Metallography Laboratory

The metallography laboratory specialises in the preparation and analysis of various metallic materials, metal-ceramic compounds, hard metals and different special materials.

 

Our main focus is on:

  • Metallographic preparation and characterisation of components
  • Classic and instrumented hardness testing including hardness mapping
  • Analysis of surface structures and topographies
  • Fracture surface analysis
  • Damage analysis

 

The services offered by the metallography laboratory include quick preparation and characterisation of different materials and components including presentation and interpretation of the results.

 

 

Our Range of Services

  • Preparation of metallographic sections (metallic materials, metal-ceramic composites, electronic components)
  • Light microscopic analysis (microstructure documentation, microstructure assessment)
  • Stereo microscopic analysis (fractography)
  • Determination of CCT, TTT and TTA phase diagrams
  • Roughness measurement (Ra, Rq, Rt, Rz) by means of confocal microscopy or perthometer
  • Preparation of topographic images, including small to medium-sized components, cutting edges, friction tracks, wear surfaces and similar
  • Micro, small load and macro hardness testing (incl. hardness profiles)
  • Coating adhesion testing by means of hardness indentation method
  • Coating hardness testing using instrumented microhardness method
  • Tribological ball-on-disc tests at room temperature, dry or lubricated, including subsequent 3D evaluation of friction tracks

Standard Methods: 

  • Cleanliness testing in accordance with DIN 50602, ASTM E45, DIN EN 10247, ISO4967
  • Assessment of carbide banding and carbide network in accordance with SEP 1520
  • Grain size in accordance with DIN EN ISO 643 and ASTM E112
  • Surface decarburistion in accordance with DIN EN ISO 3887
  • Hardness testing in acccordance with Brinell (DIN EN ISO 6506-1), Vickers (DIN EN ISO 6507-1) and Rockwell (DIN EN ISO 6508-1)
  • Instrumented hardness testing (DIN EN ISO 14577-1)
  • Determination of case hardening depth (DIN EN ISO 2639) and hardening depth after nitriding (DIN 50190-3)

Our Equipment

  • Coarse and fine cutting machines for sample preparation
  • Devices for hot and cold mounting of specimens
  • Automated and manual grinding and polishing devices
  • Electrochemical polishing and etching equipment
  • Light microscopes incl. digital image capture and automatic xy-table for the analysis of large specimens
  • Stereo microscope incl. 3D image capture
  • Quantitative image analysis system
  • Baehr quenching dilatometer (DIL805A)
  • Nanofocus µsurf confocal microscope (profilometer) with automatic xy-table (analysis of large surfaces)
  • Mobile surface roughness measurement device Hommel Etamic W10
  • Instrumented microhardness, small load and macro hardness testers in the load range from 20 mN to 2500 N (HV, HRC, HB, HM) with automatic xy-testing tables
  • Room temperature tribometer in the load range from 1 to 10 N