Material analysis

The material analysis looks deep into the actual material. In this way, faults can be detected and eliminated. The entire analysis work is carried out at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld by Prof. Dr. Stefan Trapp. He has been head of the Surface Technology Laboratory since its inception and can thus draw on many years of expertise in the field of material analysis.

Sample preparation

Cutting by means of the precision cutting machine is used to remove small specimens from a large specimen body.
The constant cooling combined with the oscillating feed prevents overheating and deformation of the microstructure.

Technical data:
ATM Brilliant 250 wet cutting machine

specimen size: max D = 100
feed: oscillating
Speed: max 3000 min-1
Cutting wheels for different applications

Here, the specimens are positioned / fixed and then pressed with appropriate powder to form a 40mm specimen. This makes the specimens easier to handle for later processing.

Technical data:
Bühler SimpliMet 1000

Electrohydraulic
pressure: 80 to 300 bar
Embedding temperature: 50 - 180°C
Compression mold: 40mm

The samples produced must be ground and polished so that they can subsequently be subjected to microstructural analysis.

Technical data:
Bühler Alpha Phoenix

Swheel diameter: 250mm
Speed: 150-300 min-1
number of specimens: max. 4
adjustable polishing pressure
different polishing media

This allows non-metallic surfaces to be made conductive by vapor deposition with carbon so that analyses can be carried out under a scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, special material analyses can be carried out.

Technical data:
Balzer Union CED 010

Vacuum: 0,05 mbar
Material for steaming: carbon yarn

It is possible to sputter samples with gold to make them conductive for scanning electron microscopy.

Technical data:
Palaron Equipment SEM Coating E5100

Process gas: Argon
Medium: Gold target

A wet sectioning cutter is indispensable for sectioning the specimens. Due to the permanent rinsing, the specimens are optimally cooled during the cutting process.

Technical data:
ATM Brillant 250 wet cutting machine