Fractographic analysis: what is it?
The fractographic analysis allows to locate a fracture initiation, to identify the mode of fracture and to highlight the presence of health defects of the material which could be at the origin of the fracture.
These fractographic analysis examinations are carried out by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with an EDX microprobe. They can be completed by micrographic observations in optical microscopy, hardness measurements, mechanical tests (traction, resilience, ...) in order to refine the diagnosis and to increase the relevance of the conclusions on the fracture phenomenon.
FILAB has significant experience in the implementation of fractographic expertise and can assist you in understanding and resolving your fracture problems through fractographic analysis.
Fractographic analysis: a specific expertise of the FILAB laboratory
Within the framework of failure analysis, the FILAB laboratory provides its complete analytical equipment and the expertise of its engineers to answer your problem of failure on metal parts:
Why choose the FILAB laboratory for your fractographic analysis?
Our teams are available to assist you with the fractographic analysis of your metal parts. The FILAB laboratory puts its knowledge and expertise at your disposal to carry out audits on your production sites in order to understand the problems you encounter. We offer tailor-made support according to your needs for fractographic analysis following the breakage of a metal part in order to provide you with concrete and lasting solutions.
Our FAQ
Fractographic analysis is a key technique in failure analysis that consists of examining fracture surfaces to determine the origin and causes of a material failure. Also referred to as fractography analysis, it provides critical insights into how and why a component has fractured by studying its surface features at different scales.
Fractography analysis is essential because it allows engineers to directly observe the fracture surface, which contains valuable evidence about the failure mechanism. It helps identify the root cause of failure and supports the implementation of corrective actions to prevent similar issues in the future.
Fractographic analysis primarily relies on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe fracture surfaces in high detail. This is often coupled with EDX analysis to determine the elemental composition. Optical microscopy and mechanical testing may also be used to complete the investigation.
Fractography analysis makes it possible to identify different types of failure such as fatigue fracture, brittle rupture, ductile failure, or stress corrosion cracking. Each of these mechanisms leaves distinct signatures on the fracture surface that can be interpreted by experts.
Crack initiation refers to the location where the fracture first began. In fractographic analysis, identifying this area is crucial because it often reveals the origin of the failure, such as a defect, inclusion, or stress concentration.
In most cases, fractography analysis plays a central role in determining the root cause of a failure. By combining surface observations with complementary analyses, it is possible to link the fracture to material defects, manufacturing issues, or service conditions.
Fractographic analysis can be applied to a wide range of materials including metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, and composites. The interpretation of fracture features depends on the material type and its mechanical behavior.
Fractography analysis should be performed after an unexpected failure, during a quality investigation, or when a component does not meet performance requirements. It is also commonly used in industrial expertise and forensic engineering.
Fractography analysis helps manufacturers improve product reliability, optimize materials and processes, and reduce the risk of recurring failures. It provides concrete, evidence-based conclusions that support technical decision-making and long-term performance improvements.
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.
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.
