Metallographic and Microstructural Analysis


Study of the microstructure and heat treatments of metals for quality control and defect diagnostics.

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PONTLAB performs comprehensive metallographic analyses to determine the structural characteristics, conformity, and integrity of metals and metal alloys. Using state-of-the-art Nikon optical microscopes, supported by quantitative image analysis software, we perform photographic surveys, measurements, and precision counts on the areas of interest. Our investigations allow us to validate manufacturing processes (such as quenching or carburizing heat treatments), quantify non-metallic inclusions, and promptly identify structural imperfections or cracks.

Each metallographic examination is carried out using Nikon microscopes and documented with photographs, surveys, measurements, and calculations performed using software on the areas of interest.

Pontlab is accredited as testing laboratory N° 00913 by Accredia.

Application materials

Metals

metal alloys


Application sectors

Automotive

Aerospace

Energy Oil & Gas

Railway

Mechanical

Nautical

Medical

The main metallographic analysis tests

We perform standardised or customised metallographic analysis tests, HR-HB hardness tests, HV microhardness tests and Jominy tests.

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01 Metallographic Optical Microscopy

Advanced micrographic examinations on metallographic specimens for detailed analysis of the crystalline structure of metals. This test is essential in quality control for monitoring production processes, mapping grain size, and identifying defects or cracks.

Application Fields
MicrostructureProcess ControlInclusion ExaminationDefectologyASTM E3ASTM E112ISO 6

02 Hardness and microhardness tests

Mechanical testing to measure the penetration resistance of a metallic material, a direct indicator of crucial properties such as wear and tensile strength. We perform comprehensive hardness mapping for heat treatment qualification.

Standard
Vickers (HV)Rockwell (HR)Brinell (HB)Hardening DepthASTM E10ASTM E18ASTM E384ISO 6506ISO 6507ISO 6508.

03 Jominy test

Standardized metallurgical test to determine the hardenability of steel and its ability to transform into a martensitic structure at depth. An essential predictive analysis for evaluating material behavior during industrial heat treatments.

Reference Regulations
Steel HardenabilityJominy CurvesMartensitic StructureASTM A255UNI EN ISO 642
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Laboratorio analisi di materiali metallici analisi chimico

Fully customized analysis and testing

All analyses can be structured in a completely customised manner, according to customer requirements. We offer tailor-made tests for materials, conditions of use and required regulations, ensuring reliable and targeted results.

For more information, visit Corrosionpedia

For further insights, articles, and regulations on material corrosion, visit the CORROSIONPEDIA portal (https://www.corrosionpedia.com)

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Areas of application

Metallographic examinations are essential for evaluating the microstructure, mechanical properties and quality of metallic materials, identifying defects, heat treatments and degradation.

Analisi e Prove per la nautica

Tests and analyses for the Nautical sector

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Analisi e prove per il settore ferroviario

Tests and analyses for the railway sector

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prove meccaniche

Tests and analyses for the mechanical engineering sector

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Analisi e prove per il settore Aeronautico e Aerospaziale

Testing and Analysis for Aerospace

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Analisi e prove per il settore energy

Tests and analyses for the Energy, Oil & Gas sector

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Analisi e prove per il settore automotive

Tests and analyses for the automotive industry

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All tests can be performed in a completely customized manner, adapting to the customer's needs. Pontlab also offers tailored consulting services to define the most suitable tests, ensuring reliable and targeted results.

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Commercial

General information

Discover other tests

In addition to metallographic analyses, Pontlab performs countless other tests, including on different materials such as polymers, fabrics, leather, and paints. Discover the other tests by visiting the dedicated pages.

Meccanica della Frattura - Avanzamento della Cricca

Fracture Mechanics Testing

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Microscopia a scansione elettronica SEM

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

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Immagine della prova Mixed Flowing Gas (MFG)

Mixed Flowing Gas (MFG)

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 Stress Corrosion Cracking Test

Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Testing

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Esempio di un controllo saldatura con la Tomografia Industriale Computerizzata per componente aerospace

Industrial Computed Tomography (CT)

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Resistenza all'ozono

Ozone Resistance Testing

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Chemical Imaging difetto superficiale

Chemical Imaging (CI)

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Test di invecchiamento UV

UV Aging Testing

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Scansione Laser 3D

3D Laser Scanning & Optical Metrology

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Prova di invecchiamento accelerato attraverso XenoTest

Xenon Arc Weathering (Xenotest)

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Prove di fatica

Fatigue tests

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Caratterizzazione delle polveri Additive Manufacturing

Powder Characterization for Additive Manufacturing

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