MAIN Metallurgical Equipment
The main equipment includes 8 band saws, a lathe, three milling machines, two surface grinders and an under-water cut-off machine for sample preparation. In the laboratory there is one 1000 kN JINAN universal tensile testing machine, one 500 kN. AVERY universal tensile testing machine, one 300kN SANS universal tensile testing machine, a 300 J Avery Denison impact tester, a 500J TE Pendulum Impact Tester JB-500 Model, an EMCO hardness tester able to perform Brinell, Vickers and Rockwell hardness testing, a TIME TH720 Vickers hardness tester able to perform HV30, HV10 and HV5 hardness testing and a TH300 Rockwell Hardness tester for testing Rockwell C and B hardness scales. There is a Fischer Feritscope to determine ferrite content in austenitic stainless and duplex stainless steels in the laboratory and on site at the customer’s premises. A metallurgical microscope with a digital camera to do metallographic examinations is available. All the necessary polishing equipment to prepare samples for macro and micro analyses is available in the laboratory. There are two furnaces for heat treatment trials. A Bruker Q4 TASMAN mass spectrometer is used to do chemical analyses on iron, copper and alluminium base materials in the laboratory.
One Bruker Q4 Mobile mass spectrometers for onsite chemical analysis (PMI) on ferrous metals and two Bruker Titan handheld XRF analysers for PMI (positive material identification), a Telebrineller portable hardness tester for Brinell hardness testing and a Proseq Equotip 3 portable hardness tester able to perform Brinell, Vickers and Rockwell hardness testing, is some of the mobile equipment that is used to do on site testing. All the testing and measuring equipment is regularly calibrated and serviced by SANAS accredited service providers to ensure that accurate and correct values are obtained at all times.
All testing is performed according to international, national and internal methods, standards, codes and procedures to ensure compliance.
At Vaal Metallurgical Laboratory (VML), we understand the importance of meticulous sample preparation for accurate and reliable material testing. Our expertise extends beyond traditional testing services, encompassing a comprehensive suite of sample preparation techniques utilizing advanced milling machines.
The Foundation for Accurate Results: Proper sample preparation is the cornerstone of successful material testing. Our milling machines are specifically designed to reduce your material into a homogenous powder or specific particle size, ensuring a representative sample for analysis. This eliminates inconsistencies and guarantees that the results you receive accurately reflect the properties of your entire material.
Tailored Solutions for Diverse Materials: VML doesn’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team of experienced technicians possesses the knowledge and expertise to select the most appropriate milling technique for your specific material. This may involve ball milling for hard and brittle materials, crushing for larger samples, or cryogenic milling for temperature-sensitive applications.
Optimizing Your Workflow: We understand that time is valuable. Our high-performance milling machines are designed for efficiency, minimizing turnaround times without sacrificing quality. This allows you to receive your prepared samples quickly, expediting your testing process and getting you the results you need faster.
Investing in Quality: By partnering with VML for your sample preparation needs, you’re investing in the foundation of reliable material testing. Our commitment to precision and efficiency ensures that your testing results are accurate and timely, empowering you to make informed decisions about your materials with confidence.
Beyond Milling: While milling is a crucial step, VML offers a comprehensive suite of sample preparation services. This may include section cutting, mounting, grinding, and polishing, all performed meticulously to ensure the integrity of your sample throughout the testing process.
Let VML be your partner in achieving optimal material characterization. Contact us today to discuss your sample preparation requirements.