直读式铁谱仪主要用来直接检测油样中磨粒的浓度及尺寸分布，仅能作磨粒的定量分析。其优点是结构较简单，能快速测定，适合于现场使用。分析式铁谱仪主要用来制备铁谱片，以供对磨粒进行定性观测和定量分析。其优点是可以精细、准确地考察铁谱片上各种磨粒的类型、形态、成分以至微量元素。在线式铁谱仪则直接与被监控的系统相接，无需采集油样就能对设备进行监控。其优点不仅是方便，而且具有监控的连续性和适时性，因此在固定式机械设备和机械加工流水线上很适用
The direct reading ferrography is used to directly detect the concentration and size distribution of the abrasive particles in the oil samples, and can only be used as a quantitative analysis of the abrasive particles. It has the advantages of simple structure, rapid determination and suitable for field use. The analytical ferrospectrometer is mainly used to prepare the ferrography for qualitative observation and quantitative analysis of the abrasive particles. Its advantage is that the types, forms, components and even trace elements of various abrasive particles on the ferrographic sheet can be carefully and accurately investigated. The on-line ferrography is directly connected with the monitored system, and the equipment can be monitored without oil sampling. Its advantages are not only convenient, but also have continuity and timeliness of monitoring, so it is very suitable for fixed mechanical equipment and machining line.