Testing (Material Property Evaluation)
Investigation of Causes of Material/Product Failure/Defects
Call us when you have a material or product failure or defect!
When a material defect or product failure occurs, first, it is necessary to grasp the root cause. Whether the investigation of the cause is correct or not will determine the results of studies of measures to prevent recurrence or renovation of equipment. Based on a wealth of experience, we can provide the necessary assistance through investigation of the failed item. (When necessary, we can also perform reproduction tests and numerical simulation (CAE)).
If you have a problem with failure or defects of products or equipment, first of all, call JFE-TEC. We can propose the optimum investigation items for each client's needs.
Objects of Investigation
- Iron and steel, high alloys, nonferrous metals (aluminum, copper, titanium, etc.)
- Electronic components and electronic devices
- Investigation of causes of corrosion
- Numerical simulation solutions
Examples of Investigation Items
- Observation of external appearance
Observation/recording of clues in external appearance - Confirmation of material quality
Chemical composition analysis, microstructure, tensile strength, impact properties, hardness, etc. - Cross-sectional microstructure (in area near fracture)
Point of origin/fracture path, confirmation of adhering conditions of scale, coating film, etc., evaluation of inclusions and segregation -
Fracture surface analysis
Confirmation of origin, fracture morphology and fracture path, confirmation of mode/direction of fracture stress, calculation of number of cycles of vibration (fatigue) until failure, qualitative analysis of deposits (adhering matter) - Investigation report
Summary of the results of the above-mentioned investigations, total estimation of cause of failure.
Case Study: Reproduction of Cracking of Zn Coating
The following is an example of an investigation of the cause of cracking of a Zn coating, which was carried out using test specimens by changing the material/degrees of forming.
Cracking of the Zn coating was reproduced, and the microstructure and fracture surface morphology were confirmed.
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180℃ U-type bending test 
Macrostructure -
Mapping of Zn (zinc) 
Quasi-cleavage fracture surface
| Material : | SS400 |
|---|---|
| Sheet thickness : | 10 mm; Zn coating was applied after 180℃ bending. |
| Result : | Cracking of the Zn coating from the inner side was confirmed, and the fracture morphology was the quasi-cleavage type. |
Examples of Failure Investigations
| Failure investigation | Estimated cause of failure |
|---|---|
| Investigation of cause of shaft breakage | Rotating bending fatigue |
| Breakage analysis of thin sheet product | Fatigue under complete reversed plane bending |
| Investigation of cause of bolt fracture | Corrosion fatigue |
| Investigation of cause of bolt fracture | Delayed fracture |
| Investigation of cause of spring fracture | Delayed fracture |
| Investigation of cause of blade cracking | Stress corrosion cracking |
| Investigation of cause of fracture die cast product | Brittle fracture: Origin and direction of the fracture were designated from observation of external appearance |
| Investigation of breakage in bar material | Decrease of deformability due to work hardening |
| Investigation of breakage in copper alloy tube | Tensile fracture in circumferential direction due to increase in internal pressure |
| Investigation of cause of deterioration of nipple (brass) | Creep phenomenon |
| Investigation of damage of stainless steel part | Erosion/corrosion |
| Investigation of cause of hole in water pipe | Reduction of pipe wall thickness due to interaction scale formation and peeling |
| Investigation of cause of fire/burning of electrical appliance | Trace of melting of short-circuited copper wire |
Other Examples
- Analysis of Fracture Trouble of Structures by CAE
- Pressure Testing and Failure Analysis of Vessels and Pipes
- Failure Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials
- Analysis of Cause of Failure of Equipment and Structures
- Failure Analysis of Resin Materials Used in Electronic Game Devices
JFE-TEC Solution Services Utilizing Failure/Defect Cause Investigation Techniques
- Medical Equipment/Implant Material Evaluation Solutions
- Electronic Component/Electronic Device Failure Analysis Solutions
- Resin/Composite Material Evaluation Solutions
- Social Infrastructure/Large-Scale Structure Solutions
- Metallic Materials Solutions
