CASTINGS, EXTRUSIONS, FORGINGS and MACHINED PRODUCTS

ELECTRONIC DEVICES and COMPONENTS

PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS

HARDWARE

STRUCTURAL and MECHANICAL COMPONENTS

WELDED, BRAZED, SOLDERED, PLATED and SURFACE COATED PRODUCTS

HEAT TREATED PRODUCTS

MEDICAL DEVICES

STRUCTURAL and MECHANICAL COMPONENTS

A manufacturer of turbine engines was experiencing problems with one line of turbines.  Something was causing the blades to brake loose causing catastrophic failure.  The investigation centered on a new brand of bearings that were being used.  The manufacturer of the bearings claimed that they were high-grade stainless steel, however, analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) proved otherwise.

A cross-section of the bearing was analyzed so that the O-ring and the metal would be visible.  In the photograph above can be seen dark spots throughout the metal.  These are places of high carbon content.  Stainless steel does not contain these abnormalities.  Furthermore, the circled area is rust pitted metal.

A motorcycle was involved in an automobile accident that occurred after dark. EMSL was asked to determine if the headlight of the motorcycle was on or off at the time of the accident. EMSL examined the filament of the smashed headlight and found, with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Microanalysis (EDX), the presence of microscopic glass fragments bound to the filament, thus proving that the filament was hot at the time of the accident.
 

PROJECT EXAMPLE 3

An automobile was involved in an accident and the driver claimed that he could not stop. Upon inspection by a mechanic it was determined that the brake shoes may have been faulty. EMSL was asked to analyze the brakes. Extensive testing with Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed cracks and pores within the pads that were not within the tolerance limits for brake shoes. These defects caused the collapse of the brakes.
 

PROJECT EXAMPLE 4