Chemical Analysis
Using Oxford instruments – PMI Master Pro – optical omission spectrometer (OES), for analysis of;
- Carbon and low alloy steels
- Stainless steels/ “L” grade distinction capable
- Aluminium and aluminium alloys
- Coppers and copper alloys
- Nickel and nickel alloys
The PMI Master Pro is a portable testing unit and we offer onsite testing.
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Example of printout of Chemical results from the Oxford Instruments PMI Master Pro.
(carbon steel)
Material Identification, Selection and Recommendation
This includes;
- Heat treatment condition
- Surface coatings
- Selective hardened surface layers
- Chemistry (XRF/optical)
- Hardness (EQUITIP/MIC10)
 Quench and tempered martensitic microstructure |
 Ferrite and pearlite microstructure |
 Induction hardened case surface layer |
 Case carburised surface layer |
 White layer of nitrocarburised surface treatment |
 Zinc coating on bolt thread flank and root. |
Failure Analysis
Characterise and categorise the nature and probable causes of material and component failure.
- Failure mode identification (Fracture, Cracking, Distortion, Corrosion, Wear)
- Contributing factors
- Identification of failure mechanism
(Fatigue, Overload, Stress corrosion cracking, embrittlement, ductile or brittle fracture).
 Ball Bearing Failure |
 Spring Fracture |
 Torsion Fatigue of Splines |
 Bearing Water Damage |
 Bolt Tensile Overload |
 Shaft Keyway Fatigue |
Metallography and Microstructure Characteristics
Evaluation of a materials microstructure using the aid of a high powered stereo microscope.
- Identification and measurement of phases
- Grain structure shape and size
- Phase distribution
- Microstructure deformation
- Fracture and crack nature. ie – intergranular/transgranular.
 Grain deformation of microstructure |
 Parent metal, heat affected zone and weld metal. |
 Stress corrosion cracking in grade 304 stainless steel |
 Intergranular cracking. |
 Spheroidal graphite cast iron (ductile nodular iron) |
 Flake graphite cast iron (grey iron) |
Hardness Testing
Metlabs has both laboratory based and portable testing equipment.
Testing can be conducted using the following methods:
- Vickers hardness (HV)
- Brinell hardness (HB)
- Rockwell C (HRC)
Our Equotip and Hardtip instruments are portable and we offer onsite testing.
 Portable Equotip and Hardtip hardness testers |
 Laboratory based Vickers hardness tester |
Surface Replication
A method used to obtain a surface representation of the materials microstructure, which may contain cracking, defects or flaws. This method is mostly used in the field and when it is not possible to section the component (mostly non-destructive).
- Steels, stainless steels, cast irons
 Cellulose acetate film laid over a butt welded pipe joint |
 Replica of cast low alloy steel |
 Replica of rolled plate material containing a longitudinally banded microstructure of ferrite and pearlite. |
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Weld Procedures
- Review existing procedures
- Develop new procedures
- Recommend repair procedures
Welding and Weld Defect Analysis
Examination of weld and welded joints.
- Weld macrostructure
- Weld microstructure
- Weld metal composition
 Lack of fusion of root run |
 Severe undercutting of parent metal |
 Fillet weld (duplex stainless steel) |
 Multiple run butt welded joint (carbon steel) |
 Micrograph of lack of fusion between weld and parent metal |
 Rail aluminothermic weld metal |