Failure Analysis

Fast, Accurate Diagnosis and Prevention Service

Where else, in the world, can you find a fast, accurate, independent analysis of the reasons for spring failure be obtained?

IST offer a comprehensive Spring Failure Analysis Service for both Springs and Non Spring Components to Spring Manufacturers, Material Suppliers and Spring Users all over the world.  This specialist service is covered by internationally recognised (ISO 17025) UKAS and ISO 9001 accreditation.

Fatigue is more likely than any other mechanism, but was it caused by:

Hydrogen embrittlement can be diagnosed, but was it caused by:

Investigations are supervised by highly experienced technical staff with a specialist knowledge of materials and applications. The laboratory has examined failed springs from all over the world. IST reports include a diagnosis of the cause of failure and offer expert advice on how to reduce the risk of further failures.

This confidential service includes the following features:

Diagnosis
· Establish the cause of failure:
Defective raw material.
Inappropriate design.
Manufacturing defects.
Unforeseen service or environmental effects.
Abuse in service.

Techniques
· Photography of relevant features may be viewed on-line by clients.
· Optical metallography to identify structure and surface quality.
· Examination of operating stresses.
· Raw material chemical analysis and mechanical testing.
· Scanning electron microscopy to identify fracture mechanisms.
· Residual stress determination.
· EDX analysis (outside IST's UKAS scope, this work is carried out using IST's University timeshare agreement).

Prevention
· Recommendations to prevent re-occurrence.

Those techniques likely to pinpoint the cause of failure are selected upon receipt of samples and a competitively priced, no obligation quotation is immediately supplied. Within 5 days (2 if our priority service is requested) a failure diagnosis will be discussed with the customer by telephone / fax or E-mail. A detailed report, including certification and photographic evidence is mailed and / or e-mailed on completion.

For further information contact Mark Hayes - Email m.hayes@ist.org.uk / Direct Dial +44 (0)114 252 7984.