Microstructural Analysis
Crucible Research routinely conducts detailed microstructural analysis, both internally and in a consulting role for external clients. The lab has the capability of performing detailed examination of macro- and microstructures of metallic and nonmetallic materials, solid and powder specimens.
We have the capability to determine alloy phase composition and to do quantitative analysis of microstructural components at the optical microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) levels. This allows the laboratory to provide thorough evaluations and material characterizations that are imperative for maintaining and controlling product quality and for new product development.
Facilities and expertise are available for the preparation and examination of metallographic specimens from a variety of materials including iron base alloys, copper base alloys, superalloys, and titanium alloys.
Our equipment includes:
- Jeol JSM 6400XV Digital Scanning Electron Microscope with Oxford ISIS Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer with light element capabilities
- Anatech Hummer 6.2 sputtering unit with capabilities of metal sputtering, plasma plating and etching, and carbon coating
- Omnimet Enterprise image analysis system (Buehler)ยท C-Imaging 640 image analysis system
- Philips PW1729 X-ray diffractomer with a Debye-Scherrer camera
- Several optical microscopes for bright field, dark field, and polarized light imaging
- Wild microscope for macro imaging
- Wilson Series 200 microhardness tester
Corrosion Testing
Crucible Research has a wide variety of corrosion test facilities ranging from the standard tests used to evaluate general, intergranular, pitting, crevice, and stress corrosion cracking resistance to sophisticated electrochemical tests.
Results from our corrosion test facilities have led to the development of a number of proprietary corrosion and oxidation resistant stainless steels.
Our equipment includes:
- EG&G Princeton Applied Research Potentiostat/Galvanostat Model 263 with computer and temperature controller
- Salt fog cabinet
- Constant temperature baths to 100C
- ASTM A263 Intergranular corrosion testing capabilities
- One-liter autoclave with recirculating system for elevated temperature corrosion testing
- Constant stress testing
Chemical Analysis
Crucible Research has the capability to quantitatively determine major, minor, and trace elements in iron base, nickel base, rare earth, and titanium base alloys. Facilities and expertise are also available to do routine and complex wet analysis of metals, alloys, ferroalloys, and slags.
The chemical staff at Crucible Research conducts a full chemical analysis on every heat produced and routinely conducts analysis for outside clients who either lack the facilities or want an independent, third-party, to evaluate a material.
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