Provide a brief surface engineering context and why should there be special considerations given to surface engineering samples compared to samples of non-surface engineered materials/components. Cover all sample preparation steps, from selection of sample area sections to inspection analysis of a sample using an optical microscope, including the purpose of each preparation step, and explain what detail should be recorded with samples, i.e., for traceability, and considerations regarding a number of samples required. Provide a brief surface engineering context and why should there be special considerations given to surface engineering samples compared to samples of non-surface engineered materials/components. Cover all sample preparation steps, from selection of sample area sections to inspection analysis of a sample using an optical microscope, including the purpose of each preparation step, and explain what detail should be recorded with samples, i.e., for traceability, and considerations regarding a number of samples required.