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GRAPHITE ANALYSIS
The Cast Iron (Graphite Analysis) extension automatically extracts the classification parameters from images of spherical graphite and evaluates them with respect to sample shape and size. With the ability to analyse nodular, dendritic and flake graphite, each particle can be sorted into a size class, determined on the basis of the particle parameter. The results of this are displayed as spreadsheets and diagrams along with shape distribution results. Resulting data is classified according to various national and international standards such as VDG, EN ISO 945 or ASTM that are integrated into the software, along with any other norms that are specified by the user.
Settings
The user initially needs to define the setting for the graphite analysis, which is initiated simply by clicking on the ‘Settings’ icon. To detect the nodular graphite, users can
decide between automatic or manual threshold determination. The desired standard can be selected from a list of available classifications. User are required to enter the minimum and maximum size classes for inclusions that are desirable in the results spreadsheet. Furthermore, statistical calculations can be defined on the shape of the nodular graphite particles. It is also possible to exclude very small particles which are not relevant for the measurement from the analysis.
Execution
The next step is to click on the ‘Graphite Analysis’ icon, which will commence the analysis process and automatically generates a spreadsheet of the resulting data. Further images can be analysed in the same way and each individual measurement result will be added to an overall results spreadsheet. To perform the graphite analysis for all of the images, the user simply needs to click on the ‘Graphite Summary’ icon. A diagram detailing the graphite size distribution is created along with a report, which is in accordance with the standards defined in the settings.
Results – compliant to EN ISO 945, ASTM E247 and JIS G5502
The measurement report includes the image name, calculated nodularity, area (%) and the number of detected particles, according to the defined standards. For the nodularity and the area, the Cast Iron Materials Extension also calculates the average values, displaying them in a detailed and easy-to-read list. The correct size classification is calculated by weighting the size classes, and usability is increased by the ability to select a different standard or range of size classes without the need to repeat the complete analysis procedure. |
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FERRITE/PEARLITE ANALYSIS
Settings
Both techniques are available by selecting the ‘Graphite Fraction’ icon. The first method requires the user to input the graphite content, if available from other measurements. The second technique uses the graphite content measured from the analysis of spherical graphite. Before the analysis begins, the user must select accurate thresholds so as the lighter coloured ferrite components are easily identifiable from the darker graphite/pearlite phase.
Execution
Ferrite/pearlite analysis is initiated with the simple click of the “Ferrite/Pearlite” icon. The ratio is then automatically determined and transferred into the results spreadsheet. As with the spherical graphite, measurements can be accumulated for multiple samples and subsequently reported in a single datasheet. To analyse any further images, the user simply needs to click on the ‘Next Image’ icon.
Result
The report sheet lists the image names and the percentage of Ferrite and Pearlite present. A summary is automatically generated at the end of the analysis, which includes the average values of all the measurements along with an optional diagram of the information.
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Automatic and manual analysis of 
