Microstructure Characterizer Software

TCR Engineering Services (India)

TCR Advanced Engineering (Baroda)
TCR World Inc. (USA)

TCR Engineering Services

35 Pragati Industrial Estate,
N. M Joshi Marg, Lower Parel,
Mumbai - 400 011, Maharashtra, India
Tel : 91-22-23073390, 23092347, 23097921
Tel : 91-22-23097923, 23091938, 23053930
Fax: 91-22-23080197
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tcreng.com
Plot No. EL 182,
MIDC TTC,
Electronic Zone, Mhape
Navi Mumbai 400 705, Maharashtra, India
D&B D-U-N-S Number: 86-216-7249
Ariba Supplier: ANID: AN01-000-504-648

TCR Advanced Engineering

36/2/9, First Floor
Abhishek Complex,
G.I.D.C., Makarpura
Vadodara
390
010,
Gujrat, India
Phone: +91-265- 2657233
Email: [email protected]

Microstructure Characterizer Software

Executive Summary
Developed in-house by expert metallurgists and material science engineers at TCR
Engineering and TCR Advanced Engineering the Microstructure Characterizer (MiC)
2.0 is the powerful image analysis software for Metallurgical use.
Digital images taken from a Microscope are analyzed by Microstructure
Characterizer, the software for microstructure interpretation. Using this software, a
Material Science engineer can characterize different types of micro structural images
for grain size, coating thickness and phases; get images from one or more files; and
intensify the image using the filtering and enhancement features.
Microstructure Characterizer Software version 2.0 offers following modules:

Grain Size Measurement and Distribution Plots (Automatic and Manual modes)
Volume Fraction (Automatic and Manual modes)
Inclusion Rating (Automatic and Manual modes)
Graphite Morphology (Automatic and Manual modes)
Nodularity Assessment
Bulk or micro Hardness Measurement and generating profile
Particle Size Measurement and generating histogram of size distribution
Linear and Angular Dimensioning.
Percent of Delta Ferrite phase present in the microstructure for color
Metallography.
Acquire images manually from one or more files.
Increasing image detail using the filtering and enhancement tools.
Create reports in Rich Text Format or Custom Made as per users' choice.
Easy to operate - One Touch Calibration for different image resolutions.

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Microstructure Characterizer Software

Microstructure Characterizer Software (MiC) characterizes microstructural features
using standard methods of material characterization such as ASTM grain size
measurements, coating thickness, linear and angular measurements, comparison of
super imposed grain size reticules, inclusion rating as per IS and ASTM standards,
nodularity measurements, powder particle size distribution and so on.
It helps generate custom made formatted reports of live and stored images and
offers results as the computer display as well as hard copy multicolor printouts.
Grain size Measurement and Distribution Plots
ASTM Grain Size Number
Dimensions of the grains or crystals in a polycrystalline metal exclusive of twinned
regions and subgrains when present. Grain size is usually estimated or measured on
the cross section of an aggregate of grains. The common units of grain size are:

Average diameter, Average Area

Number of grains per linear unit, Number of grains per unit area, Number of
grains per unit volume

Grains size number

A grain size designation bearing a relationship to average intercept distance at 100
diameters magnification according to the equation:
G = 10.0 - 2 Log2 L (where L = average intercept distance in millimeters at 100
times magnification)
To obtain the grain size measurement in the Microstructure Characterizer Software:
1. Open the image and solarize it to isolate grain boundaries from the matrix.
2. Press of a button will produce the Result in the form of a chart.

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Microstructure Characterizer Software

Volume Fraction
Microstructure Characterizer Software (MiC) ships with a great feature of finding
Volume fraction numbers (percentage and absolute area). These numbers are
determined by automated point counting procedure for statistically estimation on a
grid of one to one pixel resolution bases.
Microstructure Characterizer Software is a user friendly tool that needs only dragging
of color map counts volume fraction. The user can add up to five images for counting
of volume fraction.
Following screen snap shot demonstrates how you get the result on screen using the
Microstructure Characterizer Software.

Inclusion Rating
Inclusion Rating (ASTM)
Inclusions - Foreign material held mechanically, usually referring to non-metallic
particles, such as oxides, sulfides, silicates etc are considered as inclusion.
Inclusion Count - Determination of the number, kind, size and distribution of nonmetallic such inclusions.
As per E-45 of ASTM "Determining the inclusion content of steel", determination of
nonmetallic inclusion content of steel is accomplished by Macroscopic methods
include macroetch, fracture, step down and magnetic particle tests, and
Microscopical methods include four generally accepted systems of examinations.
Inclusion rating engine of the Microstructure Characterizer Software is based only on
microscopical method. In Microscopical method, inclusions are assigned to a category
based on similarities in morphology, and not necessarily on their chemical identity.
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Microstructure Characterizer Software

Inclusions such as carbides, nitrides, carbonitrides, borides and intermetallic phases
may not be rated using this method.
Inclusion Rating (IS)
Inclusion Rating as per Indian Standard IS 4163 1982 can be done from the
comparison chart given below. All the frames are as per the standard but at lower
magnification.
Microstructure Characterizer Software ships with standard IS rating frames with
inclusion type, subtype and ratings, which is to be compared with image whose
rating is to be done. Matching frame is the rating number and type and subtype.
Use of this method is recommended for imprecise but rapid and bulk approach for
Inclusion Rating.
Live image may be floated on screen by selecting stay on top option from the frame
grabber card window. MiC version 2.0 provides on screen rulers which are useful to
find distance between two cursor locations. These distances are provided considering
magnification / objective factor and are true to the scale in the unit of micrometers.

Inclusion Rating (JIS)

The Japanese International Standard specifies the test mehod to measure the types
of and the quantity of non-metallic inclusions in steel with a microscope and judge its
cleanliness.
For terms and definitions on this standard, refer to G0555 and G0202 of JIS.
This method works on the principle of Point Counting. A grid of 20 x 20 lines is
virtually drawn on the frame. Each point occupying any kind of inclusion is
determined based on Thershold Setting. Threshold by default is set to an adequate
value near to 85. However, operator is responsible for suitable thresholding of
image. Type of inclusion is determined in accordance to JIS guidelines given in

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Microstructure Characterizer Software

G0555 and three different types of cleanliness. Rating is automatically found out by
MiC. The result of JIS would, typically look like:
dA60 x 400 = 0.15%
dB60 x 400 = 0.02%
dC60 x 400 = 0.09%
Graphite Morphology
MiC has built-in engine to recognize the shape of phase in case of cast iron it is
Graphite Morphology. There are six base types of presence of Graphite in the cast
irons. MiC has adopted the path as per guidelines given in Japanese International
Standards number JIS 5502.
Following six standard types are provided.

These types may be identified manually or automatically. MiC graphite morphology

detection engine can isolate any of these with subclasses.
MiC routines are provided to identify the shape of graphite; hence depending on
presence of majority of the shape classification is assessed. It is mandatory to
solarize the image before getting the result.
Normally, "Phase" auto detection mode with detection depth of 20 provides
satisfactory result however, if found improper manual Solarization for isolation of
graphite flakes / nodules is required by considering graphite as primary phase and
make background as matrix.
Experiments at MiC Laboratory concludes that graphite morphology detection
accuracy increases when microstructure is kept in as polished condition. Graphite
morphology detection as per ASTM shall be provided soon.

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Microstructure Characterizer Software

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Microstructure Characterizer Software

Nodularity Assessment
Nodularity as per Japanese International Standard refers to number of nodular
(rounded) graphite particles in microstructure against total number of graphite
particles. Meaning thereby 80% nodularity consists of 80 particles qualifying under
nodular (round or globular) in nature out of 100.
Nodularity as per ASM is mentioned as "The volumetric proportion of spheroidal or
nodular graphite to total graphite in a ductile iron or a compacted graphite iron
matrix".
The term Nodularity is useful for acceptance / rejection of inventory material. Higher
is the nodularity more is the Cast Iron's ductility.
As such, cast irons are famous for their good wear resistance but at the same time
they possess less toughness. Malleable cast irons are having optimized property for
toughness.
Normal acceptance value for a good Malleable cast iron is 80% nodularity. However,
this figure does not bind to all the cases. Actual figure may be agreed between buyer
and seller.
ASM states that very high nodule counts are sometimes associated with low
hardenability and non-uniform tempering.
Generally, a nodule count of 80 to 150 discrete graphite particles per square
millimeter appears to be optimum.
MiC shape identifier engine works on the principle of two-dimensional projection of
particles. Especially, graphite particles possess quite a different morphology. For
qualifying them to be nodular, their two dimensional projection is compared to the
normal circularity index. Index of 80 is considered for qualification to be called
"nodular". This guideline has been adopted from the Japanese International
Standard.
MiC provides three distinguished results.
(1) Total count
(2) Total nodular count
(3) Nodularity as percent of nodules of total counts in a given image.
Besides a list of all the particles is provided for reference to find which particle on the
screen identified as nodular and irregular; with area covered under each discrete
particle is listed.
Any strength of customization is possible with MiC, right from new detection logic
concept or image resolution or simultaneous image processing or with regard to
reporting. What ever wished by the customer can be fulfilled with highest accuracy
and repeatability algorithms.

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Microstructure Characterizer Software

Hardness Measurement and Profiling

MiC provides you a module named "Hardness Measurement". This module is helpful
to measure the hardness provided you have indented a diamond pyramid impression
on a sample and grabbed the image. Measurement of diagonal indentation
sometimes becomes difficult using microscope eyepiece rulers. Particularly, when
indentation is made at lighter weight of about 10 to 200 grams.
Before proceeding to the detail of this module, let us go through some definition of
known test methods for hardness measurement.
Rockwell Hardness Test
An indentation hardness test using a verified machine to force a diamond
spheroconical indenter (diamond indenter), or hard steel ball indenter under
specified conditions, into the surface of the material under test in two operations,
and to measure the difference in depth of the indentation under the specified
conditions of preliminary and total test forces.
Rockwell Hardness Number
A number derived from the net increase in the depth of indentation as the force on
an indenter is increased from a specified preliminary test force to a specified total
test force and then returned to preliminary test force.
Vickers Hardness Test
An indentation hardness test using calibrated machines to force a square - based
pyramidal diamond indenter having specified face angles, under a predetermined
load, into the surface of the material under test and to measure the diagonals of the
resulting impression after removal of the load.

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Microstructure Characterizer Software

VHN
A number related to the applied load and the surface area of the permanent
impression made by a square - based pyramidal diamond indenter having included
faces angles of 136deg computed from an equation.
Using Microstructure Characterizer Software hardness measurement module you can
accurately measure the diagonal of the Vickers hardness pyramid indentation. Enter
the magnification of image and load applied to indent the sample. Position the image
at corner to corner and edge to edge mating with nicely interfaced square "scroll
ruler". Press the 'measure' button and you shall get the resultant hardness number
in VHN. Along with hardness number, if you enter the distance in X-axis (mm /
micron) between the edge of sample to indentation, you shall get a plot of hardness
versus distance on screen. You can experiment with different scales on X and Y-axis
and suitable range and get nicely arranged hardness measurement profile for
samples showing depth of Case Depth of nitriding or carburizing etc.
The figures below show a brief summary.

Particle Size Measurement

The conventional way for particle size distribution is sieving. Sieves of different mesh
size are kept on one on top to other. All of them are fixed on a vibrator or shaking
unit. Particles are charged on the top sieve then shaking is started for about 20 to 30
minutes. Discharge of different sieve in terms of weight provides result. The result
obtained gives fairly accurate histogram of how much (weight) of charged quantity
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Microstructure Characterizer Software

qualifies in which range. Figure on right hand side provides a visual look to the old traditional way of size distribution.
Microstructure Characterizer Software's particle size measurement and distribution
module provides optical interface. For which you shall capture about 20 to 25 frames
of particles of interest for analysis. One by one all the frames are then analyzed by
MiC. Open the image in MiC then select from the menu Measurements >> Powder
particles size and Distribution.
Optical microscopy method is quite feasible for particle sizing between 0.5 to 100
micron.
The MiC particle size and distribution module provides you few options to get the
desired format for result. The screen shot shown below indicates an example of
particles ranging in 8.89 micrometer to 44.66-micrometer size.

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Microstructure Characterizer Software

Linear / Angular Measurement
Microstructure Characterizer Software provides facility to measure anything in any
direction by means of click i.e one can measure Plating Thickness/PCB Layer
Thickness/Nitrided
Layer/Case
hardened
layer/Individual
Nodule-Grin
Diameter/PearliteLameale/Lathe Distance etc & that is with high accuracy & more
precision.

Reporting
Any strength of customization is possible with MiC, right from new detection logic
concept or image resolution or simultaneous image processing or with regard to
reporting. What ever wished by the customer can be fulfilled with highest accuracy
and repeatability algorithms.
MiC has two built in modules for Reporting. Namely, report format in word 'Rich Text
Format' that may be opened in standard text formating editors like MS Word and
second, 'Custom Report Format' that ships with MiC. Both of the report modules are
easy to understand and does not require user input. On click of a button you can
print the report with elegant look and feel. Reporting in word 'RTF' is easy to port
between the applications. By clicking option 'Send To Report' shall generate a 'RTF'
file, opened in in-built RTF editor of MiC.
The report may be tailored to your choice of look. Video demonstrations of how to
alter different setting for custom report are provided with the MiC installation CD. To
incorporate your company letterhead, you may open the file named 'letterhead.bmp'
located in MiC installation folder, in paintbrush application and carry out necessary
changes. To change overall effect and look of the printed report you may change a
file 'vf.bmp' located in the same folder, by opening simple image editors like Paint
Brush. Changing these files once, makes permanent changes to the look of custom
report and does not require alteration at any other time.
A click of a button command 'Send To Custom Report' from any of the MiC Modules
prints the report directly on default printer. Prior to print you shall also be provided a
preview as shown below for the case of Grain Size measurement module.
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Microstructure Characterizer Software

Cost
This software is for sale. Please contact TCR World Inc. in case you are interested in
purchasing this tool.
Our software is priced attractively and includes option for on-site training for your
metallurgists.
A time limited demo version of the software along with screen cam video's of the
different
functionality
listed
above
is
available
at
http://www.tcreng.com/products/laboratory-software/microstructurecharacterizer/demo/

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Microstructure Characterizer Software

About TCR Engineering Services
Founded in 1973, TCR Engineering Services (TCR) is India's most reputed and
established, NABL and ISO 17025 accredited independent material testing
laboratory. The core services TCR provides include Mechanical Testing, Chemical
Analysis, Positive Material identification (PMI), Non Destructive Testing,
Metallography, Corrosion Testing, Failure Analysis, Raw Material Inspection,
Metallurgical Product evaluation, Engineering Research and Consultancy.
Mechanical and Physical Testing
Comprehensive range of Mechanical Testing with a dedicated machine shop to assist
in sample preparation. Capabilities include: Tensile, Impact, Weldability, Bend,
Compression, Flaring/Flattening, Hardness, Dynamic Loading, Drop Weight, Proof
Load, Fasteners, Hydraulic/Pneumatic, Component Testing, and more.
Chemical Analysis
State of the art Chemical Analysis laboratory allows our expert chemists to analyze
ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ceramics, glass, refractories, mineral and ferro
alloys in PPB or PPM level or in percentage. Our capabilities include: Wet Chemistry,
Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
Spectrometer, Automatic Combustion based Carbon and Sulfur determination, Glow
Discharge spectrometer for (GDS) chemical depth profiling, and more.
Positive Material Identification (PMI)
TCR Engineering's Positive Material Identification service is fast becoming an integral
part of process safety management in the petroleum refining, petrochemical and
electric power generation industries in India, Middle-East and Asia-Pacific. Our
capabilities include: Portable Optical Emission Spectrometer and a number of
Portable X-Ray Florescence (XRF) Spectrometers.
Failure Analysis and Metallography Testing
Our facilities include Optical Microscope with Image Analysis system, Micro Hardness
Tester, In-situ Metallography Kits, Stress Analyzer, Dilatometer, and Electronic
Polishing and Etching system. TCR can procure on-hire basis, a scanning electron
microscope and an elemental analysis by EDAX.
Corrosion Testing
TCR performs a wide range of Corrosion and Stress Corrosion Tests as part of the
AST, NACE or client supplied specifications. Senior staff members are available to
help and advise on corrosion problems or materials selection in laboratory or on-site
inspection. Routine tests undertaken to evaluate the corrosion resistance of materials
to environmental corrosion, pitting corrosion, resistance of materials to stress
corrosion and inter-granular attack, including HIC, and SSCC tests.
Specialized Non Destructive Testing (NDT) Services
Radiography Testing, Ultrasonic Flaw detection, Magnetic Particle and Liquid Dye
Penetrant Testing, Portable Hardness detection, Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging survey
and Raw Material Inspection. Residual Life Assessment (RLA) of Boilers and pressure
vessels.

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Microstructure Characterizer Software

Locations
We welcome service and technical inquiry, from simple questions to more involved
interpretations of codes and specifications. We are located at:
TCR Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd.
35 Pragati Industrial Estate,
N. M Joshi Marg, Lower Parel,
Mumbai - 400 011, India
Tel : 23073390, 23092347, 23097921
Tel : 23097923, 23091938, 23053930
Fax :+ 91-22-23080197
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tcreng.com

TCR Engineering Services

Plot No. EL-182, MIDC-TTC, Electronic
Zone, Behind Nelco, Mhape, Navi Mumbai-400
710
Maharashtra, India
Tel: 27610921/22/23, 27612324, 27631508
Tel: 32936355, 65160805, 65168100/8200
Fax: +91-22-27612044
24 hours Cellular Phone: +91-9323397295
E-Mail: [email protected]

(USA, China, Asia-Pacific, and Europe)

TCR World Inc., USA
14625 Baltimore Ave, Box 109
Laurel, MD 20707, USA
Tel: +1-240-505-0739
E-Mail: [email protected]

TCR Advanced Engineering, Baroda

36/2/9, First Floor, Abhishek Complex
G.I.D.C., Makarpura
Vadodara - 390 010, Gujrat, India
Tel: +91-(0265)- 2657233, 2643024
Fax: +91-(0265)- 2634375
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tcradvanced.com

TCR Arabia
C/o GAS Arabian Services
P.O.Box 3422, King Saud Street
Opp. Juffali Showroom,
Dammam 31471, Saudi Arabia
Tel: +966-5049-97683
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tcr-arabia.com

TCR Kuwait
Fahaheel-64023
Ahmadi, Kuwait
Tel: +965-5072765
E-Mail: [email protected]

TCR ENGINEERING
MALAYSIA
2D-03-06 Mutiara Idaman,
Solok Tengku Jelutong,
George Town Pulau Pinang
11600 Malaysia.
Tel/Fax : +604 - 2817477
Mobile : +6016 - 445 8283
Email
: [email protected]

Mumbai Metal Market

TCR Engineering Services
2/10, Kikabhai Mansion,
7 Kika Street,
Mumbai - 400 004
Maharashtra, India
Tel : +91-22-23428642, 56363267

Sample collection centers in India:

KHB Engineering Services
C/o. K. K. Engg. Works
Shed No. 10 of M. P. L. U. N.,
Behind Allahabad Bank, 'A' Sector,
Industrial Area,
Govindpura, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Tel : +91-(0755)-2586531, 5261264
Fax : (+91)-(0755)-5261297

Navi Mumbai Metal Market

Shop No. 44, Mahesh Shopping,
Sector
15
CBD
Belapur
(East),
Konkanbhavan,
Navi Mumbai 400 614,Maharashtra, India
Tel : +91-(022)-27577650, 27576185,
Cell: +91-9223235114

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