Metallography

Macro- and Microscopic Microstructure Examinations

In-depth analyzes of the materials and their respective process histories
Identification of problems in the manufacturing process, e.g. with respect to casting and forming parameters, heat treatments or the input of foreign material

Preparation and documentation of sections of metallic materials and composite material samples
Section analysis according to test standard as well as beyond that so as to be tailored to the respective Task
Micromechanical analysis (down to individual phases) by means of Vickers microhardness measurement acc. to EN 6507-1
Quantitative determination of particle and cell sizes acc. to ASTM E112
Documentation and analysis of samples from forming and heat treatment tests

Test Procedure	Performance Parameters	Application
Microstructure characterisation	Section preparation Recordings in incident light and with polarising filter Magnification up to 1000x	Optimisation of casting parameters Evaluation of element influences of complex material composites, weld seams, etc..
Particle size measurement	Linear intercept method a few μm up to several mm	Influence of particle refining or cooling rates Microstructural homogeneity
Microhardness measurement	Microhardness measurement according to Vickers 1g to 1000g impression weight	Effect of heat treatment parameters Mechanical analysis of individual phases
Topology measurement	Confocal white light microscopy vertical: ≥20nm Lateral: several cm	Preparation of surface profiles 3D documentation of surface qualities Abrasion depths, etc.
Fracture surface analysis	Stereomicroscopy, SE-REM analysis	Analysis of fracture types structural and chemical analysis of inclusions