PROJECT BG05M2OP001-1.001-0008 | NATIONAL CENTER OF MECHATRONICS AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES

Manager of „Metallographic analysis“– prof. Dr. Rumyana Lazarova

e-mail: r.lazarova@ims.bas.bg

tel. +359 2 4626 304

Manager of “Computer X-ray microtomography” – senior assist. Dr. Rositza Dimitrova

e-mail: rossy@ims.bas.bg

tel. +359 2 4626 304

The laboratory performs studies of the microstructure mainly of metallic materials using the methods of metallographic analysis and non-destructive testing via X-ray computer microtomography of porous metallic and non-metallic foams and their products, surface and bulk cracks obtained during operation or various tests.

Potential partners and clients of the laboratory can be research teams with similar scientific interests, as well as industrial enterprises from the country and abroad.

ACTIVITIES

The laboratory performs metallographic analysis of metallic and non-metallic inorganic materials and 3D X-ray tomographic analysis.

Metallographic analysis

Qualitative and quantitative characterization of the microstructure of metallic materials by microscopic methods:

  • Primary structure after crystallization;
  • Phase composition in solid state;
  • Geometric parameters of structural objects;
  • Structure of grain boundaries;
  • Defects in the crystal structure;
  • Solid state phase transformations;
  • Structural changes in the solid state;
  • Structural changes during plastic deformation;
  • Structural changes during chemical-thermal treatment;
  • Structural changes during thermo-mechanical processing;
  • Structural changes during welding;
  • Structural changes after exposure to aggressive environments.

 

X-ray computer microtomography

3D-X-ray microscope (Skyscan 1272, Bruker) is designed for non-destructive examination of porous metal and non-metal foams and their products, surface and volume cracks obtained during operation or various tests of mechatronic components, etc.

Detailed information is obtained about the presence of different phases and their structure in the studied material volume, and about geometrical characteristics of phases with irregular shape. The specially developed optical system and measurement methodology allows the research to be carried out with high resolution in samples of different sizes and geometry (scanning object diameter from 5 to 60 mm, scanning object length from 5 to 60 mm).

SERVICES

 

Metallographic analysis

 

  • Macrostructural analysis;
  • Metalographic sample preparation;
  • Examination of a metalographic sample in a polished state;
  • Microstructural analysis;
  • Microstructural analysis of cast irons - graphite inclusions and type of metal matrix;
  • Quantitative metallographic analysis - linear dimensions with uncertainty;
  • Quantitative metallographic analysis - volume fractions of phases;
  • Measurement of layer thickness / coating / with uncertainty;
  • Macrostructural and microstructural analysis;
  • Macrostructural and microstructural analysis of 1 pc. welding seam;
  • Macrostructural and microstructural analysis of more than 1 pc. welding seams;
  • Measurement of microhardness / up to 5 measurements.

X-ray computer microtomography

The following functions for analyzing 3D images are available:

  • Realistic 3D visualization includes surface and volume rendering;
  • Slice-by-slice inspection of 3D volumes;
  • Extraction and visualization of random 2D slices;
  • Measurement of distances in real units for distance;
  • Measurement of surface areas in real units for surface area;
  • Measurement of volume and volume parts in real units for volume.

EQUIPMENT

Modular grinding / polishing machine with variable speed with non-motorized head LECO PX300

Metallographic microscope PolyvarMet with magnifications up to 1000х, connected with microhardness device MicroDuromat 4000, digital camera and PC

Metallographic microscope MIT 500 with magnifications up to 1000х, connected with digital camera and PC with software for quantitative metallographic analysis

X-ray computer microtomograph Skyscan 1272, Bruker with two workstations – one for system control and data acquisition, and one for reconstruction and storage of images. Skyscan 1272 system has comprehensive, in-house developed 3D.SUITE software for reconstruction, inspection, visualization, and analysis of the internal object structure. 3D изображения, а също и със софтуер за синхронизирано сканиране на образци при натиск, опън, загряване до +85˚С и охлаждане до околна -30 ˚С.

NEWS