Metallurgical testing is used in virtually every industry and covers a wide range of services, from grain size analysis to fractography. Our Engaged Experts can identify the material type, defects, and processing errors using a variety of techniques and equipment.
Manufacturers are employing better technology to bring innovative materials to the market. While many traditional testing methods used for evaluating metals remain the same, metallurgists are facing more challenges than ever before.
What is metallurgical testing/metallography?
Metallurgical testing focuses on quantifying the properties of metals in conjunction with mechanical testing and chemical analysis. Metallography is frequently used to determine the material type, grade, or grain size, the inclusion content of a metal, test the corrosion resistance of a coating or material and provide certifications for new material or mixed batches, microstructure analysis, and failure analysis.
Our metallurgical testing capabilities
Our metallography experts look at metals both above and below the surface. From grain size to coating evaluations, our Engaged Experts answer even the most challenging metals questions.
We can test to standard protocols, or partner with you to design unique programs to fit your needs. Many of our metallurgical methods can be done on-site, or alongside our experts in one of our state-of-the-art labs.
Metallurgical testing methods
Some of the metallurgical testing methods we use include:
- Alloy depletion
- Alpha case evaluation
- Austenite measurements
- Carburization/depth of decarburization
- Case depth
- Casting evaluation
- Ferrite measurements
- Fractography
- Grain size measurements
- Inclusion content
- Intergranular corrosion
- Microstructure evaluation
- Particle analysis
- Passivation
- Photomicrography
- Pitting and crevice corrosion
- Plating and coating thickness
- Recast evaluation
- Replication metallography
- Scanning Electron Microscopy / Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS)
The Element advantage
Element’s testing laboratories have the required expertise and technology to investigate a wide range of metallic conditions and test both, traditional metals and advanced alloys. Our trained metallurgists are experienced in corrosion, fractography, material identification, macroscopic evaluation, microscopic evaluation, and weld testing.
With metallurgical testing locations across the globe, we can assist with any project, no matter how large.
For more information about our metallurgical testing services or to request a quote, contact us today.
White Paper: What is Metallurgical Testing?
Metallurgical testing covers a huge scope of industries. Could metallurgical testing be helpful for you? Dr. John Tartaglia helps guide you through the basics of metallurgical testing.
Read MOREMetallurgical Failure Analysis
When components fail, it can affect the delivery of goods and the safety of the general public as well as result in costly repairs and downtime. Performing metallurgical failure analysis to understand why a part failed is critical to preventing future failures.
READ MOREReplication Metallography: A Non-Destructive Solution
Element discusses replication metallography as a non-destruction solution to metallurgical evaluation.
Read MORERelated Services

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
SEM analysis is a powerful analytical tool which uses a focused beam of electrons to produce intricate, high magnification images of a sample’s surface topography.

Intergranular Corrosion Testing
Find out more about Element's intergranular corrosion testing service (IGC) to help prevent deterioration of materials along grain boundaries.

Chemical Analysis
Find out how Element's chemistry teams work with our customers to identify the contents, composition and quality of materials they develop and manufacture.

Failure Evaluation
Element offers comprehensive capabilities to assist in determining root cause failure.