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Failure Analysis


Our capabilities include:
  • Analysis of Material Failures
  • On-site Investigations
  • Welding, Soldering & Brazing Analysis
  • Chemical and Mechanical Testing(ASTM and NACE)
  • Metallographic Analysis and Investigations
  • Fracture Mechanics
  • Engineering Calculations
  • Atmospheric Testing
  • Accident Investigations and Recreation of Failure
  • Plastic & Rubber Investigation
  • Micro and macrophotography
  • Surface Analysis(XPS, AES and SIMS) and FTIR
  • Fractography(SEM and TEM): Fracture Mode Determination
  • FEA and Engineering Mechanics Analysis
  • Corrosion Testing & Investigations (electrochemical and exposure tests)
  • Root-Cause Failure Determination

Broken Crane Shaft

An investigation of failed systems/materials can be very complex, and may require multidisciplinary testing and analysis to determine the root cause of failure. The end determination must be able to be made with a high degree of certainty to ensure that proper replacement materials are selected and that the most effective engineering calculations and design methods are utilized.

At Matco, we specialize in failure analysis and corrosion investigations. We will determine if a failure is due to material selection, design, fabrication or operating conditions. Mechanical equipment; superheater & boiler tubes; wire cables; pipelines; pressure vessels; forgings; castings; welds/brazes; tools and dies; gears; FRP/PVC pipe; and rebar are just some of the components that we look at in a typical day to determine the root cause of failure. Major corporations that rely on Matco expertise include US Airways, Follansbee Steel, Sony Electronics, ABB Power and many more. These investigations require not only a modern laboratory with light and electron microscopy(SEM & TEM), mechanical testing, electrochemical testing, chemical characterization, and fracture mechanic/FEA analysis capabilities but an extensively trained professional staff as well.

The other half of the battle is having the right staff. The Failure Analysis staff at Matco includes Metallurgists; Materials Scientists; Professional Engineers; Polymer Scientists; Chemists; Paint and Coating Specialists; and NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) Certified Corrosion Engineers, Materials Selection/Design, Coatings and Cathodic Protection Specialists. By combining the right equipment with the right staff, determinations of the root cause can be made.

A formal report with 35 mm or digital photography documents the results of the investigation. If necessary, Matco personnel can be on site within 48 hours when requested during emergency situations. At Matco, we strive to provide you with a laboratory that you can count on to provide accurate and reliable test results and root cause determinations for which future materials selection and corrosion control decisions can be made.

MATCO CLIENTS IN THE PUBLIC EYE, MATCO BEHIND THE SCENES

Although Matco's work is vital to its clients, it is rarely seen by the public. Here are some examples of recent jobs in which Matco provided the timely, competent, customer-oriented engineering analysis that made the difference.

  • Metallurgical support for a major commercial airline fleet that includes failure analysis investigations, corrosion investigations, and quality control testing.
  • Cathodic protection system design and installation for a submerged ocean tunnel for the off-loading facility of the largest liquified natural gas (LNG) process facility in the United States.
  • On-site and laboratory investigation of paint delamination failures (flaking and peeling) on galvanized structural members of several major stadiums in the United States.
  • Comparative testing of the resistance of pharmaceutical labels to environmental stresses (MFG, Humidity, and QUV testing) for a major drug company to determine what labels held up the best.
  • Same-day analysis of the effects of a truck fire on the superstructure of a major highway bridge to determine whether or not the highway could remain open.
  • Failure analysis of a gas main explosion that caused casualities.
  • Failure analysis and remaining life determination of boiler componets in the power industry.
  • Electrochemical corrosion evaluation of implant materials such as hips, knees, stents, etc. to improve products and performance.
  • Research & Development of coatings and sensors for the construction industry.
The Next Step

While Matco has the expertise and the technology to resolve even the most difficult material failures, your input is greatly needed for a complete analysis. By giving us a full description of the problem and filling out the sample identification/submittal form you can be assured that all aspects of your project will be fully considered. Solutions are just around the corner at Matco.
  • Click here for our online Sample Identification/Submittal Form.
  • Click here to contact us.



Why Choose Matco Associates?

As one of the premier testing and inspection facilities featuring state of the art equipment, Matco Associates is able to provide a unique and diverse blend of services. Virtually thousands of investigations have been performed at Matco Associates, which range from jet engines and boiler tubes, to computer components and implants. Projects are not only conducted from initiation to completion with competent and experienced personnel, but conducted in a discrete manner that ensures confidentiality as well.

72 Hour Rush Service
Call Today: 1-800-221-9090
Headquarters Phone: (412) 788-1263
Headquarters Fax: (412) 788-1283

Main Office Address:
MATCO Associates, Inc.
4640 Campbells Run Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Matco Inc - Failure Analysis or E-mail Matco Associates

Materials Forum

MATCO CLIENTS IN THE PUBLIC EYE, MATCO BEHIND THE SCENES

Although Matco's work is vital to its clients, it is rarely seen by the public. Here are some examples of recent jobs in which Matco provided the timely, competent, customer-oriented engineering analysis that made the difference.

Failure Analysis:
Metallurgical support for a major commercial airline fleet that includes failure analysis investigations, corrosion investigations, and quality control testing.

Corrosion Engineering:

Cathodic protection system design and installation for a submerged ocean tunnel for the off-loading facility of the largest liquified natural gas (LNG) process facility in the United States.

Paint Analysis:
On-site and laboratory investigation of paint delamination failures (flaking and peeling) on galvanized structural members of several major stadiums in the United States.

Enviromental Testing:

Comparative testing of the resistance of pharmaceutical labels to environmental stresses (MFG, Humidity, and QUV testing) for a major drug company to determine what labels held up the best.

Fire Investigation:
Same-day analysis of the effects of a truck fire on the superstructure of a major highway bridge to determine whether or not the highway could remain open.

Explosion Invesgitagtion:

Failure analysis of a gas main explosion that caused casualities.

Power Plants:
Failure analysis and remaining life determination of boiler componets in the power industry.

New Materials:
Electrochemical corrosion evaluation of implant materials such as hips, knees, stents, etc. to improve products and performance.

R&D:
Research & Development of coatings and sensors for the construction industry.