Although the Metallurgical Microscope resembles a biology microscope, its optical structure is completely different. In a biological microscope, light penetrates the sample from below, while in a Metallurgical Microscope, light passes through the lens from above, hits the sample, and then reflects back (indirect illumination), making it specifically designed for observing opaque objects. In "mirror mode," it allows observation of material microstructure (grain structure, cross-sectional structure), making it the most authoritative tool for judging material quality.
Semiconductor/Electronics Industry: Inspecting wafer surface defects and solder ball microstructure.
Steel/Machinery Industry: Component cross-sectional analysis and measurement of hardened layer depth on gear surfaces.
Failure Analysis (FA): Determining whether component fracture is brittle or fatigue fracture.
