--- type: "WebPage" title: "Wire analysis in the laboratory" description: "You need to analyse a wire What is a wire ? First of all, it is important to understand what is meant by wire. It is a type of wire formed from metal by drawing, i.e. the drawing of a..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/wire-analysis-in-the-laboratory/" tags: ["EN", "pll_62b2ffefa7b14", "Arnaud JOUDRAIN"] timestamp: "2026-04-22T07:43:16Z" published: "2023-04-20T11:46:15Z" language: "en" author: "bwa" --- # Wire analysis in the laboratory ## You need to analyse a wire ### What is a wire ? First of all, it is important to understand what is meant by wire. It is a type of wire formed from metal by drawing, i.e. the drawing of a ductile material. Different compositions are possible depending on the use, including iron, copper, tin, gold, silver or tungsten. The value of a wire is mainly based on its physical properties (tensile strength, deformability) and its ability to conduct electrical current. ### Why is professional wire analysis essential? - You have just changed your reference and wish to understand the differences between your metal wires? - You want to determine the [**grade**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/control-of-alloys-and-grades-in-the-laboratory.md) of the metal that makes up your wire? - Your metal wire is fragile and breaks, how can you explain this? **Wire analysis** is a critical step in ensuring the reliability of metallic components used in sectors like electronics, medical devices, or aerospace. Because wires are subjected to intense mechanical stress during the drawing process, they can develop internal defects or surface anomalies. A laboratory investigation helps manufacturers identify the root causes of premature breakage, verify alloy purity, and ensure compliance with technical specifications. ### Characterizing the properties of drawn metals Identifying the physicochemical and mechanical behavior of your materials is the core of our **wire analysis** expertise. We evaluate key performance indicators such as: **Ductility and deformability**: ensuring the wire can be processed without cracking. **Surface condition:** analyzing coatings, passivation, or contamination that may affect electrical conductivity or corrosion resistance. **Microstructural integrity:** detecting inclusions or grain boundary issues that lead to fragility. ## FILAB meets your wire analysis needs ### Why choose FILAB for your wire analysis? Thanks to its experience, the FILAB laboratory puts the expertise of its doctors and engineers as well as its state-of-the-art analytical equipment at your service, and provides you with various technical means and [metallurgical analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory.md) services.  ### Our solutions [Metallographic analysis](https://filab.fr/en/examination-metallographic-section-laboratory/) : Characterizing the internal structure of the wire. [Elementary analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-elemental-analysis.md): precise determination of chemical elements and trace contaminants. [Control of metal alloys](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/control-of-alloys-and-grades-in-the-laboratory.md): verifying ferrous and non-ferrous grades, including stainless steels (NF EN 10088-1/2/3), titanium, copper, and more. [Hardness measurement](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-characterization/hardness-analysis-and-measurement-laboratory/) : evaluating mechanical resistance at the microscopic level. [Micrographic analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/laboratory-micrographic-examination/): high-resolution observation of surface and internal defects. ### Our techniques for wire analysis To deliver accurate results, our laboratory relies on a high-performance analytical platform: [SEM-EDX](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md) [SEO](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes/icp-aes-analysis-laboratory.md) [ICP-AES](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes/icp-aes-analysis-laboratory.md) ### Our accreditations ![](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ESSAI-Logo-COFRAC.jpg) The FILAB laboratory is accredited by COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee) – Laboratories section – for its departments in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Expertise, Materials Expertise, and Environment in the following fields:  ✔️ Physicochemical analysis of metallic materials ✔️ Physicochemical analysis of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products ✔️ Physicochemical analysis of medical devices, medical equipment, and chemical and biological products Scope available No. 1-1793 This [Nadcap accreditation](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/accreditations-en/materials-testing-nadcap-laboratory.md) notably covers: ✔️ Chemical analysis (ICP-OES) of critical metallic alloys (Al, Fe, Ni, Ti) ✔️ Metallography An international recognition that confirms our commitment to quality and reliability for the most demanding applications, particularly in the aerospace sector. ![](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PNG-bleu-e1775737225243-1024x446.png) [Explore our accreditations](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/accreditations-en.md) ## Our FAQ What is the objective of wire analysis in a laboratory? The primary goal is to determine the chemical composition, microstructure, and mechanical health of the wire. This helps manufacturers identify why a wire is breaking, verify if a new supplier meets specifications, or optimize the drawing process. What types of metal wires can be analyzed? FILAB can analyze a wide variety of samples including iron, copper, gold, silver, tungsten, and various stainless steel or titanium alloys. We also handle specialized wires like medical-grade alloys or electronic components. How do you identify the cause of wire breakage? Through **fractographic analysis** using SEM-EDX, our experts examine the fracture surface to determine if the break was caused by fatigue, a material defect (inclusions), or environmental stress like corrosion. Can you identify an unknown metal wire grade? Yes. By determining the chemical composition and analyzing the microstructure, our laboratory can identify unknown alloys and compare them with known international standards and material grades. When should wire analysis be performed? It is recommended during material selection, quality control of incoming batches, manufacturing process validation (drawing/annealing), or in the event of a product failure. Why is gas determination important for wires? Gases like Hydrogen or Oxygen can cause embrittlement in drawn metals. Analyzing these elements is essential to evaluate the overall purity and quality of the material. How do I get a device with FILAB? To obtain a quote, you can contact our team via our contact form, by phone, or by email. Simply tell us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, applicable standards, urgency, quantity of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours. What is the typical duration of the analysis? Turnaround times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project. However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.