Metallography Testing Techniques
Metallography is the art of embedding a specimen in resin and preparing it to reveal the microstructure of the materials. Specimens are prepared in this manner for analyses under optical microscopes, scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and Electron Probe Micro-Analysis (EPMA).
These techniques are utilised to perform metallurgical evaluation, measurement of features, material characterisation, automated image analyses, contaminant identification and failure analyses. Good metallographic preparation techniques are essential to obtaining accurate analyses results.
- Exceptional preparation skills for difficult to work with samples
- Evaluation of coatings coatings
- Selection of best etchants to reveal the microstructure
- Examination of grain structure measurement of features
- Failure examination.
Typical Applications
- Evaluation of metallic components, joining techniques and coatings
- Quality or workmanship of welds and brazes
- Determine if components have been manufactured to specification
- Conduct failure analysis
- Verification of coating quality, including platings, paints, and sealers.
Typical Industries using Metallography
- Power Generation
- Aerospace and Defence
- Automotive
- Materials and composites
- Glass, ceramics and refractories
- Healthcare
- Medical Devices.
Metallography - At a Glance
- Information: Visual, microstructural and compositional
- Sample Size: Any size can be examined, larger components need cut or in-situ replicates taken
- Data Output: Reports, images, analyses and interpretation
- Additional Information: Full evaluation of physical, strength or performance characteristics can be determined