Metallurgical Testing & Analysis

Metallurgical Analysis

As-received photography

Fracture evaluation on a stereomicroscope

Check chemical analysis

Hardness or microhardness testing

Macroetch or full cross-section

TEM/OLM/SEM Characterization of Metallurgical Micro-structure

Internal microstructure including: Cleanliness, Grain Size, Heat Treat
Evaluation of weldments
Evaluation of corrosion problems
Electron Microscopy (SEM)/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy(EDS)
Grain Size Determination
Test

In the evaluation of a material failure, or a check of material adherence to a specification, it is important that competent engineers and technicians conduct the investigation. A specimen must be submitted containing the actual failed area along with any pertinent specifications and in a material evaluation again an actual specimen is required along with the specification for the material involved.

Major Metallurgy Equipment:

Sectioning

Buehler abrasive cut-off saw, 12” diameter blade
Buehler Isomet low speed diamond saw
Horizontal and vertical band saws
Jeweler’s hand saws for precise sectioning of intricate parts

Mounting

Three Buehler mounting presses with a variety of hot compression mounting compounds
Cold mount, vacuum impregnated epoxy systems for mounting of porous specimens or samples with complex surfaces

Grinding/Polishing

Struers Abrapol automatic grinding/polishing system with capacity to hold up to 6 mounts (1”, 1.25”, & 1.5” diameter), 12” diameter disc
Struers Dap-U polishing unit, 8” diameter disc

Light Microscopes

Nikon Optiphot Metallograph
Olympus PME Metallograph
Zeis Metallograph
Neophot-21 metallographer, light microscope
Nikon Stereomicroscope
Meiji EMZ-TR Stereomicroscope

Scanning Electron Microscopes/EDS & UHV Systems

ETEC, ISI and JEOL Scanning Electron Microscopes
IXRF and KEVEX-EDAX Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometers
Light Element Detection
Elemental Mapping/Line Scan Capabilities
Digital Instrument, Atomic Force Microscope, and Scanning Tunneling with Electrochemical Cell Unit
SPI Sputtering System
HARROP High Temperature Testing TGA, TD Analyzer up to 1600 degrees celsius

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.