Our laboratory is expert in metallurgical analysis such as chromium analysis and alloy analysis, offering advanced expertise in determining chemical composition and physico-chemical properties.
Your needs: analysis of chromium and chromium-based alloys
Laboratory analysis of chromium
Using advanced analytical techniques, our laboratory delivers accurate and reliable results for every chromium analysis.
Our teams provide a fast service that complies with current standards, ensuring the quality and safety of their chromium-based products.
Chromium, or chromium metal, is a chemical element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is a hard, shiny, silvery transition metal, renowned for its resistance to corrosion, its hardness and its ability to form high-performance alloys:
Analysis of chromium alloys
Chromium alloys, such as ferrochromium, superalloys and CoCr, have a wide range of properties and are used in many industrial sectors.
The FILAB laboratory carries out comprehensive analysis of the composition of chromium alloys to help optimise production and recycling processes or any other need you may have as an industrialist.
We identify alloying elements and measure concentrations to meet the technical specifications of each project.
Analysis of ferrochromium alloy composition
Ferrochrome is an alloy of iron and chromium, often supplemented by small quantities of other elements such as carbon, silicon or sulphur to improve its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
By analysing the composition of ferrochrome, we can control the quality of the material and ensure that it meets the specific requirements of each sector, in terms of durability, conductivity and resistance to mechanical stress.
Why choose the FILAB laboratory to analyse chromium and chromium alloys?
Our analysis methods for chromium and alloys
The FILAB laboratory offers metallurgical chromium analysis services to several hundred customers, some of which are COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited.
We use state-of-the-art analytical methods, such as optical emission spectrometry and ICP analysis, to provide highly accurate chromium and chromium alloy analysis results.
These techniques enable us to detect elements at very low concentrations and provide detailed reports.
To see further: our expertise in chromium alloys
In addition to routine metallurgical analysis, the FILAB laboratory can provide you with expert metallurgical analysis and failure studies on your havar or CoCr chromium-based samples:
Metallographic examination of chromium
Weld analysis on chromium
Study of fracture surfaces on chromium
Study of ageing (corrosion, surface alteration, etc.) on chromium
Thickness measurement of chromium part coatings
Study of corrosion resistance on chromium
Analysis and characterization of chromium surfaces (roughness, defects, etc.)
Analysis Alloy composition
Study of microstructures on chromium material
FAQ
High hardness: hard chrome achieves a hardness of 65 to 70 HRC, or approximately 1210 HV, making it ideal for anti-wear applications. U.S. Chrome
Low coefficient of friction: reduces mechanical wear and improves the longevity of parts.
Corrosion resistance: chromium forms a protective oxide layer that makes it inert to many chemical agents.
Brilliance and reflectivity: polished chrome reflects around 70% of visible light, making it highly prized for decorative finishes.
Production of stainless steels: chromium is an essential component of stainless steels, giving them increased resistance to corrosion.
Chromium plating: an electrochemical process that applies a thin layer of chromium to metal parts to improve their wear resistance and aesthetic appearance.
Special alloys: used in alloys such as cobalt-chromium for medical and industrial applications.
Pigments and dyes: certain chromium compounds are used to colour glass, ceramics and paints.
Leather tanning: chromium is used in the tanning process to improve the durability of leather.
Decorative chrome plating: mainly for aesthetic purposes, with a thin layer of chrome (around 0.5 µm) applied to objects such as automotive accessories or household appliances.
Hard chrome plating: used for industrial applications requiring increased resistance to wear, with thicker layers of chrome (up to 100 µm or more).
Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) is an oxidised form of chromium used in certain industrial processes, notably chromium plating. It is known to be toxic and carcinogenic, which has led to strict regulations, particularly in Europe, where its use requires specific authorisations.
In response to environmental and health concerns, alternatives to chromium VI have been developed, such as :
- Trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺): less toxic and offering similar performance in certain applications.
- Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD): a coating process that does not use hexavalent chromium.
- Other surface treatments: such as nickel-based coatings or technical ceramics.
