Applied Technical Services’ metallurgy lab conducts fracture surface analysis, failure analysis, metal identification, and other metallurgical services. Our full-service metallurgy facilities employ chemists, engineers, and technicians with decades of combined experience in a wide range of backgrounds.
What is Fracture Surface Analysis?
Fracture surface analysis allows technicians to investigate the contributor factors that caused a material to fracture. Even high-quality materials are prone to failure, so it’s important to assess the root causes of failure, allowing manufacturers to improve their production processes.
Understanding Metal Fractures
Ductile Fractures in Metals
A ductile fracture occurs when a material undergoes extensive plastic deformation before breaking. The fractures are often gradual, granting time to correct the cause of the fracture. The causes of ductile fractures in metal include:
- High Levels of Stress in the Affected Area
- Excessive Load
- Improper Material Design
- High Temperatures
Brittle Fractures in Metals
A brittle fracture is a quick and often asymptomatic fracture with little to no warning signs of plastic degradation. Unlike other fractures, materials that suffer brittle fractures may not undergo thinning but instead suffer from sudden cracks that rapidly propagate. The causes of brittle fractures in metal include:
- Residual Stresses
- Large Gain Sizes
- Steel Contaminants
- Metallurgical Degradation
Applied Technical Services’ Metallurgy Lab
ATS’ metallurgy lab serves clients in various industries worldwide, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Construction
- Defense
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Nuclear
- Oil and Gas
- Power Generation
- Renewable Energy
Our lab professionals conduct thorough investigations of metal alloys and implore the latest industry standards to ensure that our services are compliant with industry expectations, including:
- ASTM E1820
- ASTM E399
- ASTM E1921
- ASTM E2899
We provide testing for various metals such as:
- Aluminum
- Cast Irons
- Copper
- Cobalt
- Carbon Steels
- Magnesium Alloys
- Nickel
- Stainless Steels
- Titanium Alloys
- Zinc Alloys
About Applied Technical Services Metallurgy Lab
Since 1967, ATS has been committed to professional engineering consulting, testing, inspection, and analysis services to an ever-growing list of clients in various industries worldwide. As an ISO 9001:2015 registered management system, we prioritize continuous improvement and continue to add to our extensive list of accreditations and certifications. Please call +1 (888) 287-5227 and inquire about our fracture surface analysis services.
