Comparison fields, test lines or intercept marks provide references for evaluating microstructure. The pattern must correspond to the selected grain-sizing method.
Specify optical glass or fused silica, overall dimensions, thickness, pattern-side orientation and the clear aperture. Define transmission, reflectance or optical density at the working wavelength when optical contrast is critical.
A visual comparison pattern supports grain-size classification; a test-line pattern supports counting boundary intersections over a calibrated length. These are different evaluation routes.
Point fractions, intercepts and material samplingEtching contrast, section orientation and field selection determine which boundaries are visible. Match the pattern to the chosen grain-size method and evaluate multiple representative fields.
Calibrate eyepiece divisions against a stage scaleComparison fields, test lines or intercept marks provide references for evaluating microstructure. The pattern must correspond to the selected grain-sizing method.
Choose a grain reference for a metallographic procedure based on comparison or intercept counting, using the specimen preparation and magnification associated with that method.
Grain sizing evaluates a microstructure’s grain scale; inclusion assessment evaluates non-metallic constituents. Their comparison patterns and preparation methods differ, so one named metallographic reticle should not be substituted for another solely because both contain lines or circles.
Line geometry, graduations, labels, field diameter, substrate thickness and mounting outline can be matched to the instrument. Contrast and line density should allow the reference and the specimen to remain visible together.
A patterned glass reference component with the selected graduations, outline and mounting dimensions, accompanied by the specified inspection records.
Comparison patterns for method-defined grain-size examination.
Grain-size comparison reticles provide reference patterns or sampling geometry for metallographic grain assessment.
Select comparison or intercept geometry for the material structure and assessment method. Calibrate the optical scale before reporting results.
Method, reference chart or intercept pattern, magnification, field and mounting size.
Choose the comparison or intercept procedure for the material and method, with the corresponding reference pattern.