At Hansen Aerospace, we provide high-precision metallurgical testing services to ensure the strength, durability, and performance of critical components to ensure compliance with aerospace and industrial standards.
What is Metallurgical Testing?
Metallurgical testing, also referred to as 'Metallographic Testing', combines a range of techniques used to evaluate the structure and properties of metals, helping to determine how materials will perform under stress, fatigue, or extreme environmental conditions.
At Hansen Aerospace, we use a range of metallurgical testing methods to assess the grain structure and overall microstructure, both of which are key indicators of a material’s reliability and lifecycle. It ensures components meet industry standards and are suitable for their intended use.
Why Metallurgical Testing is Important
Accurate metallurgical analysis verifies whether a material is fit for purpose and highlights any deviations or weaknesses caused by manufacturing errors, welding inconsistencies, or heat treatment. It is crucial to ensure the performance and reliability of critical components.
Without accurate metallurgical testing, components could be compromised, and in industries such as aerospace, this can lead to in-service failures, safety risks, and significant financial or reputational damage.
What is a microstructure?
A microstructure is the internal structure of a metal, visible under magnification. It includes features such as grain boundaries, inclusions, and phases.
Microstructure analysis can reveal important insights into mechanical performance, heat treatment history, manufacturing quality, and failure mechanisms. This makes it a key part of metallurgical failure investigations.
Metallurgical Testing Methods
At Hansen Aerospace, we follow industry standards and use proven metallurgical testing methods to deliver precise, reliable results.
Our testing capabilities include hardness testing and metallographic testing, based on material specifications and reporting requirements.
ASTM E112: Grain Size Measurement Standard
At Hansen Aerospace, we use standards such as ASTM E112 in our metallurgical lab to determine grain size.
Accurate grain size measurement is crucial for analysis across all material types.
Types of Metallurgical Testing Services
Metallurgical Lab Services
At Hansen Aerospace, our metallurgical lab is equipped to perform a range of testing techniques tailored to support aerospace compliance, quality assurance, and research and development projects.
These include hardness testing and grain size evaluation to ASTM E112, and metallographic testing for detailed microstructure assessment.
Metallurgical Analysis: Understanding Material Properties
By assessing the microstructure and chemical properties of samples during metallurgical analysis or testing, it’s possible to understand how metals have responded to specific conditions. This allows us to provide detailed insights into material characteristics that support both production and certification processes.
Metallurgical Evaluation for Industrial Applications
At Hansen Aerospace, our metallurgical evaluation services are used in aerospace, automotive, defense, and energy applications to help ensure materials meet required specifications and have been processed correctly.
Our metallurgical testing supports verification of heat treatment processes, confirms material grade and composition, and helps identify any inconsistencies in the microstructure that could impact performance or safety.
Advantages of Metallurgical Testing in Non-Destructive Testing
Metallurgical Testing for Quality Control
Metallurgical testing provides consistent quality control by identifying issues early and helps manufacturers avoid costly recalls. Our metal testing lab supports routine testing programs and ad hoc assessments when required.
Ensuring Product Reliability Through Metallurgical Testing
At Hansen Aerospace, our metallographic testing helps manufacturers ensure the reliability of materials at each stage, before production or after heat treatment to ensure accurate, documented results.
Why Choose Hansen Aerospace?
Availability
We provide 24/7/365 access to our management team and senior executives, ensuring we’re always available to support our customers.
Partnerships
We have a proven ability to grow alongside our customers, proactively assessing their future capacity needs and ensuring a long-term, successful collaboration.
Experience and Expertise
With unmatched ultrasonic testing expertise, we are proud to have the largest concentration of IUT testing capacity for jet engine parts in the world, setting us apart as a leader in the industry.
Service
We are committed to providing exceptional customer service, as consistently praised by our clients. As a US-based NDT house, we strive to exceed expectations with every interaction.
Quality and Trust
Our commitment to quality is unwavering. With 4 decades of excellence, we have consistently passed every audit and maintained all necessary certifications, reinforcing the trust our customers place in us.
Metallurgical Testing FAQs
What is a metallographic inspection?
Metallographic inspection is the assessment of a material’s microstructure. It identifies grain boundaries, phases, and other critical features that can affect mechanical performance, durability, and reliability.
What is the purpose of etching metallographic samples?
Etching makes the microstructure visible under a microscope by highlighting different material phases and structures.
What are the important steps metallographic sample preparation?
Important steps of metallographic sample preparation include grinding, polishing, and etching. Each step helps to reveal the microstructure for accurate analysis.
What is the purpose of grain size analysis?
Grain size analysis in metallurgical testing helps determine the mechanical properties of a material. This is key in establishing strength and ensures the material meets specifications such as ASTM E112.
What is microstructure?
Microstructure in metallurgical testing refers to the internal structure of metals as seen under a microscope. This details grains, inclusions, and phases that can affect how the material behaves under specific conditions.