Metallography and Microstructure Analysis

G2MT Labs performs high-quality metallography testing in our Houston-area laboratory to accurately assess and compare the critical materials and components you rely on every day. Metallography and microstructure analysis can assess a large variety of materials properties, mechanical properties, defects, flaws, cracks, hydrogen attack, and other indications.

Our Houston metallography and microscopy offers:metallography of high-alloy steel

  • Sample cutting and preparation
  • Precision sectioning
  • Photographic documentation
  • Macro photography
  • Large sample photography
  • Metallographic sample preparation
  • A variety of microstructure analyses
  • Stereo photography
  • Polarized light optical microscopy
  • Scanning electron microscopy
  • Etching and macroetching using hundreds of etchants
  • Experimental/ R&D for etching and metallography

The cool thing about metallography is that it literally tells the story since it was last molten. A good metallurgist can see the effects such as the thermal history, heat treatments, chemistry, cracking, defects, precipitates – and they all tell a story about the material properties, which ultimately determines microstructure. So by offering excellent metallography analysis,

Examining metals by cleaning and etching the surface to reveal the microstructure (the substructure that controls the strength, toughness, and long-term integrity of materials), defects, cracking, and other properties.

The Art and Science of Metallography: In spite of being used for over 100 years, metallography is still part art and part science. We learned from experts like Drs. David Matlock and George Van der Voort (both of whom we also consult with) about how metallography requires patience and experimentation.

 

Types of Metallographic Testing We Provide:

Metallographic sample preparation

  • ASTM E3, E7, E1078, and E1558

Microstructure Analysis – Methods for evaluating microstructure to ensure acceptability

  • ASTM A247, A892, E1268
  • ISO/TR 14321, ISO 20160 and 945

Macroetching and Microetching – for evaluating microstructures components

  • ASTM E407, E340, and E381

     

  • Color etching with Beraha’s etchants and more.

Grain size analysis – critical to understanding mechanical properties

  • ASTM E112, E1382, E1181, E930, and B390
  • ISO 14250, ISO 2624, and ISO 643

Second phase, inclusion or porosity measurements: size, content, and identification

  • ASTM E1245, E45, E768, E2283, and B276
  • ISO 4505 and 13322

Surface and coating analysis (composition, diffusion profile, thickness, and porosity