Hardness testing of metals

A dilatometer is used to determine the linear thermal expansion of a material as a function of temperature. The temperature range of the measurement is generally between 25 °C and 1,600 °C. There is also an option to perform the test in a cryogenic atmosphere, which ranges from -175 °C to 300 °C. The typical heating rate is 3 °C/min. As a result of the measurement, you will get the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and the absolute change in sample length, both as a function of temperature. The testing can be performed in various atmospheres, including air, argon, CO₂, N₂, and O₂. Please contact us to get a quote. The price will depend on the testing conditions, so please specify them as precisely as possible.

Tensile tests according to ASTM E21 and ISO 6892-2 are used to determine the mechanical properties of metals and alloys at elevated temperatures. The tests are performed at temperatures up to 1,000 °C. The results include data on multiple properties, including tensile strength, yield strength, and elastic modulus. Please specify the desired testing temperature, strain rates, and the standard you wish the tests to be performed by when requesting a quote. Standard samples should be a minimum of 75 mm in length and 5 mm in diameter, although smaller samples can be tested upon request. The machining of samples can be included in the analysis project. We also offer tensile tests at room temperature.

Creep testing is used to monitor the amount of deformation under a constant load over a set period. It allows us to determine how much a material will deform under a specific load at a given temperature. Stress rupture testing is used to determine the time required for a fracture to occur under constant stress. It provides information on how long a material will last under specific loads and temperatures. Both of these tests are essential in determining the material's load-carrying capacity. The tests are performed according to ISO 204 or ASTM E139 standards at temperatures up to 1,250 °C. There are several testing options under ISO 204 and ASTM E139: Uninterrupted creep tests, where elongation is monitored continuously, Interrupted creep tests, where elongation is measured periodically, Stress rupture tests, where the time to fracture is measured, Verification tests to confirm that the material withstands a given force for a predetermined time without fracturing. Pricing depends on the temperature, load, and test duration. Please contact our experts for a quote.

The Charpy impact test is a standardized test used to measure the impact toughness of a material during fracture. Testing is performed according to the ISO 148-1 standard and can be conducted at temperatures as low as -193 °C. A V-shaped or U-shaped notch is created in the sample, after which a pendulum is used to break it. The test measures how much energy the material absorbs before fracturing, giving insight into the material's ability to withstand sudden impacts.

Tensile tests are the most common way to determine the tensile strength, ductility, and toughness of a material. The tests are performed according to ASTM E8/E8M and ISO 6892-1 standards. The results include data on multiple properties, including tensile strength, yield strength, and modulus of elasticity. Standard samples require a minimum 75 mm length and 5 mm diameter, although smaller samples can be measured upon request. The machining of samples can be included in the analysis. We also offer tensile tests at elevated temperatures.

Quantitative mineralogical analysis by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) on bentonite samples to identify and quantify the concentration of occurring minerals. The analysis is performed according to EN 13925. The results of the analysis are expressed as percentages, for example: % of Smectite, % of Quartz, % of Calcite, % of Opal, % of Feldspar. The uncertainty of the measurement is 10–20%.

X-Ray Reflectometry (XRR) analysis is used to measure the density (g/cm3), thickness (nm), and roughness (nm) of thin films. The method is applicable to the characterization of single- or multilayered thin films, as it provides information on the thickness and density of individual layers of the sample material as well as the roughness of the interphases. Greatest accuracy for XRR thickness measurements is generally achieved for samples containing 1-150 nm thick surface layers with under 5 nm RMS roughness. Thicker films and coatings with rougher surfaces can also be characterized, but the accuracy of thickness determination decreases as the thickness and roughness of the film or film stack increase. >150 mm wafers are typically cut to fit the sample holder. Please let us know if you need testing for larger wafers that cannot be cut into pieces. The available temperature range for XRR measurements is 25-1100 °C, and crystallinity can be studied as a function of temperature. The measurements can be performed under a normal atmosphere, inert gas, or vacuum. Measurements are typically performed using one of the following instruments: Rigaku SmartLab, Panalytical X'Pert Pro MRD, Bruker D8 Discover. Please let us know if you have a preference for a specific instrument.

Spark-OES is a commonly used method to determine the elemental composition of metals and alloys. The method provides a better alternative to other similar analysis techniques (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF) due to its speed and low detection limits. All metallic elements and some non-metallic elements, such as C, N, and S, can be detected in the ppm range. The method is suitable for solid metal pieces with a minimum size of 1 x 1 cm. Sample preparation is included in the analysis.

This test is used to determine the folding endurance of paper or board using the Köhler-Molin, Lhomargy, MIT, and Schopper testers. During the test, a narrow strip of paper is folded forwards and backward in a standardized manner, so that it is subjected to longitudinal stress until it breaks.

Bending stiffness testing is performed to evaluate cardboard's stiffness by measuring the resistance to bending with 4-point loading. The results express the bending stiffness of the material in the machine direction and the cross direction.