Microstructure Analysis Services – MTS India

MTS India offers advanced Microstructure Analysis services to examine the internal structure of metals and alloys, helping industries understand material properties, performance characteristics, and failure behavior. Through a combination of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), our lab evaluates the grain structure, phase distribution, inclusions, and heat treatment condition of metallic components with high accuracy and precision.

Whether you’re developing a new alloy, performing quality control, or investigating a component failure, our Microstructure Analysis services provide crucial insights to improve reliability, extend service life, and ensure conformance to engineering specifications.

What is Microstructure Analysis?

Microstructure Analysis involves the study of the microscopic structure of materials, typically metals, alloys, ceramics, and composites. This internal structure—composed of grains, phases, inclusions, voids, and other microconstituents—directly influences a material’s mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.

By using tools such as optical microscopes and scanning electron microscopes, MTS India examines the microstructure at various magnifications to identify factors like:

• Grain size and grain boundary condition
  
  
• Phase distribution and volume fractions
  
  
• Inclusion content and morphology
  
  
• Heat treatment effectiveness (e.g., tempered martensite, bainite, pearlite)
  
  
• Surface layer changes such as decarburization or carburization
  
  
• Corrosion-related structural changes
  
  
• Weld quality and heat-affected zone (HAZ) microstructures
  
  

Importance of Microstructure Analysis in Industry

The Microstructure Analysis of materials plays a critical role in:

• Material verification and grade confirmation
  
  
• Process validation (heat treatment, forging, rolling, welding)
  
  
• Failure investigation and root cause analysis
  
  
• Quality control and certification
  
  
• Research and development of new alloys or treatments
  
  
• Assessment of corrosion damage and surface degradation
  
  

MTS India’s Microstructure Analysis lab serves as a trusted resource for industries seeking metallurgical clarity and quality assurance at the microscopic level.

Our Microstructure Analysis Capabilities

At MTS India, our Microstructure Analysis services are powered by advanced instrumentation, standardized methodologies, and metallurgical expertise. We perform detailed evaluations on:

✅ Metals and Alloys

Ferrous and non-ferrous materials such as steels, cast irons, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, titanium, and nickel-based alloys.

✅ Welds and Heat-Affected Zones

Study of weld quality, fusion lines, grain refinement zones, and structural transformations in welded components.

✅ Surface Condition Assessment

Identification of decarburization, carburization, alpha-case depth in titanium alloys, oxide layers, and intergranular corrosion zones.

✅ Phase Identification

Quantitative and qualitative identification of phases (austenite, martensite, pearlite, ferrite, etc.) and their distribution.

✅ Inclusion Rating and Cleanliness

Evaluation of non-metallic inclusions (sulfides, oxides, silicates) using ASTM E45, ISO 4967, and other applicable standards.

✅ Grain Size Measurement

Measurement of average grain size using intercept methods (ASTM E112), crucial for strength and toughness correlation.

✅ Volume Fraction Analysis

Estimation of phase proportions and second-phase particles to understand microstructure–property relationships.

Methods Used in Microstructure Analysis

1. Sample Preparation

Our skilled technicians prepare polished cross-sections using cutting, mounting, grinding, and polishing techniques to create artifact-free surfaces for accurate imaging.

2. Etching

Specific chemical etchants are used to reveal structural details. The choice of etchant depends on the material and the structural features under evaluation.

3. Optical Microscopy

We use high-resolution metallurgical microscopes to evaluate features under low to moderate magnifications, ideal for grain size, phase distribution, and weld analysis.

4. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

For detailed examination of fine structures, fracture surfaces, and inclusions, SEM provides higher magnification and depth of field.

5. Image Analysis and Reporting

Advanced image analysis software enables us to measure and quantify key features like grain size, inclusion area, and volume fractions. All findings are compiled into comprehensive, standards-compliant reports.

Microstructure Analysis – What We Can Detect

MTS India’s Microstructure Analysis services help detect and evaluate:

• Decarburization and Carburization Depths
  
  
• Grain Growth or Abnormal Grain Structures
  
  
• Tempered Martensite, Bainite, Ferrite, Pearlite
  
  
• Weld Fusion and HAZ Characteristics
  
  
• Precipitation of Carbides, Nitrides, and Intermetallics
  
  
• Porosity, Voids, and Micro-cracks
  
  
• Surface Degradation from Corrosion or Heat Exposure
  
  
• Spheroidization Percentages in Tool Steels
  
  

These observations form the foundation of root cause analysis, life assessment, and process optimization.

Industries We Serve

Our Microstructure Analysis lab supports clients across a diverse range of industries:

• Automotive – Heat treatment validation, component failure studies
  
  
• Aerospace – Alloy phase stability, surface condition assessment
  
  
• Power Generation – Creep-affected microstructures, turbine blade analysis
  
  
• Oil & Gas – Weld inspections, corrosion studies, pipeline evaluation
  
  
• Manufacturing – Process qualification, material certification
  
  
• Defense & Railways – Fracture analysis, grain structure control
  
  
• Medical Devices – Stainless steel implant analysis
  
  
• Tool and Die – Evaluation of hardness, wear resistance via structure
  
  

No matter the industry, MTS India delivers precise microstructural insights to drive performance and reliability.

Why Choose MTS India for Microstructure Analysis?

✅ Experienced Metallurgists and Analysts

Our team brings years of expertise in metallography, SEM imaging, and microstructure interpretation.

✅ Fully Equipped Laboratory

With cutting-edge optical microscopes, SEM-EDS systems, polishing units, and imaging software, we provide world-class metallurgical services under one roof.

✅ Standards-Based Testing

We follow international standards like ASTM E3, E407, E112, E562, and ISO guidelines to ensure reliable, reproducible results.

✅ Detailed and Actionable Reports

Our microstructure reports include annotated micrographs, interpretation, compliance checks, and engineering insights for process improvements.

✅ Quick Turnaround & Support

MTS India is committed to timely delivery, personalized consultation, and expert recommendations tailored to your application.

FAQs – Microstructure Analysis

Q1. What is the typical turnaround time for microstructure analysis?

Standard analysis takes 3–5 business days, depending on sample preparation and testing requirements. Priority services are available upon request.

Q2. Do you accept small or irregularly shaped samples?

Yes. We work with a variety of sample sizes and shapes. Our technicians will advise on the best way to submit or extract representative material.

Q3. Can you identify heat treatment defects?

Absolutely. We can detect under-tempering, over-tempering, non-uniform case depth, and improper microstructures resulting from faulty heat treatment.

Q4. Are your reports suitable for certification or audits?

Yes. Our reports are prepared in line with ISO and ASTM standards and are suitable for customer audits, third-party validation, and regulatory documentation.

Contact MTS India – Trusted Experts in Microstructure Analysis

When precision, clarity, and reliability matter, partner with MTS India for Microstructure Analysis. Whether you’re validating a process, solving a failure, or developing new materials, our team delivers unmatched metallurgical insights.

📞 Call us at +91 98417 07777

 📧 Email: info@mts-india.in

 🌐 Website: https://mts-india.in/

Reveal the story hidden in your material’s structure — with MTS India’s Microstructure Analysis expertise.