The task of metallography i.e. materialography is to ascertain the structure of the material by means of macro & microscopic procedures. 

In order to be able to examine a material and come to a satisfactory conclusion about its quality, grinding & polishing of a sample is an important initial step in metallography i.e. materialography. This scratch-free step suitable for macro and/or microscopic observation must have a representative, sharp-edged and level surface of the material to be examined, which allows clear recognition of its structure. Therefore it is essential that no scratches, unwanted fractures, foreign bodies or deformations appear in the preparation of the material. Preparation normally takes place in 6 steps: cut-off, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching and microscopic examination. Finally, evaluation of the sample by means of macro or microscopy as well as hardness testing; that is if so required.