Polishing table

The ESA–RAL Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory on Harwell Campus, UK, assesses new material processes, joining techniques and 3D printing technologies for application in space.

Polishing samples is necessary for microstructural analysis because it creates a better surface finish when analysed through a Scanning Electron Microscope, for example. At the end of the polishing process, the metal surface reveals the material’s microstructure and texture, making it reflective.