Quantify Grain Size Accredited, Defensible, and Delivered Fast
AADFW measures average grain size and distribution in steels, stainless, nickel & cobalt alloys, aluminum, and titanium using calibrated optical methods and image analysis. We pair ISO/IEC 17025–accredited metallography grain size testing with disciplined preparation and faster turnaround than slow, global labs, so qualification and lot release stay on schedule.
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Why Grain Size Testing Matters
Grain size influences strength, toughness, fatigue life, creep resistance, and corrosion behavior. In flight-critical and high-pressure applications, verifying grain size against drawing or specification limits confirms that heat treatment, forging, and process control are on target. For weldments, HAZ grain growth affects fracture and fatigue performance; for wrought and cast products, abnormal or duplex grain structures can drive scatter in mechanical properties and MRB delays.
AADFW’s Approach: Precision, Speed, and Proof
- Accredited & precise: Work performed under ISO/IEC 17025 using documented procedures, calibrated optics, and traceable scale verification.
- Faster results: Alloy-specific prep/etch routes, standardized imaging workflows, and decision-ready graphs compress lead times without compromising rigor.
- Trusted by engineers: Clear acceptance call-outs tied to the print/spec, location maps, and concise explanations that stand up to OEM and regulatory audits.
Grain Size Testing Capabilities
- Targeted Sectioning & Orientation
Non-thermal sectioning at specified locations (e.g., mid-thickness, surface, longitudinal/transverse, HAZ) with orientation marks for repeatability.
- Preparation & Etching
Artifact-free grinding/polishing per ASTM E3; alloy-appropriate etchants per ASTM E407 (nital/picral for steels; glyceregia/Vilella for stainless & Ni-base; Keller’s/Barker’s for aluminum; Kroll for titanium).
Measurement Methods (ASTM E112)
- Comparison method with standardized charts for rapid conformance checks.
Special Evaluations
- Abnormal/duplex grain detection and fraction reporting.
- Grain flow documentation in forgings/fastener heads (macro-etch + micro confirmation).
- Weld HAZ grain growth measurements and comparison to base metal.
- Cast products: correlation with dendrite arm spacing or porosity indicators when applicable.
- Image Analysis & Documentation
Calibrated scale bars, stitched fields, measurement overlays and N≥ field counts per spec.
Optional Add-Ons
- Microhardness profiles (ASTM E384/E92) for grain-growth/heat-treat correlation; SEM/EDS to assess second-phase particles influencing grain size or pinning.
- Reporting & Traceability (Audit-Ready)
Location map, etchant/time, magnification, representative micrographs, data tables, acceptance summary (go/no-go), and instrument/calibration references linked to heat/lot.
Industries We Support
- Aerospace: Forgings, fasteners, landing-gear steels, Ni-base components, titanium structures—aligned to OEM/FAA expectations.
- Oil & Gas: Pressure-boundary steels, valves, and weldments where grain size influences toughness and fatigue.
- Defense & Advanced Manufacturing: Mission-critical parts (including AM and investment-cast alloys) requiring consistent microstructure and documented compliance.
Trusted by engineers and QC managers across mission-critical industries.
Accreditations & Standards Compliance
AADFW operates to ISO/IEC 17025 and supports Nadcap-driven program requirements. Grain size evaluations are performed to methods on our accredited scope and applicable customer/OEM specifications, including:
- ASTM E112 (standard test methods for determining average grain size)
- ASTM E3 (metallographic specimen preparation) • ASTM E407 (micro-etching)
- ASTM E384 / E92 (microhardness, when correlation is specified)
- OEM/AMS procedures and drawing notes as defined in purchase documents
Why Engineers Choose AADFW
- Accredited & audit-ready grain size measurements with calibrated imaging and defensible statistics.
- Faster turnaround—alloy-specific prep and standardized reporting keep gates on schedule.
- Trusted partner to aerospace and oil & gas QA organizations.
- Expert metallurgists who translate micrographs into clear go/no-go decisions and process recommendations.
Request a Quote for Grain Size Metallography Testing
Validate your microstructure with confidence and speed. Request a Quote to schedule grain size testing today.
