Replication field metallography is an important technique which may be used to obtain microstructural information from material or components which cannot be removed for laboratory examination.

It is essentially non-destructive in nature and can be performed on components which must be returned to service.

Field metallogarphy is not only used to assess high temperature effects such as creep cavitation, but can also be used to verify heat treatment condition, nature of material damage (the sensitisation of stainless steel) or stress corrosion cracking which cannot otherwise be detected by other means of non-destructive examination.

For on site use, portable microscopes, hardness testers, ultrasonic thickness meters and photographic equipment are employed for permanent recording.

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