Metallic materials analysis laboratory

Metallographic analyses are used in quality control in a variety of industries and provide detailed information on the microstructure of metals and metal alloys, highlighting any imperfections, heat treatments, and material characteristics. We conduct each metal chemical analysis through Nikon microscopes, adding photographic media, surveys, measurements and counts performed through software on the areas of interest.

Conducting a chemical analysis metal materials allows to precisely define their chemical composition, to ensure the quality and safety of the finished product, certifying its compliance with respect to design requirements. At the same time, a metal chemical analysis allows safeguarding the environment and consumer health, ensuring the absence of prohibited substances with respect to national and international regulations.

Scanning electron microscopy, also known as SEM analysis, is the main technique for investigating causes of failure in the context of failure analysis and enables morphological investigations of surfaces at magnifications of up to 400,000x. With such images, it is possible to analyse e.g. ductile fracture zones, brittle fracture zones, beach lines, contaminants, hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion. For scanning electron microscopy analysis, we chose to use an SEM microscope with Zeiss technology, while for EDS/EDX microprobe analysis, we chose Oxford technology.

Failure Analysis is a multidisciplinary and comparative investigation to determine the causes that led a component to failure or degradation (aesthetic or functional). The analysis provides indications and solutions to avoid the recurrence of critical conditions, providing useful elements for Problem Solving activities. In the failure analysis activity, fractures, trigger points, surfaces, inclusions, welds and joints, moulded plastic materials, corrosion fractures, surface treatments and coatings (zinc plating, nickel plating, etc.) are analysed.

The Xenotest accelerated ageing test reproduces the effects of exposure to sunlight and weathering on materials, testing their colour stability and resistance to ageing. Used for leathers, fabrics, plastics and paints, the Xenon test is essential to ensure the quality and durability of products over time. The test is carried out using a xenon arc lamp, as it more closely reproduces the spectrum of solar radiation, ensuring greater reliability than UV ageing.