Metallurgy with METL
METL has nearly 200 years of combined EXPERIENCE WITH metallography, image analysis, sample preparation, electron microscopy (SEM) and FAILURE ANALYSIS.
WE regularly EVALUATE microstructure, grain size, case depth, inclusion CONTENT, porosity, welds, corrosion, COATINGS, and MORE.
From routine examinations to full reverse engineering, METL has all the tools you need for complete characterization.
Microstructure
Microstructure examination can help identify your material, reveal defects, as well as provide insight into manufacturing and heat treatment.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM E3, ASTM E407, ASTM E340
Failure Analysis
Metallurgical evaluation is integral to determining why your component failed. We can perform an in depth examination utilizing numerous test methods to characterize your materials, reveal microscopic defects, manufacturing issues, or stress concentrations invisible to the naked eye.
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Welding and Joining Process Exam
We can help you determine the integrity of your weld, braze, solder, or other joining process. Not sure if you have the right material? We can examine the fillers, phases and bonding of any joint to best support the quality of your product.
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View Weld and Joining ProcessesCoatings and Platings
Let us help you analyze, categorize, measure and qualify your surface treatments. Whether for routine quality assurance, process development, failure analysis or reverse engineering - we can help!
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Grain Size
Various material properties depend on grain size and morphology. We routinely help our customers ensure their parts meet requirements.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM E112
Microhardness
Microhardness testing is a valuable technique for small parts or those not conducive to Rockwell hardness measurement. With 500x magnification, we can also test microstructural inclusions and phases that vary from the surrounding matrix. Hardened cases and coatings can be tested, as well.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM E384
Furnace Certification for Aluminum
METL provides metallographic and mechanical testing to certify aluminum heat treat furnaces. Testing is in accordance to standards such as AMS 2772, MIL-H-6088 and others.
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Case Depth/Hardness
The total and effective case depth of your carburize, nitride, carbo-nitride, nitro-carburize or other case hardening heat treatment can be measured using microhardness and visual techniques. We also examine for undesirable effects, such as white layer and decarburization.
Applicable Specifications
AMS 2759, ASTM E384, ASTM E1077, ASTM F2328
Inclusion Content
Inclusion content can have significant effects on material properties and impact performance. METL can measure and evaluate the inclusion content of your alloy in accordance with industry standards.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM E45
Intergranular Attack (IGA)
IGA is a metallurgical phenomenon for which we routinely investigate. If you are using a process or material in which IGA is a concern let us give you peace of mind knowing your parts are safe for service.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM A262
Nonconventional Machined Surface Inspection
Using EDM, ECM, ECG or LBM processes to produce a part? METL can examine, measure and qualify recast layer, alpha case, or any other undesirable surface feature with precision.
Applicable Specifications
RPS 418 (EDM), RRP 55000
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be used for microstructure and coating evaluation, surface analysis, foreign material and crack detection, fractography and failure analysis.
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View Scanning Electron MicroscopyEnergy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
EDS can help determine chemical compositions of base materials, microstructure constituents, coatings and surface treatments, corrosion products, foreign material and various types of contamination.
Applicable Specifications
ASTM E1508


Why METL
We provide third-party testing to ensure viability and reliability
Affordable
As an independent laboratory we have the freedom to offer extremely competitive rates without compromising our integrity.
Trusted Knowledge
With Over 45 years of service to customers of many industries, you can trust that you are getting the highest quality results.
Fast Service
We work with your schedule. Need your results by a specific date? Let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.
Commonly Asked Questions
What information can a microstructural examination provide?
A microstructural exam can help identify a wide variety of material forms, case hardening techniques, heat treatments, material defects and processing techniques.
My plating is not adhering to the substrate. Can metallography identify the issue?
In many cases, adhesion issues can be identified on a polished cross-section. Metallography can reveal If the substrate surface was not properly prepped or the plating was contaminated. Combining visual examination with SEM/EDS can identify the contamination and narrow down the origin.
Is a microstructural examination destructive?
Most metallographic exams are destructive and require a cross-section to be mounted and polished. We do offer macro-etching for parts that require coarse grain measurement.