Gray Iron Analysis
Overview
This program provides a function to measure the longest graphite flake among graphite flakes dispersed either in clusters or individually, using unetched gray iron microstructure images captured at 100× magnification (10× objective lens) under a metallurgical microscope.
Due to the nature of gray iron microstructures, graphite flakes are often interconnected and distributed in clustered forms.
The detection method first automatically identifies candidate flake clusters that may contain the longest flake within the image. Then, through the operator’s experience and a trial-and-error approach using the Split command, adjacent connections within the candidate flakes are repeatedly separated. Ultimately, this process enables the identification of the longest graphite flake.
Screen
The screen consists of the Windows menu, groups of icons, and the image display window (Workspace).
When you double-click 
the shortcut icon on the desktop, the program starts.
Image Input
Load Real-time Live Image
the live image is displayed in the Workspace (provided that a camera is selected in the input device settings).When you right-click an icon marked with a dot, an additional function is executed.
When you right-click the Live icon 
the Input Device Selection dialog box appears.
Check the name of the connected camera device.
Capturing Images
- When you click the Capture icon 
the image is captured, displayed in the Workspace, and added to the Gallery.
(When you right-click the icon, the Multi-Capture and Integration Capture dialog boxes appear.)
Calibration
Scale Calibration
To obtain accurate measurement values, the scale must be calibrated.
Calibration is the process of determining the actual size represented by each pixel in the image.
This procedure should be performed for each objective lens magnification.
When registering a new calibration, click the New button, assign a new name, and then click the Settings button in
the dialog box to create a new scale.
Manual Calibration
When you click the New button, the name New Calibration_# appear. You can later change this to a more recognizable name.
Click the Settings button to start the calibration process. A Defining Line is drawn on the image with the scale marks. Align both ends of the line with the scale marks, then enter the distance value between the two points in the dialog box and click OK to complete the process. You will then return to the Calibration dialog.
Note: The created calibrations are automatically saved in a specific file managed by the program.
However, to prepare for special situations such as computer formatting,
it is recommended to save them on a USB memory stick or another storage device.
(Refer to the Save and Load buttons.)
You can directly select a calibration from the Toolbar at the top of the screen.
Automatic Calibration
If you have an image where the scale marks are clearly visible, it is recommended to use Automatic Calibration.
After selecting Automatic, draw a region that includes the scale marks. Dots will appear on each scale mark.
Enter the size of one scale division, specify the unit, and then click OK to complete the process.
Graphite Flake Size Operation Guide
1. 
When you press the button, the identified flakes are highlighted in blue.
Adjust the slider to ensure the flakes are accurately extracted.
Right-click the Threshold button to choose between Global and Adaptive.
Global Threshold applies a single threshold value across the entire image to extract objects.
Adaptive Threshold calculates local threshold values for smaller regions of the image and applies them individually, often producing better results than the global method.
This method is particularly effective when applied to images captured under non-uniform microscope illumination conditions.
2. 
When you press the Del button, the cluster or individual flake containing the longest flake is extracted, and the object is highlighted in yellow.
The value is recorded in Longest Flake.
From this point, the operator’s experience and judgment are required.
If the operator accepts the object as an individual flake → proceed to Step 4.
If the longest flake is included in a cluster → proceed to Step 3.
If there is an issue with the thresholding of the extracted object → return to Step 1.
Note: Candidate objects automatically extracted may appear in pairs.
3. Splitting adjacent connections within clustered flakes.
This step requires the operator’s experience and judgment.
By repeatedly splitting the connection points of the flakes, the longest individual object can be extracted.
*** Result Extraction by Trial and Error
When both Candidate 1 (yellow) and Candidate 2 (red) are displayed simultaneously, the yellow object is more likely to contain the longest flake.
Check the long flake and separate the connected areas.
After separation, the program display a new set of candidate images.
Repeat the cutting (splitting) process until only a single object remains.
When a single object is finally left, press the Finish button.
In some cases, you may press the Finish button in the middle of the process to complete the operation.
4. 
To output the data, press the REPORT button, and the inspection report will be generated. To output the data, press the REPORT button, and the inspection report will be generated. To output the data, press the REPORT button, and the inspection report will be generated.
Size Classification
Report
Standard
- ASTM A247 / ISO 945 Select
Option
Specify the FeretMAX (BoxMAX) size of particles that are excluded from the Flake Size measurement.
