Metallographic Analysis Services

Your Trusted Partner for High-Quality Material Testing in Greater Houston

At Welder Testing Inc., we provide comprehensive metallographic analysis services to help industries ensure the reliability, durability, and performance of their materials. Our thorough testing techniques offer valuable insights into the internal structure of materials, allowing us to assess quality, detect defects, and verify material compliance with industry standards. From weld evaluation to failure analysis, our team is committed to delivering accurate, precise, and actionable results.

Why Choose Welder Testing Inc. for Metallographic Analysis?

With years of experience serving the greater Houston area, Welder Testing Inc. is a leading provider of metallographic testing services. Our expert technicians use advanced methods to evaluate your materials and provide you with the data you need to make informed decisions. Whether you’re in aerospace, oil & gas, automotive, or power generation, we offer tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of your industry.

Our Metallographic Analysis Services

We specialize in a range of services that include:

Microstructure Evaluation

Our team analyzes grain size, phase distribution, and structural integrity to assess material properties. This is essential for verifying the strength, corrosion resistance, and overall performance of the material.

Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) Examination

Welding can alter material properties in the heat-affected zone. We identify any changes in microstructure that may affect the integrity and durability of the weld.

Defect Detection

Inclusions, cracks, porosity, and other defects can jeopardize the safety and functionality of materials. Our detailed analysis helps identify these issues, preventing potential failures before they occur.

Phase Identification

We examine the material's phases to confirm the presence of desired metallurgical phases that contribute to strength, resistance to corrosion, and overall material performance.

Industries We Serve

Metallographic analysis is essential for companies in industries where material integrity is paramount. We proudly serve clients across various sectors, including:

  • Oil & Gas: Ensuring pipeline and equipment integrity under extreme conditions.
  • Aerospace & Defense: Verifying material strength and fatigue resistance in critical components.
    Automotive & Heavy
  • Equipment Manufacturing: Testing weld quality and material durability for vehicle and machinery production.
  • Power Generation: Analyzing turbine blades, reactors, and pressure vessels for structural stability.
  • Shipbuilding & Marine: Examining materials for corrosion resistance and structural integrity in harsh marine environments.
    Medical Device
  • Manufacturing: Assessing biocompatibility and precision in medical components.
  • Research & Development: Supporting new material development and failure analysis for improved performance.

Why Metallographic Analysis is Critical

Metallographic analysis helps prevent catastrophic material failures, optimize material selection, and ensure compliance with industry standards. By evaluating grain structures, phases, and potential defects, we provide insights that can prevent costly downtime, improve product reliability, and extend the lifespan of critical components.

Key Standards We Follow

We adhere to the highest industry standards to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of our testing. Some of the key standards include:

  • ASTM E562 – Determines the volume fraction of phases using a manual point count method.
  • ASTM E3 – Standard guide for preparing metallographic specimens.


These standards ensure that the materials you rely on meet or exceed the requirements for safety, performance, and durability.

FAQs about Metallographic Analysis Services

Metallographic analysis is the microscopic examination of a material’s internal structure to assess its quality, consistency, and phase distribution. It helps identify defects, analyze grain structure, and verify material properties like strength and corrosion resistance.

Metallographic analysis is crucial for ensuring the integrity, durability, and performance of materials, especially in industries like aerospace, oil & gas, automotive, and power generation. It helps prevent failures, optimizes material selection, and ensures compliance with industry standards.

Metallographic analysis can identify a variety of defects such as cracks, porosity, inclusions, corrosion, and voids. Detecting these issues early can help prevent material failures and improve overall safety and reliability.

Industries like oil & gas, aerospace & defense, automotive manufacturing, power generation, shipbuilding, medical device manufacturing, and research & development rely on metallographic analysis for ensuring material performance and safety.

The process typically involves preparing the material by polishing it to a mirror-like finish, then etching the surface with a chemical solution to reveal the microstructure. The sample is then examined under a microscope to analyze the grain structure, phases, and any defects.

We follow industry standards such as ASTM E562 (volume fraction of phases), ASTM E3 (preparing metallographic specimens), and others to ensure our testing meets or exceeds required quality and safety benchmarks.

The time required for metallographic analysis depends on the complexity of the material and the tests being performed. However, we typically provide fast turnaround times, with results available within a few business days.

Yes, metallographic analysis is particularly valuable for evaluating welds. It helps assess the heat-affected zone (HAZ), detect weld defects, and verify the structural integrity of welded joints.

Metallographic analysis allows for a detailed investigation of the causes of material failures, such as fatigue, corrosion, or poor welding. By understanding the failure mechanisms, we can help prevent future issues and improve material selection or manufacturing processes.

You can contact Welder Testing Inc. directly through our website or by phone. We’ll work with you to understand your needs, provide a detailed quote, and guide you through the process of submitting materials for analysis.

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Alfred Briones

Metallurgical Laboratory Manager

With over 35 years of experience in the metallurgical field, Alfred Briones brings extensive expertise to Welder Testing Inc.’s Metallurgical Laboratory. As Laboratory Manager, he oversees all metallurgical testing processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quality in every analysis. His deep knowledge and hands-on experience make him a valuable resource for clients seeking reliable and precise testing solutions. Alfred is always available to assist with your metallurgical testing needs, providing expert guidance and support.

Adam Cobb

Welder Qualification Test Coordinator
Certified Welding Inspector

As the primary point of contact for welder qualification testing at Welder Testing Inc., Adam Cobb ensures that each welder is properly signed in and assigned the correct certification test. With a background as a welder before transitioning into quality control and inspection, Adam brings firsthand industry experience to his role. Now an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), he works closely with customers to determine their specific qualification needs and provides detailed test information to shop inspectors for administration. Adam’s expertise, attention to detail, and customer-focused approach make him a key liaison between welders, quality control teams, and the companies they serve.

Sam Chavez

Superintendent | Certified Welding Inspector

With over 17 years at Welder Testing Inc., Sam Chavez ensures that daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. As Shop Superintendent and a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), he plays a critical role in maintaining organization, compliance, and quality assurance throughout the facility. His expertise in welding inspection and shop management ensures that welders receive a seamless and professional testing experience.