Laboratory

Metallic section

Metallographic microscopy applied to metals makes it possible to observe internal microstructures following metallographic preparation (mounting, polishing, chemical etching).

It is essential for:

• Identifying metallurgical phases
• Measuring grain size
• Assessing the quality of heat treatments
• Inspecting welds
• Detecting anomalies such as decarburisation, inclusions, porosity and segregation

Partie composites

L’analyse microscopique des matériaux composites permet de caractériser l’intégrité et la qualité de l’assemblage fibres/matrice. Nos observations permettent notamment de :

• Identifier les défauts d’imprégnation (vides, bulles, zones sèches)
• Analyser les interfaces fibres/matrice et les phénomènes de délamination
• Contrôler la qualité des collages ou l’adhérence interlaminaire
• Évaluer l'alignement des fibres et la distribution des renforts

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is one of our key technologies for metal analysis. This technique produces very high-resolution images of a sample’s surface, with magnifications reaching up to ×10,000. SEM is coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX).

SEM-EDX is used to:

• Analyse the chemical composition of metals
• Observe fracture surfaces and detect material-related defects
• Examine surfaces damaged by wear or corrosion
• Study very thin coatings

We provide precise, standardised micro Vickers hardness measurements using a Microtech MX7 microhardness tester, suitable for both industrial and laboratory applications.

Microhardness testing is an essential method for the local analysis of metal hardness. Thanks to the low load applied via a diamond indenter, the microhardness tester enables accurate characterisation of very small areas, often inaccessible using conventional hardness testing methods.

Our laboratory is equipped with a Syntech 300 tensile testing machine by 3R, designed to carry out standardised mechanical testing on a wide range of metallic materials.

Thanks to its interchangeable tooling, this equipment enables several types of tests, including:

• Tensile tests: ultimate tensile strength (Rm), yield strength (Re, Rp0.2), elongation at break (A%), Young’s modulus (E)
• Compression tests: characterisation of bulk or brittle materials
• Three-point bending tests: measurement of flexural modulus and fracture behaviour
• Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests: suited to composite materials or bonded assemblies

These tests are carried out in accordance with current standards (ISO, ASTM), on standard specimens or specific parts depending on your requirements.