Metallic materials are our specialty. They are subdivided according to their base metal and their intended use into ferrous materials, steels (unalloyed, low-alloyed, high-alloyed), cast iron and non-ferrous metals (NF metals). We examine and evaluate a wide variety of metallic materials in order to solve material science problems in the fields of development, quality assurance or damage assessment.
development, quality assurance or failure analysis.
As a central and international DEKRA laboratory service provider, our experts offer an interdisciplinary range of tests covering all aspects of chemical safety and material quality. This includes environmental and hazardous substance analyses, pollutant and emission tests of consumer goods and technical products, tests of operating materials and components, material tests of plastics and metals, material tests, environmental simulation tests and damage analyses.
Our services at a glance:
Metallography
- Optical emission spectroscopy (OES analysis)
- Structural examination in microsection
– heat treatment condition
– Grain size determination
– Determination of porosity according to VW 50093, VW 6093
– Primary silicon crystal evaluation
– Edge decarburization - Weld seam examination in the cut
- EDX analysis with SEM examination
- SEM line scan and mapping
Hardness testing of metals
- Brinell hardness (HB) according to DIN EN ISO 6506
- Vickers hardness (HV) according to DIN EN ISO 6507
- Rockwell hardness (HRC) according to DIN EN ISO 6508
- Knoop hardness according to DIN EN ISO 4545-1
- Vickers microhardness (HV) based on DIN EN ISO 6507
- Case hardening depth (CHD) according to DIN 6773 and DN ISO 15787
- Nitriding hardness depth (NHT) according to DIN 6773 and DN ISO 15787
- Surface hardness depth (RHT) according to DIN 6773 and DN ISO 15787
- Hardness progression test according to DIN 6773 and DN ISO 15787
- Hardness test in a weld seam according to DIN EN ISO 9015
FAQ
For most metallographic investigations (microstructure, hardness profile, weld seam), we need a representative piece of the component. Sample pieces of approx. 20 × 20 × 10 mm are ideal; for damaged parts, please send in the original component as unchanged as possible – do not clean fracture surfaces either.
For OES analyses, we need a flat, metallically bright surface of at least 10 × 10 mm. If in doubt, please contact us in advance and we will advise you on the optimal sample geometry.
Standard orders such as microstructure investigation, hardness testing or OES spectral analysis are generally processed within 5 to 10 working days after sample receipt.
Express processing (24–72 h) is possible by arrangement. Comprehensive test packages (e.g. damage analysis with SEM/EDX) can take 2–4 weeks.
Please send your samples together with the completed sample accompanying form (available in the download area of our website) to:
Dekra Automobil GmbH, Unidekstraße 5, 75015 Bretten.
On the accompanying form, please state the material designation, the desired scope of testing and a contact person – this considerably speeds up processing.
Yes, the majority of our metal tests (hardness testing in accordance with DIN EN ISO 6506/6507/6508, metallography, OES analysis) are accredited by DAkkS in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.
Whether your specific test falls within the accredited scope is indicated in the quotation and the test report.
Our test reports may only be passed on or published in full and unchanged. Excerpts or marketing statements (“DEKRA-tested”) require our written approval, but are generally possible.
The DAkkS logo itself may not be used, whereas a reference to the accredited test including the standard and report number is customary and permissible.
We also offer to introduce DEKRA seals for certain product groups, which assess different quality criteria at cyclical test intervals.
Yes, material allocation can be clearly clarified through the combination of OES spectral analysis, EDX in the SEM and microstructure imaging. This is frequently used in incoming goods inspections, complaint cases or where supplier fraud is suspected.