Ball-cratering

The thickness of the deposits was determined by the ball cratering method or SEM measurement of cross-sections. The elemental composition was determined by electron microprobe analysis with wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (EPMA-WDS) on a Camebax Cameca equipment and by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) on a VG Escalab MK2 apparatus... 

EDX Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy TEM Transmission Electron Microsoopry XRD X-ray Diffraction Nl Nanoindentations NIT Nano-Impact Test IT Impact Test ITMFS Impact Test with Modulated Force Signal BC Ball Cratering Test WLS White light scanning 3D measurements NT Inclined Impact Test S Scratch test NS Nano-scratch test RC Rockwell C OIF DiFfusion test OX Oxidation test TRM TRiboMeter... 

The ball cratering method offers a genuine alternative to transverse and oblique sectioning techniques, because it can be performed with great simplicity, speed, and accuracy. In this method, a concave depression is ground into the sample surface by means of a steel ball rotating on a precisely centered spindle. An abrasive is introduced to the process in the form of a diamond suspension. 

Figure 137. Functional principle of the ball cratering method.

Table 62. Examples of preparation parameters used in the ball cratering technique...

Fig. 139 shows an example of ball cratering used to determine the thickness of a two-layer system of TiClTiN on a steel substrate. The test conditions included a... 

Figure 139. Ball cratering of a two-layer system of TiC and TiN on steel.

FIGURE 13. Geometry of the ball-cratering procedure. (Adapted from Reference 78.)... 

Ball cratering is related to angle lapping,in which the sample is polished at a slight bevel. Similar measurements can also be made on the wall of a sputter crater, but without an easy conversion from a lateral distance to depth. Although these methods are destructive, they have the advantage over ion bombardment that the measurement along the crater wall can be repeated. 

Gee M. G., Gant A., Hutchings I., Bethke R., Schiffman K. etal (2003X Progress towards standardisation of ball cratering , Wear,255,1-13. (doi 10.1016/S0043-1648(03)00091-7)... 

Ball crater test A test where a crater is generated by rotating a ball. It allows the coating thicknesses (and to some extent adhesion and composition profile) to be measured in the range of 0.1 to 50 microns. Also called the Calo test. 

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