Mechanical testing plays a vital role in quality control in the metals industry by ensuring that design requirements and mechanical property specifications are achieved.

This is done by either loading the material or product under test until failure and comparing the results to the desired mechanical properties or load testing materials or products to their maximum safe working load and inspecting for damage.

Mechanical testing - tensile test on cast steel foundry bar.

Mechanical Testing - impact test on charpy sample

Tests include;

* Tension and compression tests
* Bends both longitudinal & transverse tests
* Impact tests; charpy & izod ambient or controlled temperature (-50ºC to ambient)
* Nick Break Tests
* Macro-etch Examination
* Hardness Testing; Vickers, Brinell, Equotip

The macro is a useful tool in the identification of internal defects either before or after failure. The macro can revels internal defects of welded items, castings and failed components. The main use of macrostructure examination is in the qualification of welding procedures and personnel and is often required by the relevant Australian Standards. Or in failure analysis to identify the cause and mode of failure.

Macro Examination - macrograph of a single bevel "T" butt weld"

Hardness Testing - portable Brinell hardness testing of winder brake path

Hardness testing is the simplest of the mechanical tests and is often the most versatile tool available. Among its many applications, hardness testing can be used to assist in evaluation of heat treatment (comparing the hardness of components to that of the specifications.) Provide an approximation of the tensile strength of steel, and to detect work hardening or to detect softening or hardening caused by over heating, decarburisation or carbon or nitrogen pickup.

Metaserv provide a comprehensive range of hardness testing. Including the option of either in house testing or our portable site units. Also available is our Equotip hardness machine which is non-destructive to the item under test, leaving no indentation.

Hardness Testing - Vickers pyramid hardness tester

Equotip portable hardness tester. Hardness test on finished surface of a hydraulic cylinder.

Hardness tests performed.

* Vickers
* Brinell
* Rockwell
* Microhardness (Vickers)
* Equotip