Appartiene al campo della macrografia qualsiasi osservazione metallografica effettuata o a occhio nudo, o con mezzi di osservazione (lenti o microscopi binoculari stereoscopici) con ingrandimento ottico inferiori a 50x eventualmente dopo attacco chimico selettivo.

Si parla di micrografia quando l’osservazione del campione è effettuata al microscopio metallografico, sotto ingrandimenti ottici fino a 1000 x; l’osservazione micrografica viene effettuata su campioni prelevati dal particolare in esame e opportunamente preparati.

La preparazione può prevedere una lucidatura delle superfici di interesse e, a seconda del tipo di esame da effettuare, un attacco chimico selettivo delle stesse.

Failure analysis e controllo qualità da oggi più veloci e precise grazie alla nuova macchina arrivata : il MICROSCOPIO ELETTRONICO A SCANSIONE (SEM) a pressione variabile con sistema di microanalisi EDS integrato JOEL.

JEOL JMS IT 500-LA rappresenta l’avanguardia nel settore della microscopia elettronica a scansione. Mediante questo strumento siamo in grado di offrire indagini ad altissima risoluzione anche di campioni biologici senza metallizzazione o isolanti.

Tra le caratteristiche di spicco il JSM IT 500-LA presenta:

1. Sistema a pressione variabile che permette di lavorare tra uno standard high vacuum mode (10-4 Pa) e un low vacuum set (tra 10 e 650 Pa)
2. Dimensioni della camera e capacità di alloggio particolarmente prestanti e che permettono di analizzare campioni sino a 200 mm ø e 2 kg
3. Sonda microanalisi EDS integrata JEOL con detector di 25 mm2

Insomma una macchina all’avanguardia, al momento tra le poche in distribuzione.
Da sempre il nostro laboratorio ha avuto particolare attenzione all’aggiornamento professionale e tecnologico del proprio personale e delle attrezzature a disposizione. Tutto questo per offrire le migliori soluzioni ai nostri clienti.

Tecnica di controllo utilizzata per indagini metallografiche condotte “in opera”, nei casi in cui non sia possibile prelevare il campione da analizzare. Tale tecnica prevede, dopo la preparazione locale della superficie di interesse, l’esecuzione di una copia della microstruttura dalla zona in esame, utilizzando di solito supporto di acetato di cellulosa.

La micro durezza è un parametro che permette di misurare la resistenza alla deformazione permanente di una superficie metallica a seguito dell’applicazione di un carico predefinito tramite un penetratore.

All chemical analyzes of the materials are strictly carried out on the basis of national and international regulations (ASTM, UNI, DIN, etc.) and on specially prepared internal procedures.

The analysis of metal alloys occurs through three main methodologies:

• Traditional wet chemical analysis;
• Quantum chemical analysis (SEO Optical Emission Spectroscopy);
• PMI – Positive Material Identification.

In the wide range of composite materials, CTS performs:

• determination of the type and percentage of reinforcement (glass, kevlar, carbon fibers, etc.) and of the density of resin-based composite materials (fiberglass, etc.);
• density determination;
• FTIR spectrometry to evaluate the chemical characteristics of the organic component of the composite;
• DSC analysis on polymeric materials to evaluate Tg and resin cross-linking degree.

The analysis of oils and lubricants is performed in order to evaluate their characteristics, establish a classification and is a useful tool in the case of failure analysis.

The parameters that are typically determined are:

• Viscosity;
• Water content;
• Hydrocarbon content;
• Percentage of ashes;
• Insoluble content;
• Evaluation of the degree of particle contamination according to NAS code 1638 and according to ISO 4407;
• TAN;
• TBN;
• Presence of dissolved metal materials;
• Flash point in a closed vase and open vase;

Our corrosion analysis:

• Corrosion tests on metallic materials.
• Accelerated aging tests.
• Salt spray chamber tests on metallic materials and protective coatings.

• FTIR analysis on polymeric materials;
• DSC analysis on polymeric materials for measuring melting temperature (Tm), glass transition temperature (Tg) and degree of cross-linking (thermosetting resins / polymers).

What information is obtained:

Following DSC analysis of polymeric materials, physical and chemical properties of the sample are determined according to temperature or time:

• melting temperature (Tm);
• degree of crystallinity;
• glass transition temperature (Tg);
• specific heat;
• reaction heat.

Qualified technical personnel III ° II ° SNT TC 1A in agreement with Doc. ASNT

Allows a quick, economic, easily repeatable, generally qualitative assessment of compliance with the required requirements.

Qualified technical personnel III ° II ° SNT TC 1A in agreement with Doc. ASNT – UNI EN ISO 9712.

The examination is usually limited to easily accessible areas, and the sensitivity of the method is conditioned by the degree of surface finish. Fusible defects such as cold joints and shrinkage cracks can be detected.

The control technique with penetrating liquids is based on the “wetting” properties of particular liquids able to penetrate by capillarity within the discontinuities emerging on the surface. Looking at the piece under suitable lighting, the defects are highlighted by contrast between penetrating and detector.

Qualified technical personnel III ° II ° SNT TC 1A in agreement with Doc. ASNT – UNI EN ISO 9712.

The control technique, which only works on ferromagnetic materials, is very sensitive and can detect defects even on parts covered with thin protective layers (eg paints).

The magnetoscopic method is based on the generation within the piece of a magnetic flux that is interrupted by possible discontinuities (superficial and sub superficial defects). The flow is visualized through very fine particle size magnetic particles applied to the surface of the parts under examination.

Qualified technical personnel III ° II ° and I ° level SNT TC 1A in agreement with Doc. ASNT – UNI EN ISO 9712.

The ultrasound method is undoubtedly the most widespread for the ease with which it is possible to conduct the examination, the speed of execution, the high level of sensitivity, the wide range of controllable thicknesses and the type of materials: metal and composites .

In the most usual application an ultrasonic pulse is emitted which, by propagating itself in the particular to be controlled, is reflected by the eventual discontinuities present, and then detected and converted into an electrical signal to be presented on an oscilloscope.

Qualified technical personnel III ° II ° SNT TC 1A in agreement with Doc. ASNT – UNI EN ISO 9712.

The radiographic method consists in detecting on the film the attenuation variations that an X-ray or gamma beam undergoes depending on the thicknesses crossed, penetrating the details under examination.
This non-destructive control technique is typically used, at the laboratory premises, in activities such as welders qualifications, welding qualifications, checks on carbon fiber composite components and mechanical in general, and in any case particular for which the evaluation of the configuration and internal status without conducting destructive tests.

The Extensimetric Testing allow to evaluate, directly on the components, the level of tension-deformation achieved in the various conditions of assembly, manufacture, operation, environment, etc.

The estensimetry represents a useful verification tool for the designer, in fact it allows to verify the peak tensions in the most critical areas and to compare the data obtained experimentally with those resulting from the design activity.

This technique is able to evaluate the most complex multi-axial tension states, also indicating the main stress directions. Estensimetry is therefore a safe system for assessing the stress state of a component; it also provides a valuable aid in the resolution of unexpected breakages occurring during the exercise.

Use strain gages to detect dimensional deformations of a body subjected to mechanical or thermal stress.

Control method used for metallographic investigations conducted “in situ”, which involves the execution of a copy of the microstructure of the metallography surface on an acetate support.

Evaluation of the resistance opposed by a material when subjected to a predefined load applied to an indenter. With the portable equipment, hardness controls such as: Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell, Shore, Barcol can be performed.

The PMI (Positive Material Identification) analysis is a non-destructive test method for the chemical analysis in situ on ferrous and non-ferrous metal alloys through the use of specific portable instrumentation (in the jargon called “Pistola” PMI).

The method exploits the principle of dispersive X-ray fluorescence energy, commonly called XRF technology and allows to perform extremely fast and accurate non-destructive qualitative and quantitative chemical analyzes.

By applying this technology to the best it is therefore possible to quickly and non-destructively determine the elemental composition of:

• Metal alloys;
• Rocks and land;
• Sludge and liquid samples.

CTS Srl is supplied with a NITON XL3t 980 Goldd instrument.Thanks to the GOLDD – Geometrically Optimized Large Area Drift Detector technology, the XL2-980 analyzer can analyze light elements such as Mg-Magnesium, S-Sulfur, P-Phosphorus, Si-Silicon, Al-Aluminum.

More than thirty elements can be analyzed simultaneously by detecting the characteristic X-ray fluorescence emitted from the sample under analysis, from Magnesium to Uranium.

XRF spectrophotometry (X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy or X-ray fluorescence) is a non-destructive analysis technique that allows to know the elemental composition of a sample through the study of X-ray fluorescence radiation. This radiation is emitted by the atoms of the sample following excitation obtained by irradiating the sample with X-rays and high-energy gamma.

Thermographic analysis is part of the complex of non-destructive tests that the laboratory offers for on-site service activities and at the customer’s premises.
From the application point of view this technique plays a very important role in the detection and documentation of delaminations or discontinuities in monolithic laminates of hulls or tanks etc. It allows a rapid verification of anomalies in electrical systems both on board and in industrial sites. It allows to verify anomalies in the functioning of equipment such as endothermic engines, propeller shaft bearings, etc. comparing the heat emitted by the faulty apparatus compared to the correctly working one.
Another field of application of this technique provides the possibility of carrying out a thermal scan of the building envelopes, being able to investigate qualitatively irregularities present in the roofing.

in agreement with the provisions of the Ministerial Decree of 11 April 2011, the technical staff of the laboratory carries out verification activities such as:

• Additional investigations, relative to the SC and SP groups, aimed at identifying faults, defects or anomalies produced in the use of work equipment put into operation for over twenty years as well as to establish the residual life in which the machine can still operate in safe conditions with any related new nominal flows;
• Verification of ten-year integrity, in relation to the GVR group, aimed at ascertaining the state of conservation of the various members by visual inspection of the internal and external parts accessible and inspectable, in the thickness test and any other tests that are necessary in the event that the complete inspectability of the equipment is not guaranteed, doubts emerge on the condition of the members, in the face of evident situations of damage or according to the manufacturer’s indications for equipment constructed and certified according to the product directives (97/23 / CE, 87 / 404 / EEC, 90/488 / EEC).