The test lab offers a wide variety of services including non-destructive testing, chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and metallurgical investigation. A licensed professional engineer can provide consultation services in many areas, including failure analysis, test interpretation, and material selection. All tests are conducted on calibrated and certified equipment traceable to the NIST, in accordance to MIL-STD-45662A, ANSI/NCLS-Z540-1 and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
Non Destructive Testing
Non-destructive testing capabilities include eddy current testing, ultrasonic testing, hydrostatic pressure testing, magnetic particle testing, fluorescent or dye penetrant, and surface roughness and dimensional inspection. Dimensional measurements can be made with a variety of gauges, laser micrometer, optical comparator, or coordinate measuring machine. ID can be visually inspected with a borescope if size permits.
Chemical Analysis
Chemical analysis with a nondestructive x-ray is used to determine the composition of elements found in various metal alloys. This process is routinely used for alloy identification or verification of material as well as full quantitative analysis. Corrosion resistance testing performed on many different alloys in various media is used to confirm product integrity or aid in material selection.
Mechanical Testing
Typical testing services include tensile testing, Rockwell hardness, Knoop and Vickers micro-hardnesss, stress rupture testing, flaring, flattening, and bend testing. Tensile testing is performed on most mill products. Stress-strain curves are provided on request. Hardness tests are performed on most materials regardless of size. When required micro-hardness testing will be performed. Stress rupture or creep testing is available for materials up to 2000°F. Flaring, flattening, bending, and micro examinations are performed to evaluate the weld integrity of the tube.
Metallurgical Investigation
Microscopic and macroscopic services as well as metallurgical interpretation of results are provided by our trained staff. Grain size determination, inclusion count, micro structure analysis, phase identification, and weld integrity are just a few of the tests which are performed by our metallurgical staff.
Consulting Services
Failure analysis, material recommendations, and development of special tests are provided by a licensed professional engineer. Our staff provides an independent analysis and interpretation of the facts when a dispute exists over test results or cause of failure.