4. Conclusion

The normative answers to the basic problems posed by quantitative metallography enable us to set up quality monitoring and routine R&D procedures.

The main developments in recent years have focused on :

• software applications ;

• partial automation ;

• the emergence of precise, reliable and accessible 3D techniques; until recently, these techniques were the fruit of in-house developments by large, well-resourced structures.

The likely trend is for equipment to become ever more accessible, both quantitatively and, above all, qualitatively. This will lead to more frequent use of the equipment, for tasks that are increasingly akin to process control and quality assurance, and will give as many companies as possible access...