Machine learning versus human-developed algorithms in image analysis of microstructures

Automatic image analysis is nowadays a standard method in quality control of metallic materials, especially in grain size, graphite shape and non-metallic content evaluation. Automatically prepared solutions, based on machine learning, constitute an effective and sufficiently precise tool for classification. Human-developed algorithms, on the other hand, require much more experience in preparation, but allow better control of factors affecting the final result. Both attempts were described and compared.