Laboratory analysis and expertise of stainless - Metallurgical expertise

Chemical analysis Characterization of materials
More than 140 people
More than 140 people at your service
5200 m² laboratory
5200 m² laboratory + 99% of services are provided in-house
Accredited laboratory
Accredited laboratory COFRAC ISO 17025

Our laboratory is an expert in the metallurgy and analysis of alloys, particularly stainless steel, and offers its expertise in analysing the chemical composition and controlling the grades of metal alloys.

Your needs: to carry out an analysis of the stainless steel alloy

Stainless steel is an iron alloy to which chromium (usually at least 10.5%) is added to give it excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Other elements, such as nickel, molybdenum or carbon, may be added to improve its mechanical properties, heat resistance and durability. The special feature of stainless steel is the passivation layer formed by chromium, which creates a protective barrier on the surface against corrosive agents.

There are several types of stainless steel, classified according to their chemical composition and mechanical properties.

The different types of stainless steel and alloys

Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy thanks to its chromium content. Here are the main types:

Each type of stainless steel is chosen according to specific requirements for strength and durability.

Austenitic stainless steel

Martensitic stainless steel

Ferritic stainless steel

Duplex stainless steel

Analysis of stainless steel composition: essential quality control

By analysing the chemical composition of stainless steel, it is possible to verify the presence and concentration of essential alloying elements such as chromium, nickel and molybdenum, thus ensuring the conformity of materials for safety- and performance-critical applications.

The FILAB laboratory, specialist in metallurgical analysis and stainless steel test

The FILAB laboratory has been offering several hundred customers metallurgical analysis services on stainless steel, some of which are COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited.

The FILAB laboratory puts its experience and specific skills at your disposal to control the quality of your stainless steel.

Our steel analysis methods

We use advanced analysis techniques, such as spectrometry and ICP analysis, to accurately detect the chemical composition of steels. These methods can be used to measure elemental content and ensure material quality.

Our technical resources

Elemental analyzers C,H,O,N,S

Elemental analyzers

Carbon, Sulphur (C/S)

Elemental analyzers

Nitrogen, Oxygen and Hydrogen (N / O / H)

Spark Spectrometry SEO

Basic analysis techniques ICP-AES and ICP-MS

SEM

Our analysis of stainless steel and alloys

Iron: steel, steel 316l, stainless steel, cast iron

Titanium : TiAl, T40, TA6V

Cobalt : Cobalt Stellite Grade 6, Cobalt Stellite Grade 21

Nickel (Nitinol, Inconel 718, Inconel 625, René 77, Hastelloy X

Composition analysis enables quality control and ensures the conformity of stainless steel for demanding industrial applications.

Analysis of the chemical composition and testing of stainless steel alloy grades: stainless steel 304L, incox 430, stainless steel 409, etc.

Analysis of stainless steels and determination of steel grades in accordance with standards NF EN 10088-1, NF EN 10088-2 and NF EN 10088-3

To see further: our expertise on stainless steel alloys

In addition to routine metallurgical analysis, the FILAB laboratory can provide you with expert metallurgical analysis and failure studies on your stainless steel samples :

Metallographic examination of stainless steel

Weld analysis on stainless steel

Study of fracture surfaces on stainless steel

Study of ageing (corrosion, surface alteration, etc.) on stainless steel

Thickness measurement of stainless steel part coatings

Study of corrosion resistance on stainless steel

Analysis and characterization of stainless steel surfaces (roughness, defects, etc.)

Study of microstructures on stainless steel material

Analysis of stainless steel alloys according to ISO and NF standards

Our laboratory complies with the reference standards for the analysis of stainless steel alloys, guaranteeing results that meet ISO and NF standards.

Applications of stainless steel alloy test

The analysis of stainless steel alloys is commonplace in sectors where stainless steel is widely used, such as construction, automotive, electronics and food processing. Whether to check the corrosion resistance, durability or safety of the materials.

Why choose our laboratory for the analysis of stainless steel and its alloys?

Our FILAB laboratory offers services dedicated to the analysis of stainless steel and its alloys, tailored to the specific needs of each industry. Carrying out an analysis of stainless steel composition can address a number of industrial issues :

Quality control : guaranteeing that stainless steel complies with technical specifications and industry standards to ensure product durability, safety and performance.
Optimising performance : precisely adapting the composition of the stainless steel to the conditions of use, such as corrosion resistance in marine or chemical environments.
Regulatory compliance : check that the stainless steel complies with standards (ISO, NF) and legal requirements specific to certain industries, particularly food, medical and construction.
Failure prevention : identify undesirable elements or compositional deviations that could compromise the strength and stability of the alloy under extreme conditions.

FAQ

How are rust spots on stainless steel analysed?

The analysis of rust spots on stainless steel makes it possible to determine the causes of corrosion and identify the elements that may have altered the protective chromium oxide layer. Techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and analysis of the chemical composition of deposits are used to assess the nature of surface contaminants or defects. This analysis helps to prevent future corrosion and improve the durability of stainless steel equipment.

What is the chemical composition of stainless steel?

Stainless steel is an alloy composed mainly of iron and at least 10.5% chromium, which gives it its resistance to corrosion by forming a protective layer of chromium oxide.

It often contains other elements, such as nickel to enhance stability, molybdenum for greater resistance to aggressive environments, and small amounts of carbon to improve hardness.

What are the different types of stainless steel?
  • X2CrNi18-09 (AISI 304L or A2): known as ‘food-grade stainless steel’, used in the manufacture of public equipment and structures.
  • X2CrNiMo17-12 (AISI 316L or A4): known as ‘surgical stainless steel’, used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and food industries (tanks, etc.)
  • X8Cr17 (AISI 430): used for household items, electrical appliances and sinks
  • X6CrTi12 (AISI 409): used in automobile exhausts, furnaces, etc.
The filab advantages
A highly qualified team
A highly qualified team
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
(Staves available on www.cofrac.com - Accreditation number: 1-1793)
A complete analytical park of 5,200m²
A complete analytical park of 5,200m²
Tailor-made support
Tailor-made support
Emmanuel BUIRET Technical Sales Representative
Ask for your quote