Alloys & Metals

Our analysts offer thorough knowledge of casting, welding, brazing, thermal spray, heat-treating, plating and coating processes associated with alloys and superalloys.  Our ability to perform chemical, thermal, mechanical, metallurgical and microstructural analysis enables us to conduct thorough characterizations of metallic goods.  We routinely determine if raw materials and components meet specification requirements, troubleshoot manufacturing and fabrication issues, analyze failures, perform operator qualifications and evaluate novel alloys and joining techniques.

We perform routine and customer-specific analysis including:

  • Alloy identification
  • Case depth evaluation
  • Casting evaluations
  • Charpy impact testing
  • Coating characterizations
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
  • Contaminant evaluations
  • Corrosion susceptibility
  • Corrosion/erosion/wear investigations
  • Creep, rupture and stress-relaxation
  • Discoloration and staining investigations
  • Failure analysis
  • Fractography
  • Grain size evaluation
  • Hardness testing (Rockwell, Brinell, Knoop, microhardness)
  • Inclusion content
  • Mechanical strength (bend, tensile, flexural, shear, etc.)
  • Metallographic mount preparation
  • Operator qualification testing
  • Oxidation and corrosion evaluations
  • Porosity measurements
  • Phase identification, characterization and quantification
  • Weld, braze and solder acceptance evaluations

We utilize state-of-the-art calibrated image analysis software to perform dimensional measurements and characterize constituent content.  Specimens are prepared for analysis in our on-site machine shop that includes sectioning, wire EDM, CNC lathe, mill, grinder, machining, drill press and polishing capabilities.