Analysis of heat treatments in metals
The analysis of heat treatments in metals is a key process for verifying whether a metal component has been correctly subjected to processes such as quenching, tempering, annealing, or thermochemical treatments.
At INFINITIA, we evaluate how these treatments modify the properties and microstructure of the material, ensuring that the desired mechanical, structural, and functional objectives are achieved. Our heat treatment laboratory has specialists in metal material characterization and advanced diagnostic techniques that allow us to identify deviations, validate the quality of the thermal process applied, and optimize treatment cycles.
At INFINITIA’s industrial laboratory, we work with state-of-the-art technologies to characterize heat treatments. We apply techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hardness testing (Vickers, Rockwell, Brinell), metallographic analysis, optical spectrometry (OES), cross-sectional metallographic cutting, and EDX analysis, among others.
This allows us to obtain a comprehensive view of the behavior of the metal after treatment and verify both its effectiveness and uniformity, as well as possible alterations in the base material.
What does heat treatment analysis consist of?
The characterization of heat treatments consists of studying how a metal has evolved after being subjected to a controlled thermal process.
At INFINITIA, we evaluate the microstructure of the material, measure its hardness and mechanical strength, and determine whether the appropriate thermal conditions have been achieved in terms of temperature, time, and cooling rate. This analysis is essential for industries where the mechanical behavior of the material is directly related to its performance in service.
Depending on the type of heat treatment applied, changes in the material’s structure can be expected, such as the transition from an austenitic to a martensitic phase in tempered steels, or the homogenization of the structure through annealing. At INFINITIA, we rigorously study these changes, combining microscopic observations and localized chemical analyses to ensure a complete and accurate diagnosis.
Benefits of heat treatment analysis
One of the main benefits of heat treatment analysis is to ensure that the treated component meets the established functional and regulatory requirements. This type of analysis makes it possible, for example, to detect whether a part has not been properly tempered or whether there is an area with insufficient hardness due to a lack of thermal penetration.
At INFINITIA, we have helped automotive customers diagnose faults in hardened components and machining companies optimize the thermal cycles of critical parts through metallographic validation and post-treatment hardness analysis.
In addition, these techniques make it possible to identify unwanted alterations in the base material, process errors, overheating, or inadequate cooling that could compromise the long-term integrity of the component.
This knowledge not only prevents premature failures, but also allows for the optimization of the design and manufacturing process from the early stages of the project.
Heat treatment analysis at INFINITIA
At INFINITIA, we carry out the analysis of heat treatments in metals by combining experience, advanced technologies, and a rigorous approach. Our technicians apply methodologies specific to forensic materials engineering, using equipment such as optical spectrometers, SEM microscopes with EDX, heat treatment furnaces, and mechanical testing machines.
Our laboratory has the necessary capabilities to evaluate complex microstructures and correlate them with process parameters. In addition, we can perform comparative studies between treated and untreated samples, detect errors in the application of the treatment, validate the effectiveness of suppliers, and perform post-failure diagnostics. All this with the aim of ensuring that each heat-treated component is safe, reliable, and functional throughout its service life.
Types of Heat Treatment Analysis in Metals
At INFINITIA, we develop different types of analysis to characterize how heat treatments affect the behavior of metallic materials. Our goal is to verify that these treatments have generated the desired changes in microstructure and mechanical properties, as well as to anticipate possible deviations or critical defects that could compromise the functionality of the component. These tests are key to guaranteeing the quality of the final product and ensuring the traceability of the thermal process applied.
Metallographic analysis
Metallographic analysis is a fundamental technique for studying the effects of heat treatment at the microstructural level. It allows the identification of the phases present (such as ferrite, pearlite, martensite, or bainite), as well as the evaluation of grain morphology and the existence of defects such as porosity, segregation, or internal cracks.
This type of analysis is performed on samples prepared by cutting, embossing, polishing, and selective chemical etching, which facilitates visualization using optical microscopy.
At INFINITIA, we use this technique to verify the effectiveness of quenching, the quality of annealing, and the distribution of phases after combined treatment. Thanks to this technique, we can confirm the desired thermal transformation and diagnose errors such as overheating or lack of thermal penetration.
Optical and electron microscopy (SEM) with EDX analysis
Optical microscopy allows for a general analysis of the structure, but when a higher level of detail is required or specific areas of the material need to be studied, we use scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
This technique offers very high resolution, ideal for observing microcracks, fine grain structures, and complex surface transformations. We combine SEM with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), which allows us to identify the specific chemical composition of microzones affected by the treatment.
At INFINITIA, we use this methodology in situations where it is necessary to confirm the presence of carbides, alloying segregation, or areas with surface contamination after tempering or thermochemical treatment.
Hardness is one of the parameters most sensitive to heat treatments and a direct way of assessing their effectiveness. At INFINITIA, we perform hardness profiles on cross-sections to check the depth and uniformity of the treatment.
The Vickers technique is used for small areas or thin coatings, while Rockwell and Brinell are applied to larger parts or functional surfaces. This information is key to verifying the effectiveness of the hardening, the degree of tempering, or the correct execution of a carburizing process.
Detecting areas with insufficient or excessive hardness helps prevent problems such as premature wear, fracture, or loss of functionality in actual use.
Tensile and mechanical strength tests
Heat treatments modify the strength, ductility, and toughness of materials. Therefore, tensile tests are essential to confirm that the treatment has produced the expected properties. This type of test determines the elastic limit, maximum strength, elongation, and reduction in area of the treated material.
At INFINITIA, we perform these tests in accordance with standards (ASTM, ISO) to validate processes such as normalizing, annealing, or tempering in structural parts.
This data allows us to correlate the microstructural state with mechanical behavior, optimizing the design and manufacturing process.
Metallographic cross-section and thickness control
In surface heat treatments, such as nitriding, carburizing, or induction hardening, it is essential to know the depth achieved.
To do this, we perform cross-sectional metallographic cuts that allow us to accurately measure the effective thickness of the treatment. This information is essential for validating the uniformity of the process and ensuring that the part meets the requirements for wear resistance or surface fatigue.
At INFINITIA, we apply this technique both for quality control in production series and in forensic analysis of failures where insufficient thermal penetration is suspected.
Optical emission spectrometry (OES)
During heat treatment, especially at high temperatures, there may be a loss of alloying elements or the incorporation of contaminants through diffusion.
Optical emission spectrometry (OES) allows the chemical composition of the material after the process to be analyzed with great precision, comparing it with that of the original base material. This technique is key to verifying that the heat treatment has not caused critical alterations that could compromise mechanical performance or corrosion resistance.
At INFINITIA, we use OES both in process validations and in failure analysis, where it is necessary to determine whether there has been a loss of chromium, molybdenum, or other strategic elements.
Applications of Heat Treatment Analysis
The characterization of heat treatments in metals is an indispensable tool for validating the quality of thermal processes in different industrial sectors. Each industry has specific requirements in terms of mechanical, microstructural, or durability properties that must be verified after treatment.
At INFINITIA, we apply advanced techniques of metallographic analysis, hardness testing, tensile testing, optical emission spectrometry (OES), and electron microscopy (SEM/EDX) to ensure that heat-treated materials meet the required functional, regulatory, and safety standards.
Our experience in forensic engineering, industrial process validation, and quality control allows us to tailor our analysis to the specific requirements of each client, providing key information for technical decision-making, treatment optimization, and failure prevention.
Automotive Industry
Heat treatments are essential to ensure hardness, toughness, and wear resistance in parts such as gears, camshafts, valves, and shafts. At INFINITIA, we perform metallographic analyses and hardness profiles to validate the correct execution of quenching and tempering.
- We verify the hardening depth in drive shafts using cross-sectioning and Vickers microhardness testing.
- We diagnose defects of incomplete hardening or excessive tempering in series affected by premature failures.
- We compare alternative treatments to optimize costs without compromising the service life of the component.
Industrial Machinery and Boiler Making
In welded structures and machined components subjected to thermal or cyclic stresses, annealing and normalizing treatments are applied to stabilize the microstructure.
- We validate these processes through grain analysis and post-treatment tensile testing.
- We evaluate treated and untreated areas to confirm the elimination of internal stresses.
- We control the thickness and uniformity of hardened coatings on large parts.
Aerospace
Heat treatments on alloys such as Inconel, titanium, or precipitation-hardened stainless steels require thorough validation.
- We use electron microscopy (SEM) and EDX analysis to study fine grain, absence of pores, and phase homogeneity.
- We validate multiple heat treatments.
- We ensure the structural integrity of components.
Tool and Die Manufacturing
Cutting tools, injection molds, and dies require treatments that provide high hardness without causing brittleness.
- We measure hardness profiles at different depths to validate quenching and tempering.
- We detect surface microcracks in treated areas using SEM.
- We diagnose failures caused by overheating or improperly applied heat treatments.
Energy and Petrochemicals
In this sector, heat treatments ensure mechanical strength and corrosion resistance in components such as boilers, heat exchangers, valves, and pipes.
- We analyze microstructural evolution after normalizing, tempering, or annealing.
- We apply OES spectrometry to verify the retention of critical alloying elements such as chromium or molybdenum.
- We validate mechanical properties through tensile testing, hardness testing, and metallographic analysis to ensure reliability under extreme conditions.
Capital goods and general mechanical manufacturing
Many manufacturers of machined parts need to validate outsourced heat treatments to ensure they meet technical specifications.
- At INFINITIA, we perform metallographic analysis, hardness testing, and OES spectrometry as an external control service.
- We verify compliance with technical drawings and regulations through detailed reports.
- We support the approval of new heat treatment suppliers through comparative testing between OK/NOK samples.
Quality and reliability assurance in heat treatments with INFINITIA
The analysis of heat treatments in metals is an essential process for ensuring the reliability, functionality, and durability of metal components used in industry. Validating that the tempering, annealing, or thermochemical treatment processes have been carried out correctly prevents structural failures, optimizes production parameters, and improves the performance of the final products. In this context, having a specialized laboratory such as INFINITIA offers a clear competitive advantage.
At INFINITIA, we take a comprehensive and scientific approach to thermal analysis, supported by techniques such as metallographic analysis, optical emission spectrometry (OES), electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical testing, and microstructure characterization. Our technical team rigorously evaluates both the internal structure of the material and its behavior under real mechanical stresses, thus ensuring compliance with the most demanding technical specifications.
In addition, the heat treatment analysis service we offer is key in supplier approval processes, quality control, non-compliance resolution, and failure diagnosis through forensic engineering. Thanks to our multi-sector experience, we support companies in the automotive, aeronautics, industrial machinery, energy, and heavy boiler industries in making strategic decisions based on reliable and reproducible data.
In an increasingly competitive and regulatory industrial environment, anticipating problems is vital. That is why at INFINITIA we help our clients not only to validate what has already been done, but also to improve what is yet to come. Choosing our heat treatment analysis services means choosing quality, efficiency, and technical innovation, backed by a team of experts in industrial materials and processes.
