Metallography & Failure Analysis Services
Metallography & Failure Analysis
Independent microstructural evaluation and failure investigation to identify root causes, validate processes, and support critical engineering decisions.
When material behaviour matters, assumptions fail.
Microlab delivers clear, defensible results you can act on.
- NABL / ISO aligned testing
- Experienced metallurgists
- Defensible, audit-ready reports
NABL ISO/IEC 17025
Accredited
Advanced Equipment
Optical & Electron Microscopy
Expert Metallurgists
Not Just Operators
Fast Turnaround
Days, Not Weeks
Metallography & Failure Analysis Services
When the Problem Is Microscopic, the Answer Has to Be Precise
- Cracks that appear without warning.
- Coatings that peel too early.
- Components that fail despite meeting specifications.
These problems do not show up under optical inspection alone.
Metallographic analysis reveals what actually happened beneath the surface. At Microlab, we use optical and electron microscopy combined with systematic failure investigation methodology to uncover microstructural anomalies, welding defects, phase transformations, and root causes of failure with clarity and confidence.
No overcomplication. No guesswork. Just answers.
Our Capabilities
Metallography & Failure Analysis
Our metallography and failure analysis services are built around real industrial decisions, not academic demonstrations.
- Microstructural evaluation
- Weld & HAZ analysis
- Fracture surface analysis
- Root cause failure investigations
Core Analysis Capabilities
What Our Testing Delivers
Each capability is structured around real engineering needs—not academic demonstrations.
Microstructural Evaluation
Comprehensive analysis of grain structure, phase distribution, inclusions, and processing history. We identify anomalies that affect mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and service life—providing the evidence needed for process validation and quality decisions.
| TEST CATEGORY | MATERIAL | TEST TYPE | METHOD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grain Analysis | Carbon & Alloy Steels | Grain Size Measurement | ASTM E112 |
| Phase Identification | Stainless Steels | Phase Distribution | ASTM E1181 |
| Inclusion Rating | All Ferrous Alloys | Non-Metallic Inclusions | ASTM E45 |
Weld & HAZ Analysis
Detailed examination of weld quality, heat affected zone characteristics, and fusion zone integrity. We assess penetration, porosity, cracking, and microstructural changes that determine joint performance under service conditions.
| TEST CATEGORY | MATERIAL | TEST TYPE | METHOD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weld Quality | Carbon Steel Welds | Macro/Micro Examination | AWS D1.1 |
| HAZ Assessment | Stainless Steel Welds | HAZ Characterization | ASTM E340 |
| Defect Analysis | All Weldments | Crack & Porosity Evaluation | ISO 17639 |
Fractography
Systematic examination of fracture surfaces to determine failure mode, crack initiation point, propagation path, and contributing factors. Our fractographic analysis provides the evidence needed to understand how and why a component failed.
| TEST CATEGORY | MATERIAL | TEST TYPE | METHOD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fracture Mode | All Metals | Failure Mode Identification | ASTM E2860 |
| Crack Origin | Failed Components | Initiation Point Analysis | Visual + SEM |
| Surface Analysis | Fracture Surfaces | Morphology Evaluation | SEM/EDX |
Root Cause Failure Analysis
Integrated investigation combining metallographic examination, fractography, chemical analysis, and mechanical testing to establish the sequence of events leading to failure. We provide defensible conclusions with practical corrective guidance.
| TEST CATEGORY | MATERIAL | TEST TYPE | METHOD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weld Quality | Carbon Steel Welds | Macro/Micro Examination | AWS D1.1 |
| HAZ Assessment | Stainless Steel Welds | HAZ Characterization | ASTM E340 |
| Defect Analysis | All Weldments | Crack & Porosity Evaluation | ISO 17639 |
Materials Coverage
Materials We Analyse
Comprehensive metallographic analysis across ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, weldments, and processed components.
Carbon & Alloy Steels
- Low carbon steels
- Medium carbon steels
- High carbon steels
- Low alloy steels
- Tool steels
Stainless Steels
- Austenitic grades
- Ferritic grades
- Martensitic grades
- Duplex stainless
- Precipitation hardening
Non-Ferrous Alloys
- Aluminum alloys
- Copper alloys
- Nickel alloys
- Titanium alloys
- Brass & Bronze
Processed Components
- Welded joints
- Heat-treated parts
- Cast components
- Forged parts
- Surface treated items
Quality & Accuracy
Standards, Accuracy & Reporting
Every analysis follows established metallurgical standards with documented methodology and defensible conclusions.
- Calibrated optical and electron microscopy equipment
- Reports structured for audits, CAPA investigations, and engineering decisions
- Expert interpretation included—not just data
- Testing aligned with national and international standards (ASTM, ISO, AWS)
- Traceable sample handling and documentation
No assumptions. No vague conclusions.
Why Choose Us
Why Companies Choose Microlab
This is where decisions are made.
Independent investigations
No commercial bias. We report what we find.
Evidence-based conclusions
Every finding is backed by documented analysis.
Practical corrective guidance
Actionable recommendations, not theoretical observations.
Support for disputes and audits
Reports structured for regulatory review and expert testimony.
Experienced metallurgists
Analysis by specialists, not equipment operators.
We don’t sell microscope hours.
We deliver clarity and accountability.
Speak to a Metallography & Failure Analysis Specialist
Get clarity on investigation scope, sample requirements, turnaround time, and reporting depth.
- NABL ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited
- Advanced Microscopy Equipment
- Expert Interpretation Included