Test Laboratory for Microstructural Analysis

Through our microstructural analysis, we examine the microstructure of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials. Through precise specimen preparation and light-microscopic evaluation using LSM or SEM, grain structures, phase distributions, porosity, cracks, and heat treatment effects are made visible. Metallographic microstructural analysis provides crucial information about the structure, phase distribution, degree of purity, and potential irregularities in metallic materials. It is a key tool for quality assurance, failure analysis, and process optimization. At the encontec testing laboratory, we combine state-of-the-art specimen preparation techniques, high-resolution microscopy, and digital image analysis to provide precise, reproducible, and standards-compliant microstructural characterization. In addition to standard testing methods, we also offer customized special evaluations, which we develop individually according to your specifications.

Our services:

  • Macrosections and microsections
  • Grain size, purity and porosity analyses
  • Phase and microstructure component determination
  • Coating thickness measurement (microscope / SEM)
  • Weld seam evaluation according to DIN EN ISO 5817
  • Target preparations on defects and cracks

 

Your benefit: Standard-compliant, reproducible and meaningful microstructure data - ideal for incoming goods, production control and damage analysis. Request a microstructure analysis now - we deliver precise results in the shortest possible time.
 

Your request

Typical applications of our microstructural analysis:

 

  • Heat Treatments
  • Grain structure, phase fractions
  • Porosity, voids, inclusions
  • Comparison of Material Batches
  • Identifying the Causes of Cracks and Brittleness

 

Scope of Services:

  • Preparation (cutting, embedding, grinding, polishing)
  • Optional Etching
  • Optical microscopy
  • SEM Support
  • Documentation

 

Result:

  • High-resolution microstructure images
  • Evaluation of the Microstructure
  • Determining the condition of the material or the cause of damage

 

Our services in microstructure analysis

In the encontec test laboratory, we examine metallic materials, coatings and weld seams using state-of-the-art microscopy and digital image analysis. Our microstructure analyses provide clear, reliable results for quality assurance, process optimization and damage analysis.

 

Professional sample preparation

We prepare samples professionally for a meaningful metallographic examination:

  • Macrosections and microsections
  • Embedding (cold/warm)
  • Target preparations on defects, cracks or fracture surfaces
  • Preparation of coatings, weld seams and cast joints

 

Materials and structures that can be examined

We analyze a wide range of metallic materials:

  • Steels, aluminum, titanium and copper alloys
  • Thermal spray coatings, zinc and galvanic coatings
  • Weld seams incl. evaluation according to DIN EN ISO 5817
  • Cast iron and special materials

 

Qualitative and quantitative microstructure evaluations

Our metallographic examinations include

  • Grain size determination
  • Purity and porosity analyses
  • Phase and microstructure component determination
  • Material-specific microstructure components (e.g. for titanium alloys)
  • Coating tests incl. structure, homogeneity and adhesion
  • Delta ferrite determination
  • Metallographic evaluation according to standard or customer specification
  • Digital image analysis and point counting method

 

Metrological investigations

For precise quantitative results we offer:

  • Coating thickness determination from 5 µm in the reflected light microscope (DIN EN ISO 1463)
  • Layer thicknesses < 5 µm in the SEM*
  • Measurement of microstructure components and microstructures
  • Further specific measurements on the microsection

 

Modern equipment for reliable results

Our metallography is equipped with high-quality precision technology:

  • Manual and automatic cut-off machines
  • Warm embedding press
  • Manual and semi-automatic grinding and polishing tables
  • Extensive range of etching agents for different materials
  • Photo location for macro shots
  • Stereomicroscope (6-40×) with image database
  • Two reflected light microscopes (25-1000×) with evaluation software
  • Bright-field and dark-field microscopy
  • Digital image analysis with structured documentation

 

Your added value - microstructure analysis with encontec

Quality assurance & incoming goods inspection

Independent microstructure evaluation to safeguard materials and components.

Process optimization & error prevention

Proof of process stability and derivation of targeted optimization measures.

Damage analysis

Well-founded root cause analysis of component failure through detailed microstructure analysis.

Proof of material quality

Evaluation of microstructure, phase distribution and degree of purity.

Reduction of waste & follow-up costs

Early identification of deviations and defects.

encontec –
Your partner for metallographic microstructure analysis

Precise, standard-compliant, reproducible - for reliable decisions in development, production and failure analysis.