Microstructural Analysis Services
At Lucideon, we have a highly experienced and sophisticated microstructural facility, incorporating advanced microscopy analysis. Most of the work is accredited under UKAS ISO 17025:2017 (UKAS-accredited testing laboratory No. 0013). Microstructural analysis, combined with microscopy analysis, is used widely in industry to evaluate products and materials.
Performance, response to environment, and failure mechanisms are just some of the areas in which both microstructural and microscopy analysis can be utilised to assess and develop products.
Microstructural analysis is the process of analyzing products or materials at a sub-micron scale to determine factors ranging from simple determination of grain size to full characterization of multi-component systems.
Within this range of activity, we frequently investigate coating thickness parameters, porosity, and pore structure, as well as evaluation of degradation or failure mechanisms.
A combination of techniques is used to provide both physical and chemical information, with sub-micron resolution.
Lucideon has utilised a new quantitative microstructural measurement approach that combines high-resolution SEM imaging with computer vision and robust statistical modelling. This method delivers repeatable porosity, grain boundary, and agglomeration measurements across a wide range of materials, reducing operator subjectivity and improving sample-to-sample consistency. By extracting statistically significant microstructural information directly from SEM images, we provide particle analysis and imaging data that correlates with real-world performance.
Unlike “black box” approaches, our workflow is based on fit for purpose transparent statistical models. This allows us to consistently and accurately measure/calculate for pore size, grain boundary morphology, and particle agglomeration in a way that can be audited and reproduced.
Our wealth of expertise in materials can be accessed to solve problems with typical applications including:
- grain size measurement
- identification of inclusions and specks
- porosity and bonding evaluation
- refractory attack mechanisms
- surface deposits and coatings
- development of interfaces on reaction
- unknown particles or materials identification
- evaluation of material processing
- performance evaluation and variability
- failure mechanisms and crack development
- evaluation of loci of failure
Analyses are often complementary to other methods such as physical, mineralogical, and chemical techniques, with microscopy analysis providing an essential tool for in-depth material characterization.
Case Studies
We helped our client with discoloration issues after hot isostatic pressing
Lucideon's additive manufacturing expertise helped identify root cause of product failure
Lucideon has worked with Greatbatch Medical to help them gain FDA approval