What do you learn in ME2 and ME3? FAQ about our metallography courses

Customers and prospective participants frequently ask us very specific technical questions about our courses. This makes sense, particularly in relation to their own work: participants want to ensure that the content meets their practical needs and genuinely advances their technical knowledge.

Below, we answer frequently asked questions about the metallography courses ME2 (Metallography – Qualitative Microstructural Analysis) and ME3 (Metallography – Quantitative Microstructural Analysis):

Which materials are covered in the seminars?

The practical part focuses on steels and cast iron. The theory also briefly covers other materials, including aluminium, copper, titanium and lead alloys.

How are microstructure formation and evaluation taught?

First, the formation of microstructures during solidification is covered in general terms. The iron–carbon diagram then provides the main basis for a more detailed examination.

Are titanium and copper alloys also covered?

Yes – the properties and typical microstructures of these materials are presented and discussed in the theoretical part.

Which welding processes are examined in the seminar?

The course does not focus on a particular welding process. Instead, it examines in general how microstructures form in the weld and heat-affected zone, particularly in steels.

For a detailed examination of welded joints, we offer a separate course: SNB – Destructive and Non-Destructive Weld Evaluation.

How is the degree of cleanliness assessed?

Assessment follows the older standard. The calculation is carried out manually, enabling participants to fully understand the method and its underlying principles.

Which methods for determining grain size are taught?

Determination is based on a grid-counting method in accordance with ASTM E562-08.

What is meant by determining phase fractions?

This involves quantifying the proportion of specific microstructural constituents in a material. It includes, for example, determining the delta ferrite content of a microstructure. This topic is covered practically in the ME2 course.

Which coatings or layers are examined when determining layer thickness?

The course focuses particularly on surface-hardened and case-hardened layers, as well as zinc coatings.