Dilatometer

Dilatometry

• Isothermal transformation curves
• Cooling transformation curves
• Quenchability
• Modelling of rolling mill cooling
• Nital etching

Plasto-dilatometer Dithem

Thermo-mechanical treatment

• strain-stress curve
• hot deformation resistance
• hot workability

Heat treatment

• dilatometric measurements
• resistivity measurements

Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM)

SEM + EDS

• Microstructure
• Fractography
• Surface aspects
• Analysis of inclusions

Optical Microscope

• Grain size / Decarburization / Structure
• Surface aspects
• Inclusion counting (standards NFA, DIN, SEP…)
• Segregation classification

Microprobe Cameca SX50

Wave Dispersive Spectrometry

• Big chamber big samples
• Samples up to 155*155 mm for 130*130 mm analysed
• Detection and quantification of light elements
• Detection limit : 0.01w/o for P
• Segregation characterisation from billets to wires
• Composition gradients (coatings such as carbonitriding)

Image Analyser

Development of computer software for cleanliness measurement (determining morphology, position, type of inclusion …)

Ultrasonic Testing

To detect, measure and locate internal defects (cracks, inclusions...)

• After location, defects can be easily studied by metallography
• Two different units that can deliver A, C and B-Scan
• High frequency 30 to 50 MHz - Defects above 30 µm diameter
• Low frequency 1 to 30 MHz - Defects above 100 µm diameter

Cleanliness Characterisation

Metallurgy investigation:

• Optical microscopy (+ image analyser)
• SEM
• Microprobe

Ultrasonic testing:

• 30 to100 MHz
• 1 to 25 MHz

Electrolytic inclusion extraction in clean room:

• Size distribution
• Chemical analysis
• SEM analysis on silver filter

Mettalurgical Modelling

• Estimated metallurgical and mechanical characteristics
• Estimated hardenability
• Tools for tracing metallurgical transformation…