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Metallurgical analysis is conducted on materials for the manufacture of new parts and for reverse engineering purposes to determine further improvements.  Geographe is able to conduct a variety of tests to accurately determine the exact composition of materials including: Spectrographic Analysis, Case Depth Determination, Non Destructive Testing (NDT), Hardness Measurements and Microstructure Assessment.

Certification in the quality, safety and environmental management systems ensures that Geographe maintains the highest of standards in metallurgical testing. Quality standards are strictly adhered to with testing instrumentation and machines calibrated on specific intervals.  Geographe excels in accuracy and lead-time due to the variety of testing equipment available on site ensuring all testing criteria are covered prior to issuing of documentation.  Metallurgists at Geographe are well trained and have a broad base of experience in heat treatment, foundry, machining and surface plating sectors of the engineering division.

Geographe can analyse materials by using one/or a combination of the following techniques on site:

Spectrographic Analysis
Spectrographic analysis is a means of obtaining the chemical composition of an unknown material through the transmission of light waves. Through the use of Bausch and Lomb ARL spectrographic testing machine, Geographe has the ability to accurately measure and determine the chemical composition of low alloy steels, high alloy steels and stainless steel materials. The analysis is quick and effective with results issued to the customer generally on a same day basis. The machine at Geographe requires sample sizes of no less than 40mm in diameter, but also no greater than 100mm diameter meaning most of the time samples need to be destructively tested.

Case Depth Determination
Determination of heat treatment case depths, such as carburized and nitrided samples, are tested at Geographe with the use of a Leco Micro Hardness Tester. A mounted sample to be analysed is set within an epoxy resin. The sample is then ground flat using a series of Silicon Carbide papers followed by polishing to 3-micron diamond paste. The sample is then etched to reveal the microstructure. The mounted sample is placed on the hardness tester stage and hardness tests are recorded at intervals as small as 0.1mm in depth from the surface.

Non Destructive Testing (NDT)
Non-destructive testing is the family name covering a variety of different test methods that can be applied to finished articles, castings, billets forgings etc. The tests are able to determine surface and sub surface flaws (pending method used) within the article being tested without causing damage to the article itself. Geographe has the equipment and trained personal to perform the following NDT criteria and issue reports externally.

• Magnetic Particle inspection: The basic concept of magnetic particle inspection involves magnetisation of the article, application of particles and then interpretation of the patterns formed by the particles as they are attracted by magnetic leakage fields. Only Surface discontinuities can be detected.
  
  
• Ultrasonic testing (UT): The study and application of sound waves having a frequency higher than those which the human ear can hear. An UT test can be used to measure material thickness or to examine the internal structure of a material for possible discontinuities such as voids and or cracks.
  
  
• Liquid Penetrant Testing: Generally, but not always applied to materials that do not exhibit magnetism. Liquid penetrant testing involves applying in steps, a series of differing sprays each one of which has its own purpose, resulting in the formation of a surface discolour and pattern which upon interpretation by a trained eye, determination of discontinuity is achieved.

Hardness Measurements
Hardness measurements are taken from a specimen in order to obtain relative material properties, possible material grades, heat treatment characteristics and also information regarding further machining specifications. The test area is usually prepared so that the surface is free from scale and provides a relatively flat testing surface. Preparation of the test specimen enables very accurate test results to be obtained. Geographe has an on site Portable hardness tester that can be used on very large items that the standard, fixed hardness testers would not be able to accommodate. The portable hardness tester enables trained personal to venture off site when required to perform hardness tests on items that cannot be moved or transported with ease. Documentation can be maintained and reports issued to customers on demand.