Metallographic specimen preparation

Before you rush out to buy a proprietary solution to metallographic polishing and etching, first consult the following book:

Greaves, R. H. & Wrighton, H. 1957 Practical Microscopical Metallography, revised and enlarged 4th edn, London: Chapman & Hall.

We have found, for example, that some of the etches suggested in it for aluminium alloys are far more effective than those suggested in modern texts or by manufacturers of metallography equipment.

If your library doesn’t have a copy, you may be able to find it second-hand using Bookfinder.com.