Crystallographic testing in a Laboratory
Your needs: to study the atomic composition of your crystalline materials in order to optimize their performance
What is crystallography?
Crystallography involves analysing the atomic structure of crystalline substances and materials in order to understand their properties. In contrast to amorphous solids, crystalline materials are characterised by the regular assembly of their atoms.
What is crystallographic analysis?
The atomic structure of a crystalline material is most often determined using X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
This technique is used to characterise the different phases of crystalline materials. Their analysis determines the properties associated with the crystalline substances present in the material, such as the distance between atoms, their arrangement, the identification of crystalline phases and the size of crystallites.
Crystalline materials include :
- Ceramics (alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide)
- Metals (different phases of steels, austenites, ferrites, metal oxides)
- Minerals (limestone, diamond, graphite, quartz, etc.)
- Polymers (some are polycrystalline)
Our solution: to identify and determine the crystallographic composition of your materials
Our metallurgical analysis laboratory is a centre of excellence equipped to carry out advanced metallurgical analyses, including crystallographic studies. We characterise the structure of materials, optimise their performance and ensure their compliance with the most stringent requirements.
Our expertise also extends to microstructure studies, hardness testing, chemical composition analysis and failure testing, enabling us to support our customers in their analysis and study needs.
A dedicated crystallography lab combines advanced diffraction systems with metallurgical expertise to deliver accurate phase identification, grain-size measurement and texture analysis.
At FILAB, our laboratory is equipped with high-resolution XRD and SEM-EBSD capabilities to support both routine quality control and complex failure investigations.
Our associated techniques
XRD
X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is the primary technique used in our crystallography lab to identify crystalline phases, measure lattice parameters and quantify phase proportions in metal alloys. It provides rapid, non-destructive results that are essential for incoming material inspection and process validation.
Optical Microscope
Optical microscope analysis complements diffraction data by revealing grain morphology, inclusion distribution and surface defects. It is often the first step in a crystallographic investigation, guiding the selection of subsequent high-resolution techniques.
SEM
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) offers high-magnification imaging of crystalline microstructures. When paired with EBSD, it maps crystal orientation and grain boundaries, providing critical information on texture and deformation mechanisms.
ICP-AES
Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) determines the elemental composition of metallic samples. Accurate chemical data supports crystallographic interpretation by linking phase identity to elemental stoichiometry.
Our services in metallurgical expertise
FAQ
We mainly use X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission or backscattered electron diffraction (EBSD) to examine the crystalline arrangement of metal alloys.
We analyse a wide range of metals and alloys, such as steel, aluminium, titanium, copper and their derivatives, in various industrial sectors (aerospace, automotive, energy, etc.).
Simply contact us with details of your requirements. We'll guide you in choosing the right analysis and provide you with a personalised quote.
XRD measures bulk crystalline phases and lattice parameters across an entire sample, while EBSD maps local crystal orientation and grain boundaries at the microscale. Both techniques are complementary and are routinely combined in our crystallography lab for complete material characterisation.
Crystallographic texture analysis describes the preferred orientation of grains within a polycrystalline material. It is critical for predicting mechanical anisotropy, formability and fatigue behaviour in rolled, extruded or additive-manufactured metal components.
It reveals the phases present, grain size and internal stresses that directly influence strength, corrosion resistance and thermal stability. Without accurate crystallographic data, manufacturers risk premature failure or non-compliance with industry specifications.
Aerospace, automotive, energy, defence and medical device manufacturers routinely require crystallographic testing to validate material certificates, investigate failures and optimise heat-treatment or forming processes.
