Metallographic Examinations of Metals

// metallographic examinations of materials

discover our metallographic examinations

Metallographic examinations are performed on metallic materials to verify, evaluate and understand their structure.
They are divided into macrographic examinations and micrographic examinations, which are discussed in more detail in the following sections.

Metallographic examinations take place in several steps:

Sample preparation: more or less cutting, grinding, and polishing of the sample to obtain a surface finish suitable for the analysis to be performed.
Optical and electron microscopy: observation of macro and/or microstructure through optical and electron microscopes.

This test is critical for:

Quality control: verify that materials meet the required specifications.
Research and development: developing new materials with improved properties.
Failure analysis: investigating the causes of material failures to prevent future accidents.

The SMT Materials Testing Laboratory has modern and continuously updated instruments, as well as qualified personnel, which is essential to ensure the proper conduct of analyses and adequate interpretation of results.
Metallographic examinations are carried out in accordance with European and international standards.

With metallographic testing, a wide range of materials can be studied, including:

Metals and alloys: steel, aluminum, copper, titanium.
Polymers and composites: plastics, reinforced composites.

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metallographic tests

Macrographic examinations

With macrographic examination, different features of the material being examined can be verified by magnification.

metallographic tests

Micrographic examinations

The SMT materials testing laboratory has equipped itself with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) that allows up to 200,000 magnifications.

metallographic tests

Fractographic examinations

Fractography is the discipline that studies the fracture surfaces of materials.

metallographic tests

Metallographic replicas

Metallographic replicas are made to verify the microinclusionary state of the test material.

resolve your doubts

What types of metallographic examinations do you offer?

We offer macrographic and micrographic examinations, layer and surface coating measurements, fractographic examinations, metallographic replicas, failure analysis, and metallurgical consultations.

What does a metallographic consultation consist of?

A metallographic consultation includes detailed material analysis, selection of materials, interpretation of results, and provision of specific recommendations and techniques.

How long does a metallographic analysis take?

The time required varies depending on the number of samples and the complexity of the test; the timeline for metallographic examinations, calculated from the time the samples are properly sectioned, generally ranges from a few days to a working week.

What kind of samples are needed for your analysis?

Solid specimens of all types of metal alloys, suitable for preparation and observation, usually cross-sections or longitudinal sections of the materials of interest, are required.

What standards do you use for your analyses?

We use international standards such as ASTM, ISO, and EN to ensure the accuracy of our tests and determine the conformity or nonconformity of the analyzed products. In addition to this, SMT also performs work on targeted customer specifications.

How do you ensure the quality of your metallographic analyses?

We follow strict quality controls, use state-of-the-art instrumentation and comply with all relevant international standards.

Can you provide detailed reports on the results of the analysis?

Yes, we provide comprehensive reports that include pictures, graphs, and a detailed description of the results. For Failure Analysis activities, technical reports are prepared on a case-by-case basis in both English and Italian languages.

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