Department Microstructure and Residual Stress Analysis

Industry

With our X-ray measurement methods and our laboratory equipment, we have tools that can also be of interest in the R&D area of commercial and industrial applications. With this in mind, we offer both contract measurements and longer-term cooperation for a wide range of issues.

The following methods show examples of our previous services:

Residual Stress analysis utilizing X-ray diffraction

To investigate load, composite and residual stresses in materials and components, we use complementary methods to illuminate different penetration depths. Using angular and energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction, residual stress depth gradients from the surface to a depth of around 150 µm (e.g. for steels) are made visible. These can also be resolved in multiple layers of coated components. This provides a broad spectrum for applications from a wide range of industrial sectors, such as:

• Multilayer coating systems on the surface of cutting tools
• Components for the automotive and aerospace industries
• Electronic components
• Components from additive manufacturing

Radiography / Tomography

Radiography provides non-destructive insights into the interior of components and parts. The combination of different X-ray sources and detection techniques opens up a wide range of industrial applications. The material-dependent attenuation in the objects to be examined is used to visualize the interior in a non-destructive manner. A complete, three-dimensional image of the entire inner structure is created using tomography. A spatial image in virtual space can be 'sliced' as required or examined for structural or chemical changes. In this way, various issues can be investigated:

• (Micro) cracks in components
• Investigation of pore sizes and distributions
• Time-resolved imaging