Inverted metallographic microscope is a special optical instrument designed specifically for observing the microstructure of opaque materials. The name “inverted” comes from its unique optical path structure: the objective lens is located below the sample, while the illumination system is located above the sample. This design is completely opposite to conventional upright microscopes.
This design is designed to address the limitations of sample size and weight. The samples to be tested, such as metals, ceramics, composite materials, etc., usually need to be made into highly polished flat surfaces (known as “metallographic samples”), and may be large in volume and heavy in weight. The inverted design allows the sample to be placed directly and smoothly face down on the stage, naturally fixed by gravity without the need for complex fixtures. The observation surface is closely attached to the sample stage, ensuring the stability and flatness of the imaging. The main application areas include metal materials science, electronic manufacturing, geology, and precision component quality inspection