Abstract: In view of the problem that it is impossible to grasp the macroscopic stereoscopic position when observing the failure fracture with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the solutions were put forward by means of multiple three-dimensional (3D) techniques such as 3D microscope with super wide depth of field and 3D printing. Firstly, the fracture surface was imaged by 3D technology, and the 3D stereoscopic morphology of fracture surface was established. Then, the 3D model of the fracture surface was obtained by computer-aided technology. Finally, the model was used to assist scanning electron microscopy conduct the micro examination of the fracture surface. The results indicate that 3D technologies can be well applied in the field of failure analysis of metal parts.

Key words: 3D techniques, failure analysis, fracture surface, microscopic observation, metal parts