Microstructure Analysis
Using a wide array of instrumentation ranging from optical and electron microscopes to scanning Auger, FTIR and real-time X-ray imaging, staff members at EMSL can perform microstructure analysis on various kinds of materials and for many different purposes.
The list below is just a few examples of what we do at EMSL:
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Characterization of nano-precipitates and inclusions in steels, using transmission electron microscopy.
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Analysis of intermetallic compounds in gold ball wire bonding.
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Metallography of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys.
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Fractography analysis using optical and scanning electron microscopy.
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EBSD/EBSD mapping of grain structure and crystalline orientations
Metallography
Even with the widespread availability of an ever-growing list of modern sophisticated materials characterization techniques, the traditional metallographic examination is always the first step in the evaluation of metallic materials and essential in the problem solving of materials related issues.
Some examples of metallography services offered at EMSL include:
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Sample preparation (cutting, mounting, polishing, etching)
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Macro- and micro-hardness
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Grain structure
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Grain size measurement
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Inclusion ratings
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Casting defects identification
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Secondary phase distribution and identification
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Heat treatment evaluation
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Case hardening depth measurement
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Decarburization
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Coating thickness
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Image analysis/quantification