Metallurgical Testing Services

Independent Metallurgical Laboratory

Located in Dayton, Ohio, our independent metallurgical lab delivers comprehensive material evaluations to safeguard production quality and diagnose critical component breakdowns. By combining advanced mechanical testing, chemical composition analysis, metallography, and dedicated failure analysis, we provide the rapid, definitive answers you need to resolve manufacturing emergencies. We focus strictly on metallic materials to maintain specialized analytical rigor, ensuring your components meet the exact compliance standards required for high-consequence applications.

Explore our A2LA ISO 17025 and GE S-400 accredited services!

We provide accredited testing and failure analysis for:

  • Corrosion Testing (ASTM A262):
    We perform intergranular oxidation and intergranular attack (IGO/IGA) tests to determine the microstructure impact of heat treatment processes.

  • Chemical Analysis (ASTM E415, E2994, E1086, E1251):

    The MSI lab is equipped with a LECO Glow Discharge Spectrometer used to analyze:

    • Aluminum alloys

    • Carbon steel

    • Stainless steel

    • Tool steel

    • Cast iron

    • Titanium alloys

    Chemical Analysis (ASTM E1085, E572, E2465, E539)
    MSI offers Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy for the following metals:

    • Low Alloy Steel

    • High Alloy Steel

    • Nickel Alloys

    • Titanium Alloys

    Chemical Analysis (ASTM E1019, E1409, E1447)
    MSI provides analysis by combustion for the following elements:

    • Carbon

    • Sulfur

    • Oxygen

    • Nitrogen

    • Hydrogen

  • MSI’s tension and compression tests are conducted on strain rate computer controlled systems with a test range of 11 lbs – 60,000 lbs (ambient temperature). Our testing includes calculation of:

    • Tensile strength

    • Yield strength

    • Elongation

    • Reduction of area

    • N-value

    • R-value

    • Weld bend tests

    • Fastener property determination

    • Coating strength of thermal spray coatings

    Charpy Impact Testing (ASTM E23)

    MSI performs Charpy testing at a range of 3 ft-lbs to 300 ft-lbs, and at temperatures -80 F to room temperature. Current test specimens include v-notch standard and sub-size samples per ASTM E23.

  • Metallographic Evaluation (ASTM A90, B487, B571, E3, E45, E1077, E112, E381, E407, E883, C664, E1351):

    MSI evaluations include:

    • Determination of grain size

    • Cleanliness

    • Macro/Micro etching

    • Alpha case

    • Porosity

    • Diffusion layers

    • Carburization / Decarburization

    • Plating thickness

    • Coating mass

    • Phase determination

    • Weld evaluation

    • Diffusion coating thickness

    • Field Replications

  • Hardness Evaluation (ASTM E18, E384, E10):

    MSI test scales include:

    • Rockwell B, C, 30N, 30T

    • Brinell Hardness

    • Vickers and Knoop Microhardness.

  • Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (ASTM E620, E678, E860, E986, E2332):

    MSI provides digital imaging of fracture surfaces to 50,000X.

    Evaluations include:

    • Failure mode identification

    • Fracture initiation site determination

    • Coating evaluation

    • Corrosion product identification

    • Dot mapping

    • Light element detection

    • Phase determination

    • Surface contamination identification

  • At MSI, we understand how the downtime created by equipment failures can affect your bottom line. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide expedited failure analysis results to get your facility up and running as soon as possible.

    Do you have a finished goods failure? Let us find the root cause and help you identify the solution.

  • MSI provides litigation support and expert witness testimony for law firms and companies within the United States.

View our gallery of work
REQUEST A QUOTE
Close-up of jet engine turbine components focused on the details of the fins with microscopic tooling marks, aerospace process verification

A valuable resource for in-depth metallurgical analysis and testing support.

On-site lab facilities

  • Photographic documentation

  • Fracture initiation site determination

  • Fracture mode evaluation

  • Chemical analysis

  • Mechanical property determination

  • Microstructure evaluation

Complete high-tech machine shop

Our in-house captive machine shop is dedicated exclusively to fabricating precision test samples directly from customer materials, ensuring optimal quality control and faster turnaround times.

Explore our Equipment
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) used for metallurgical failure analysis at MSI Lab in Dayton, Ohio.

Advanced Metallurgical Testing Equipment

All testing and analysis at MSI is performed in-house using advanced, certified equipment—ensuring fast turnaround, reliable results, and complete quality control.

Our 16,000 sq. ft. facility includes CNC machining tools for sample creation, tensile frames with capacities up to 60,000 lbs for mechanical property testing, Rockwell and Vickers hardness testers, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDS for precise failure analysis, multiple advanced methods for accurate chemical analysis and alloy verification, and state-of-the-art optical imaging systems.Advanced Metallurgical Testing Equipment

REQUEST A QUOTE