡) Inverted Metallurgical Microscope (Ultra-High Magnification) GR-29J-C3J
プラス
顕微鏡用USB3.0カメラ(500万画素)

 

USB 3.0 Camera for Microscopes (5 Megapixels) HDCT-500DN3

プラス
黒鉛球状化率測定ソフト(日鉄テクノロジー株式会社製)

 

 

Graphite Spheroidization Ratio Measurement Software (Nippon Steel Technology Co., Ltd.)

 

 

5. Conclusion

 

Using software for measuring the graphite spheroidization ratio is highly efficient. We offer both convenient, simplified sets and comprehensive, advanced sets to meet your needs.

 

Product Inquiry phone028-3911-2006

Specification

General Specification

Camera

Lens

Lighting

Feature of the pre-installed software for Simplified Measurement

soft_img

  • Observe live video
  •     
  • Simultaneous display of live image and save screen
  • Save the still image (JPEG, BMP)
  • Pause the observed image (Freeze Function)
  • Measure the distance between two points
  • Supported OS: WindowsXP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10 (Compatible with 32bit and 64bit)
  • * Saving and reading calibrated data while measure

Glass scale for the calibrations is option.

A powerful measuring software MeasurePRO

MeasurePRO

A measuring software developed by our company.
Able to display multiple crosslines, grids, saved thumbnails and comments. Can export the data to Excel.

  • Measuring types

    [Distance between 2 points]
    [3 Points Angle]
    [4 Points Angle]
    [Diameter]
    [Distance between 2 circles]
    [Perpendicular line]
    [Area]

  • Features

    ・Export to excel
    ・Show multiple crosslines
    ・X, Y axis scales
    ・Show grid lines
    ・Display both saved image and live image on separate screens
    ・Insert comments

MeasurePRO-Ex

MeasurePRO-Ex

Measuring software with focus stacking function

Standard accessories are two glass scales for calibration (GS - 0.2, GS - 0.5).

Measure easily on the screen.

  • Measuring types

    [Distance between 2 points]
    [3 Points Angle]
    [4 Points Angle]
    [Diameter]
    [Distance between 2 circles]
    [Perpendicular line]
    [Area]

  • Features

    ・Focus stacking function

The powerful MeasurePRO and the function-rich MeasurePRO-Ex measurement software comparison

 ・Please refer to the table below for the availability of the functions you need

  MeasurePRO-Ex MeasurePRO
Measure distance between 2 points
Focus stacking
Export to excel
Show thumbnails
Adjust screen magnification
Display crossline Multiple Multiple
Display grids
Display X, Y axis scales
Supports Windows XP、Vista、7、8 and 10 (32bit・64bit)

Inquire about this product

phone028-3911-2006

Business hour: 08:00 - 17:00
Closed on weekends & public holidays