Erroneous Detection of Metallic Particles by Light Microscopy

The identification of metallic particles is an important requirement in cleanliness analysis. In recent years, the light-optical detection of metallic particles has commonly been performed by the means of gloss. On the basis of our laboratory experience, we have found that the light microscopic analysis often leads to incorrect typifications, which can be easily avoided by a material analysis using SEM-EDX.

Tiny Particles – Catastrophic Effect

A German automobile manufacturer recently learned what problems the smallest residual dirt particles can cause: It had to recall numerous vehicles due to engine malfunctions. The reason was manufacturing residues consisting of hard particles, which lead to major engine damage - in the worst case, to burning cars. Hard residual dirt particles usually come from the fine processing of surfaces by glass blasting, vibratory grinding, honing […]

Wearout Analysis of Bearing Shells

Bearing shells have the function of rolling and supporting rolling elements. In four-stroke engines, for example, the connecting rod that connects the piston to the crankshaft rotates in a bearing. This is lubricated with oil, which reduces friction and thus wear. However, the lubricant contains various residual contaminant particles that can become lodged in the bearing shell.

How Pure is Distilled Water?

Distilled water has many uses in everyday life, for example as coolant in cars or in steam irons. It has the reputation of being purer than tap water, which is why distilled water is also used for cleanliness analysis in the laboratory. Residues in the water would contaminate the samples during analysis and distort the results.

Filmic Pollution Decoded

The smallest contamination, not visible to the naked eye, leads to errors in the processing of components. One of our customers had this experience when coating a turned part: an unknown filmic contamination that was discovered on the component after washing hindered the coating process. Our laboratory team examined the contamination using Raman spectroscopy.