SEM images - cross section of MIM and bar stock 1911 thumb safeties.

[MCMXI]

Any chance that you can polish and etch those parts and take some photos on a metallograph? It would be interesting to see the grain structure.

I'm going to cut up more Kimber and bar stock parts first, but I can try etching some parts after that. I have access to all kinds of chemicals so should be able to obtain or make a suitable etchent.

 

[Tinman357]

Well Done !!

For my personal comfort I settled on ONLY high end Wilson parts for my personal 1911. Yep, MIM is good enough, Yep, cast is good enough. I prefer forged bar stock for reasons of my own. Yep, it breaks as well. heard about it, never seen it. Just my personal choice.

Great images. Thank you.