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Failure Analysis

Failure Analysis & Consultancy

We work with you to analyse failures, find their root cause and, more importantly, provide timely and cost-effective solutions.

Root cause investigation

At Lucideon, we know that identifying material, process and product faults and failures, and finding the root cause of failures quickly, are of paramount importance in order to avoid downtime, inform product development, and ensure buyer satisfaction.

 

How we can help

Our failure analysis services include complete physical, chemical, and surface analysis of both metallic and non-metallic materials to:

  • reduce downtime
  • find the root cause of failures
  • prevent recurrences
  • assess liability
  • increase fundamental understanding of materials and equipment in your process

For metals and non-metals

For metals, the testing services are augmented by extensive metallography and metallurgical evaluation capabilities, which, when combined with fractography using a scanning electron microscope, can further unlock important clues in the investigation of the root causes of failure.
For non-metals, chemical and surface analysis are often key to identifying contaminants; where they are and how they have been introduced into processing.

 

Adding value throughout the material life cycle

Failure analysis and root cause investigation is critical during any phase of the material life cycle.  While it can often be thought of it as occurring only as part of the quality control or service performance process, analysis during the design, feasibility and testing phases can also provide valuable information leading to improvements in the durability and performance of new products.

Why Lucideon?

We have unrivalled experience in understanding the fundamental material science behind potential failure mechanisms and also in knowing how to test, diagnose, and rectify them, in situations ranging from ceramic tiles to nuclear power stations. We can turn failure into success.

White Papers

Failure Analysis of Plastic Products

This white paper provides some insights into the failure of plastic products and introduces some of the analytical techniques commonly used in failure diagnosis

Orthopaedic Implant
Your Metal Component has Failed in Fatigue: What do you do next?

This white paper provides an introduction to the theory behind fatigue in general, and the factors that affect how materials perform in fatigue

Solving Problems by Materials Analysis with an Electron Microprobe

This white paper describes examples of how electron microprobe analysis has been used effectively in problem solving

Case Studies

Syringes
Spontaneous Failure of a Medical Device During Secondary Processing

Lucideon's additive manufacturing expertise helped identify root cause of product failure

Additive Manufacturing
Lucideon Assists in Identifying Root Cause of Cracking in Additive Manufactured Components

Lucideon's additive manufacturing expertise helped identify root cause of product failure

Lucideon Proved Incorrect Materials were Sourced and Used for New Warehouse Floor

Analysis of concrete and screed identified that the flooring materials specified were not used and lower-cost alternatives were sourced