“The mettle of a society can be measured through its metals”.
Metallurgy, the use of metals, has been evolving for thousands of years since the end of the stone age. Recently, technological advancements have revolutionized the industry. In a world of fast paced innovation in production technology, quality control methods have to keep pace with manufacturing techniques.
IMPLABS has been a front-runner in metallurgical investigation and consulting for three decades. Making sure that metals and alloys are strong and reliable is crucial in a world where they are the foundation of nuclear, foundry, welding, mining, automotive, aerospace, construction and military industries. Where safety is concerned, a meticulous and knowledgeable approach is paramount and can never be compromised.
IMPLABS is a modern, SANAS Accredited (ISO 17025:2017), and recognized as an independent testing laboratory by Bureau Veritas Marine and Offshore facility, equipped with some of the latest available laboratory equipment. Internal routine checks on accuracy and consistency are carried out daily.
Mechanical Tensile testing, Notch impact (Charpy) testing from room temperature to -196°C, Bend, Hardness testing (Brinell, Vickers, Micro Vickers, Rockwell and portable) and compositional analysis, all performed on calibrated instruments, are all part of our services.
Understanding composition and microstructure through advanced chemical and microstructural analysis as well as knowledge of mechanical properties is key to predicting performance. Our Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) testing capability includes Iron, Aluminum, Copper, and Nickel based alloys. Our facility includes the analysis of diffusible hydrogen in welding wires and electrodes, important when high integrity weld consumables are produced.
The impending introduction of portable LIBS analysis (laser …) will provide real time analysis, including carbon content as well as the other elements, allowing for on-site Positive Material Identification (PMI).
Failure Investigations are important since all components eventually fail at the expiration of their designed life. Even the Pyramids and StoneHenge are showing signs of wear and tear. When components prematurely fail, the consequences can be costly and even catastrophic, the cost of lost production often exceeds the cost of repair or replacement. Our failure investigation expertise includes not just plant and equipment, but also transport vehicles and aircraft.
Failure investigations identify where, how and why a metal will fail. Most of all, they are used to ensure that failures do not re-occur. Prevention is always paramount. Rooting out substandard materials ensures lasting quality in a project and keeps costs down. Our team has a combined eight decades of experience in metallurgical excellence.
We take great pride in partnering and collaborating with key players in the South African manufacturing and extraction sectors. We support a variety of industries, from defense to mining, engineering, welding, steel supply, and more.
In-house capability appreciates that as each metal and application is unique, we have carefully created our testing models to encompass all metals and applications. Every test we conduct aligns with international testing regulations where applicable, guaranteeing that our clients receive results that conform to global industry criteria.
“Metallurgists have great tensile strength – we can handle a lot of stress!”
Our team always keeps its cool… just like a well-tempered steel.
