1.1 This guide covers two preparation methods for steel metallographic specimens that will be analyzed for nonmetallic inclusions with automatic image analysis (AIA) equipment. The two methods of preparation are offered as accepted methods used to retain nonmetallic inclusions in steel. This guide does not limit the user to these methods.

1.2 A procedure to test the suitability of the prepared specimen for AIA inclusion work, using differential interference contrast (DIC), is presented.