Celebrating thirty years of metallurgical lab services.

metallurgical Testing

MES performs metallurgical analysis and failure analysis investigations of metallic and non-metallic products and components used in the aerospace, construction, transportation, consumer products, defense and medical device industries. Our experts also help our clients with materials selection, product improvement and quality issues involving materials. From routine metallurgical testing to complex materials consulting, MES offers the highest standard of quality for metallurgical evaluations.

A metallurgical failure analysis can provide clues to the origin of a metal failure, useful for the prevention of future failures and adjudications of legal disputes. Our experienced metallurgists can help crack even the most difficult metallurgical cases.  Typical metal failure mechanisms include fatigue, corrosion, ductile fracture, brittle fracture, hydrogen embrittlement, metal creep, and stress corrosion cracking. A failure analysis will tell you which of these mechanisms, or combination of mechanisms, contributed to your failure.

We will begin by documenting the failure in our photography studio and stereo microscopy areas. Our lab technicians will cross section or etch select samples for analysis by our metallurgists. Close up examination of the failure through optical and scanning electron microscopes will provide insight into the mode of failure. If needed, we’ll employ our NDT, FTIR, or mechanical test facilities to conduct additional study of the failure. Contact an expert today to help determine the root cause of your failure and get real answers to your material challenges.

 

 

CAPABILITIES

  • Failure root cause analysis

  • Sample preparation

  • Mount/polished cross sections

  • Digital imaging

  • High magnification by SEM

  • Macroscopic examination

  • Fracture mode and mechanism

  • Stereo microscopy

  • Macro etched specimens

  • Micro hardness impressions

SPECIFICATIONS

  • ASTM E3 - Preparation of Metallographic Specimens

  • ASTM E112 - Grain Size

  • ASTM E45 - Inclusion Content of Steel

  • ASTM E1077 - Depth of Decarburization of Steel

  • ASTM E1268 - Orientation of Microstructure

  • ASTM A247 - Microstructure of Graphite in Iron Castings

METALLURGICAL ANALYSIS

  • Grain size analysis

  • Particle size/distribution

  • Coating thickness and case depth

  • Inclusion rating

  • Ferrite/pearlite percentage

  • Porosity

  • Grain flow pattern

  • Phase area fraction

  • Flake size classification

  • Nodularity