SEM image showing contamination on the surface of a component in an electrical switch assembly. Contamination analysis is conducted to determine the chemical make up and ID of the contaminants to identify the source.
Microstructure Evaluation:
Four (4) fully equipped Metallographs with full image
analysis capabilities are utilized for microstructure
examination. We implement state of the art
microstructure software for grain size measurements,
nodularity, phase percent, particle size, dimensional
measurements, coating thickness, and cleanliness
(inclusion ratings).
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Microstructure Evaluation: Most metals at different stages of their processing life and heat treat conditions contain a specific microstructure that can be evaluated to see if the material was heat treated as required, the raw material was processed and produced per specification, or to simply find out why a material is not responding to specific application or machining operation. Microstructure can be used as a special tool to also predict tool life or performance of a specific part and as an inspection tool to examine the quality of a heat treater or a raw material supplier.
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Grain Size Measurement: This can be part of the microstructure examination or can be conducted by itself as an inspection tool after a forging operation, a heat treat operation, a rolling operation, etc. Typically the finer the grain size the better the material condition. Most alloy steels require ASTM 5 or finer grain size and some tool steels require 8 or finer grain size.
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Retained Austenite Rating: In many cases it is considered crucial to determine austenite percent in heat treated steels. This is because most applications do not permit excessive amounts of retained austenite such as applications where high wear resistance is important. Also for alloys with relatively high nickel content (say 2% or higher) where the austenite phase can be retained in solution and can, under stress or mechanical energy (loading), be transformed to untempered martensite and cause problems. Retained austenite, when excessive, can also cause grinding issues if the surfaces containing retained austenite after a heat treat (carburize) operation need to be ground.
Microstructure Evaluation:analysis capabilities are utilized for microstructure
examination. We implement state of the art
microstructure software for grain size measurements,
nodularity, phase percent, particle size, dimensional
measurements, coating thickness, and cleanliness
(inclusion ratings).
-
Microstructure Evaluation: Most metals at different stages of their processing life and heat treat conditions contain a specific microstructure that can be evaluated to see if the material was heat treated as required, the raw material was processed and produced per specification, or to simply find out why a material is not responding to specific application or machining operation. Microstructure can be used as a special tool to also predict tool life or performance of a specific part and as an inspection tool to examine the quality of a heat treater or a raw material supplier.
Grain Size Measurement: This can be part of the microstructure examination or can be conducted by itself as an inspection tool after a forging operation, a heat treat operation, a rolling operation, etc. Typically the finer the grain size the better the material condition. Most alloy steels require ASTM 5 or finer grain size and some tool steels require 8 or finer grain size.
Retained Austenite Rating: In many cases it is considered crucial to determine austenite percent in heat treated steels. This is because most applications do not permit excessive amounts of retained austenite such as applications where high wear resistance is important. Also for alloys with relatively high nickel content (say 2% or higher) where the austenite phase can be retained in solution and can, under stress or mechanical energy (loading), be transformed to untempered martensite and cause problems. Retained austenite, when excessive, can also cause grinding issues if the surfaces containing retained austenite after a heat treat (carburize) operation need to be ground.
