Abstract: Metallographic analysis technique is one of the most widely used metallic materials analysis techniques, and it can be divided into macro metallographic analysis technique and micro metallographic analysis technique. Firstly, the macro metallographic analysis technique was introduced and its application in failure analysis was exemplified. Then, the micro metallographic analysis technique was introduced in detail from the aspects of compositions of optical metallographic microscope, detailed process and matters needing attention of metallographic sample preparation, as well as erosion method of metallographic samples. Finally, through a large number of representative typical examples, the application of two kinds of micro metallographic analysis techniques, namely optical microscope technique and electron microscope technique, in failure analysis was introduced. The practice has proved that metallographic analysis technique often reveals the essence of component failure phenomenon with its rich connotation and extension, and plays a very important role in the failure analysis of mechanical equipments.