Lab
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Metallurgy

Metallurgy, the study of metals, is critical to understanding the materials we work with and recommend, cohesive with the overall mission of Fort Wayne Metals. We have the materials and equipment necessary to prepare specimens for multiple types of metallographic examination.

Microstructure Evaluations are performed to examine and document the general microstructure appearance, report grain size (ASTM E112,) distribution of phases, examine for microcleanliness (ASTM E45,) and the susceptibility to intergranular corrosion (ASTM A262) among other inquiries.

Imaging is necessary for the documentation of surface conditions, dimension measurements, and microstructure evaluations. Optical microscopes capable of documenting images up to 1000x magnification are available. We also work in collaboration with a local university, IPFW, to lease time on a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). This collaboration allows Fort Wayne Metals lab personnel to personally handle and assess our materials using the shared SEM. In addition to routine inspections, we often use our imaging options for investigating fracture morphology and fracture origins to recognize the cause and, in turn, reduce or eliminate the undesired occurrence.

Hardness Testing of metals is a test often performed to confirm the part will conform to the intended use. A specific indenter will be plunged into the surface of a material using a correlating force. The depth or size of the indentation determines the hardness of the material. Rockwell Hardness, per ASTM E18, using HRA, HRB, HRC, and HR15N test methods are available. Also, we can perform microindentation hardness testing per ASTM E384, using both Knoop and Vickers indenters, at loads ranging from 10g to 1,000g.

Please contact us for more information regarding sample preparation and metallographic evaluations.