Metallurgical Analysis and Advanced Metallographic Techniques

Metallurgical analysis reveals the microstructural condition and makeup of your materials with macro, micro, and SEM examinations. 

Along with microstructure, these analyses reveal information on processes performed on the material during manufacture and whether or not the materials meet the required specification(s) to ensure durability in the intended use.

IMR's experienced metallurgists evaluate defects, determine structural features, identify alloys, evaluate the effects of heat treating, and ensure materials characteristics align with specifications. Failure cause analysis services can be provided when material performance doesn't meet specifications.

At our metallurgical analysis laboratories, we use advanced metallographic polishing techniques, leading to accurate analyses of base metal, alloy, or coating. We offer aggressive machining evaluations, thermal spray coatings evaluations, corrosion evaluations and comparative material analysis. 

For more information on IMR's metallurgical testing capabilities, contact us here, or click the button below to request a quote.

Metallurgical Analysis of Properties

  • Microstructure
  • Porosity
  • Grain Size
  • Coating Application
  • Corrosion 
  • Hardness

Many industries rely on thermal spray coatings to ensure the durability of parts that will be subjected to wear, high heat, corrosion, and other harsh in-service conditions.

Increased machining speeds can often affect the characteristics of feedstock material. High speeds generate more heat, which can have an impact on both the tool and the workpiece.

IMR's metallurgical team is equipped to identify corrodents and other environmental variables that are directly responsible for corrosion attacks.

SEM Analysis is performed quickly and the microscopes used in this process are able to generate data in a sophisticated digital form.

Microhardness testing produces data identifying individual phases and orientation effects.

Welder qualification and weld evaluation for OEM's and vendors. Qualification to the AWS, European Directive, and ASME standards.

Metallography is the art and science of preparing test samples for an accurate evaluation of a material's microstructure.

METALLURGICAL ANALYSIS LABORATORY - Benefits of Using IMR Test Labs

  • METALLOGRAPHIC POLISHING TECHNIQUES - advanced metallurgical analysis with reporting on base metal, alloy, or coatings.  A vast array of specialty preparations. 
  • EXPERTISE - highly trained, experienced, lab technicians, engineers, and metallurgists.  Images and data are provided on even the most challenging sample materials.
  • EQUIPMENT LABS -  state of the art, cutting-edge current technologies, including routine microstructure and microhardness testing, electrochemical corrosion simulations, mercurous nitrate testing, and more.

Metallurgical Analysis Laboratories FAQ’s

What is metallurgical analysis?

Metallurgical analysis reveals the microstructural condition and makeup of your materials with macro, micro and SEM examinations. 

Can metallurgical analysis testing be routinely performed?

IMR Test Labs offers special pricing for routine work.  You get the same high-quality results and reports fast, typically within 3 days.  Routine testing offerings include microstructures, coatings evaluations, hardness surveys, and more. 

What is metallurgical failure analysis?

If you have failed parts, metallurgical failure analysis is the best insight into the method of failure and possible causes.  The analysis provides clear, concise reports explaining the step-by-step investigation, findings, causes and high-quality color images. With the support of our non-metallics failure analysis group, we are prepared to analyze your mixed material failures.

What is the availability of metallurgical analysis testing at IMR Test Labs?

IMR Test Labs has 5 locations and the testing you require can be performed in less than a week and in most cases, faster. Expedited services are also available should the need arise.

Does IMR Test Labs offer metallurgical research and development?

The information obtained in IMR Test Lab metallurgical reports can aid in research and development projects.  We offer aggressive machining evaluations, thermal spray coatings evaluations, corrosion evaluations and comparative material analyses.  Our reports are clear and concise, providing you side-by-side results so you can make informed business decisions and determine how comparable different materials, material lots or manufacturers are.

Does IMR Test Labs offer litigation support?

Our litigation support includes expert witness testimony, witnessed testing and technical disposition.

METALLURGICAL ANALYSIS- LAB SERVICES

Alpha Case
Carburization
Case Depth
Certified Weld Inspections
Coatings Evaluations
Coating Thickness by XRF, SEM, Cross Section
Depth of Decarburization
Determination of Delta Ferrite Content
Determination of Volume Fraction by Point Count
Effective Case Depth
Failure Analysis
Fastener Discontinuities
Fluorescent Impregnation of Porous Coatings
Fractography
Fracture Mechanics
Grain Size
Inclusion Content/Rating
Intergranular Attack
Intergranular Oxidation
Light Microscopy - Macro, Micro & SEM Photography

Machining Evaluations
Macroetching
Microetching
Microhardness (Knoop, Vickers, MacroVickers)
Microstructure
Orientation in Microstructure
Particle Analysis (Distribution, ID, Size)
Phase Volume Determination
Pipeline Integrity
Plating Evaluations
Plating Thickness
Porosity of Metals, Ceramics & Composites
Prior Austenitic Grain Boundary Determination
Replication (ASTM E1351)
Quantitative Image Analysis
SEM Analysis
Surface Evaluation (Dubpernell Active Site Test ASTM B456 Appx 4)
Surface Topography
Thermal Spray Coating Analysis
Titanium Beta Transus Determination
Weld Qualification & Testing

METALLURGICAL ANALYSIS- CORROSION INVESTIGATION

Corrosion Failure Analysis
Dezincification Testing
Electrochemical Corrosion Testing
Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC)
Formicary (Ant’s Nest) Corrosion Evaluation

General and Pitting Corrosion Testing
Heat & Fluid Aging
Mercurous Nitrate Testing

Passivation Testing of Medical Components
Potentiodynamic Corrosion
Residual and Assembly Stress Testing of Copper Alloys
Sensitization Testing
Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)

METALLURGICAL ANALYSIS- SPECIALTY MATERIAL PREPARATION

Techniques

2 and 3 part Chemical Etching
AC Electrolytic Etching
Non-routine DC Electrolytic Etching
Vibratory Polishing

Commercially Pure and Medical Grade Titanium Alloys
Beryllium and Alloys
Antimony
Bismuth
Cadmium
Indium
Thallium

All High Purity Metals
Aluminum
Cobalt
Iron
Nickel
OFE Copper

Platinum Metal Group & Alloys
Iridium
Osmium
Palladium
Platinum
Rhodium
Ruthenium

Refractory Pure Metals and Alloys
Chromium
Molybdenum
Rhenium
Tantalum
Tungsten
Vanadium

Odd Metals and Alloys containing significant amounts of
Lead
Magnesium
Manganese
Tin
Zinc

Precious Metals and Alloys 
Gold
Silver

Ceramics
Boride
Nitride
Oxide

Specific Difficulty
6061 Al Grains
Elgiloy
FSX414
Inconel 625
Haynes 25
Haynes 188
L605
Nitinol
Stellites
X-40

Very Difficult
Hafnium
Niobium
Zirconium

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