Replica-Q2

On field testing, metallography can be applied non-destructively by replication technique. Briefly explain, what is the replication technique and it objective?

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• Replication means, the act or process of duplicating or reproducing something.

• Replication in metallography, is the use of thin plastic films to nondestructively duplicate the microstructure of a component. The film is then examined at high magnifications using metallurgical microscope (or SEM).

• The object of this nondestructive testing method is to allow viewing of the surface microstructure of operating components.

Or the answer could be like this

• The sample is ground, polished, etched, replication & inspected in the field to identify microscopic defects

• Tests metals currently in use, instead of metals being mass produced

• Addresses potential failure problems of industrial equipment

• The objective is to determine the microstructural deterioration & damage of engineering alloys subjected to various environments