--- type: "WebPage" title: "Failure Analysis and Laboratory Investigation" description: "As soon as a defect, failure, or malfunction appears, failure analysis targets the root cause of your nonconformities. FILAB deploys high-precision analytical solutions to remove technical uncertainty. Identify the origin of your failures to sustainably optimize your industrial processes and..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/" tags: ["EN", "pll_6126541ad3253", "Thomas GAUTIER"] timestamp: "2026-06-24T13:40:31Z" published: "2021-08-25T14:30:50Z" language: "en" author: "bwa" --- # Failure Analysis and Laboratory Investigation As soon as a defect, failure, or malfunction appears, **failure analysis** targets the root cause of your nonconformities. FILAB deploys high-precision analytical solutions to remove technical uncertainty. Identify the origin of your failures to sustainably optimize your industrial processes and effectively prevent any recurrence. ## Would you like to carry out a failure analysis on your materials, substances, or products? ### How does a failure manifest itself? L’**analyse défaillance** est une expertise visant à isoler l’origine d’une non-conformité sur un produit, un matériau ou un process. Intervenant dès l’apparition d’un défaut ou d’une panne, cette démarche identifie les causes profondes du dysfonctionnement pour en prévenir toute récurrence. [Part breakage](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/laboratory-analysis-ruptures.md) and fracture surfaces Presence of contamination or deposits [Unexpected physico-chemical degradation](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/health-pharmaceutical-cosmetics/forced-degradation-study-in-laboratory.md) Adhesion[defects](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/laboratory-adhesion-analysis.md) or delamination **Corrosion** and [premature surface wear](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/surface-wear-analysis-laboratory.md) **Contamination**, deposits, or changes in appearance (color, gloss) ## Damage assessment / failure assessment ### FILAB failure analysis laboratory offers the following services: Through tailored support and a progressive analytical approach, the FILAB laboratory supports you with the following services:  failure ### Failure: mechanical and structural behavior [Mechanical testing](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test.md) and [compression](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/compression-and-mechanical-laboratory-tests.md) [Tensile tests](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/tensile-test-materials-laboratory.md) Crack analysis[,](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/fissure-analysis-laboratory.md)fracture expertise[ ](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/laboratory-analysis-ruptures.md)weld[](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/laboratory-analysis-welds.md) [Micrographic examination](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/expertise/labo-analyse-etude-de-defaillance/laboratoire-examen-migrographique/) and [chemical etching](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/laboratory-analysis-chemical-baths.md) for metallic materials Non-destructive testing by [X-ray tomography](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tomography-analysis-laboratory.md) failure ### Failure: physico-chemical, thermal, and surface phenomena [Corrosion analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/laboratory-expertise-and-analysis-of-corrosion.md) (aggressive environments, oxidation, degradation) Detection of [pollution or residual deposits](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination.md) Study of [polymerization](https://filab.fr/paroles-d-expert/polymeres-plasturgie-produits-petroliers-chimie/filab-optimise-les-procedes-de-polymerisation-par-dsc.md) and [cross-linking](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/measurement-of-the-cross-linking-rate-of-a-polymer.md) defects ([varnishes, paints](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-paint-varnish.md), [polymers](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory.md)) Thermal analysis by dilatometry (expansion, phase transition) [Investigation of odor issues in cosmetic products](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/study-expertise-odor-cosmetic-products.md) [Catalyst failure analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/catalyst-analysis-laboratory.md) failure ### Morphological defects / appearance defects [Morphological defect analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/morphological-defect-analysis-laboratory.md) (porosity, roughness, surface structure) [Characterization of appearance defects in the luxury industry](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-luxury-goods/luxury-industry-characterization-of-a-defect-of-aspect-in-laboratory.md) [Surface defect analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-surface-characterization/laboratory-analysis-surface-defects-metal-parts.md) (scratches, inclusions, heterogeneities) [R&D support for resolving appearance defects](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/problem-solving-related-research-and-development/defect-in-appearance-products-filab-helps-you-to-solve-this-problem.md) failure ### Material defects / mechanical defects / R&D [Support in resolving manufacturing defects](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/problem-solving-related-research-and-development/if-you-have-a-manufacturing-defect-problem-filab-can-help-you-solve-the-problem.md) [R&D support for resolving material issues](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/finding-solutions-problems/do-you-have-a-material-defect-filab-can-help-you-solve-your-problem.md) [Analysis of material defects and internal structure](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/morphological-defect-analysis-laboratory.md) [Mechanical defect analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing/mechanical-defect-analysis-laboratory.md) (breaks, cracks, brittleness) ## Our technical resources for failure analysis The FILAB laboratory provides manufacturers with a range of technical resources and a complementary state-of-the-art analytical platform depending on the failures to be characterized: [### SEM](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md) [### Gas chromatography](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/gas-chromatography-analysis-lab-gc.md) [### ICP](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes.md) [### FTIR](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-ftir-spectroscopy.md) [### DSC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md) [### XRD](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/x-ray-crystallography-laboratory-xrd.md) [### X-ray tomography](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tomography-analysis-laboratory.md) ## Failure analysis expertise for your industrial sector Failure analysis can be applied in many fields, such as mechanical engineering, materials engineering, aerospace, automotive, electronics, the oil and gas industry, and many others. It is used to understand failures in components, structures, or systems, and to improve reliability and safety in these fields. [Automotive](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-automobile/laboratory-for-the-study-of-failures-in-the-automotive-industry.md) [Aerospace](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-aeronautics-aerospace/laboratory-for-the-study-of-failures-in-the-aeronautical-industry.md) [Glass](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/laboratory-for-failure-analysis-in-the-glass-industry.md) [Metallurgy, Foundry, Steelmaking](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/metal-failure-analysis.md) [Metal parts](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/failure-analysis-metallic-parts.md) [Polymer](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-polymer-defect.md) [Medical device](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-medical-devices/laboratory-for-the-study-of-failures-in-the-medical-sector.md) ## Learn more about failure analysis at FILAB Laboratory Failure analysis in the context of non-conformity Failure analysis in the laboratory is a study designed to detect potential **non-conformities** in products or materials. Our laboratory carries out comprehensive testing to understand the reasons for the failure, whether physical, chemical, or mechanical.  FILAB Laboratory has expertise in [cosmetics non-conformity analysis](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/study-expertise-non-conformity-cosmetic-products.md), and also provides support and R&D assistance regarding [non-quality measurement](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/problem-solving-related-research-and-development/measuring-non-quality-an-expertise-of-the-filab-laboratory.md). Failure analysis: on-site and laboratory investigations Detecting failures in a material or product includes an **on-site investigation** step to understand the factors that contributed to the failure. Then, **sampling** makes it possible to carry out a more in-depth analysis in the laboratory. The data collected during these steps will make it possible to determine the cause of the failure and propose recommendations to prevent it from happening again in the future. Our failure analysis experts use a variety of techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, radiography, and thermography to identify potential issues. Thanks to an effective failure detection method, it is possible to ensure product safety and reliability. ### Resources - [Viscous deposit in a tank: diagnosis and solution by FILAB](https://filab.fr/blog/2025/06/depot-visqueux-cuve-diagnostic-solution-analyse.md) - [Metal anchor fracture surface analysis – Case study](https://filab.fr/en/blog/2025/12/study-of-metal-anchor-failure-patterns-case-study.md) - [FILAB: root cause analysis of a steel piston rod fracture](https://filab.fr/en/blog/2025/12/how-did-filab-help-one-of-its-clients-determine-the-cause-of-steel-piston-failure-at-the-rod-case-study.md) Expertise, preuves et traçabilitéMise à jour : juin 2026 ## Pourquoi faire confiance au laboratoire FILAB pour votre analyse et Etude de défaillances ? Confier votre analyse et Etude de défaillances au laboratoire FILAB, c’est s’appuyer sur une expertise technique, un cadre qualité documenté et une lecture experte des résultats pour des décisions industrielles, qualité ou réglementaire. ### Accréditations reconnues - ** ISO 17025 - ** Nadcap MTL - ** SAFRAN - ** FRAMATOME - ** EDF - ** DASSAULT AVIATION - ** Aubert & Duval - ** Airbus Defence & Space - ** Liebherr - ** FDA registered [Nos accréditations](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/accreditations-en.md) ### Un expert à votre contact - [** Thomas Gautier](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-gautier-9587b094/) - [** Clément Boenard](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cl%C3%A9ment-boenard-94b371b5/) Responsables expertise Thomas Gautier et Clément Boenard accompagnent les projets d’analyse et Etude de défaillances. [Notre équipe](https://filab.fr/en/about-us.md) [Our team](https://filab.fr/en/about-us.md) ### Recognized accreditations - ** ISO 17025 - ** Nadcap MTL - ** SAFRAN - ** FRAMATOME - ** EDF - ** DASSAULT AVIATION - ** Aubert & Duval - ** Airbus Defence & Space - ** Liebherr - ** FDA registered ### An expert at your side - [** Thomas Gautier](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-gautier-9587b094/) - [** Clément Boenard](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cl%C3%A9ment-boenard-94b371b5/) Expertise managers Thomas Gautier and Clément Boenard support failure analysis and failure investigation projects. [Our team](https://filab.fr/en/about-us.md) Notre démarche en 4 étapes : 1. **Échange** sur votre problématique et vos contraintes. 2. **Proposition** d’un protocole analytique adapté et d’un devis. 3. **Réalisation** des analyses et relecture experte des résultats. 4. **Livraison** d’un rapport détaillé, exploitable et traçable. [Nos moyens techniques](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources.md) [Avis vérifiés](https://www.avis-verifies.com/avis-clients/filab.fr) ## Les avis de nos clients L **Lucile g.** 10 June 2026 "I used Filab for a chemical analysis. Very satisfied with the service. Responsive team, deadlines met, and a clear analysis report. I recommend them." 5/5 N **Nicolas a.** 12 May 2026 "Very responsive laboratory, with excellent analysis quality and deadlines met. Communication is smooth, the technical explanations are clear, and the team knows how to adapt to specific needs. I recommend them for their professionalism and reliability!" 5/5 C **Charlotte t.** 8 May 2026 "Clear and precise deliverable, delivered on time. I recommend them." 5/5 [Voir tous les avis](https://www.avis-verifies.com/avis-clients/filab.fr) Transparence & contactDernière vérification : juin 2026 ## Où nous trouver et comment nous contacter FILAB est un laboratoire physique situé en France, indépendant et accrédité. Toutes les coordonnées ci-dessous permettent de vérifier notre identité et de lancer votre demande. ![](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/filab-exterieur.gif) ### FILAB Laboratory Ecoparc Dijon Bourgogne 80 rue Jean-Louis Auguste Petitjean 21850 Saint-Apollinaire, France Tel. [+33 (0)3 80 52 32 05](tel:+33380523205) ## FAQ What are the methods commonly used for failure characterization? To carry out a thorough **failure analysis**, our laboratory uses state-of-the-art tools tailored to each issue: - **Macroscopic and microscopic examinations:** visual inspection and electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze fracture surfaces. - **Non-destructive testing (NDT):** radiography, ultrasound, or magnetic particle inspection to detect internal defects without altering the component. - **Physicochemical analyses:** mechanical testing or composition analysis to verify material compliance. - **Statistical analysis:** data modeling to identify recurring issues or defect patterns. What are the application areas of failure analysis/expertise? Failure analysis can be applied in many fields, such as mechanical engineering, materials engineering, aerospace, automotive, electronics, the oil and gas industry, and many others. It is used to understand failures in components, structures, or systems, and to improve reliability and safety in these fields. What are the general steps in the failure characterization process? The general steps in the failure characterization process may include: 1. Identifying and documenting the failure, including the circumstances surrounding the event. 2. Visual and/or microscopic analysis to examine damage or defects. 3. Non-destructive testing and laboratory testing to gather additional information on material properties and characteristics. 4. Data and statistical analysis to identify contributing factors and failure patterns. 5. Formulating conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis results. 6. Communicating the findings to the relevant parties and implementing appropriate corrective actions. What is the difference between a part failure and breakage? A part failure and a breakage may seem similar, but there is a notable difference between the two. A part failure may refer to a malfunction, abnormal wear, a physical change in surface or shape, a performance anomaly, a manufacturing or design defect... Failure can also be an invisible issue that can cause serious damage after prolonged use. Breakage can be more obvious and immediate, and occurs due to excessive stress from an impact, overload, for example, or normal wear of the material. Risk management and failure expertise: what is the connection? The**failure analysis expertise** is a strategic lever for product safety. By understanding precisely why and how a material failed, manufacturers can: - Identify design or manufacturing errors. - Correct unfavorable service conditions. - Improve product reliability and service life (risk control). - Ensure compliance and avoid costs associated with major non-compliance issues. What are the general steps in the failure characterization process? The general steps in the failure characterization process may include: 1. Identifying and documenting the failure, including the circumstances surrounding the event. 2. Visual and/or microscopic analysis to examine damage or defects. 3. Non-destructive testing and laboratory testing to obtain additional information on material properties and characteristics. 4. Data and statistical analysis to identify contributing factors and failure patterns. 5. Formulating conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis results. 6. Communicating the results to the relevant parties and implementing appropriate corrective actions. What is the difference between a part failure and breakage? A part failure and a breakage may seem similar, but there is a notable difference between the two. A part failure may refer to a malfunction, abnormal wear, a physical change in surface or shape, a performance anomaly, a manufacturing or design defect... Failure can also be an invisible issue that can cause serious damage after prolonged use. Breakage can be more obvious and immediate, and occurs due to excessive stress from an impact, overload, for example, or normal wear of the material. ## To go further What should i do if my analysis do not allow me to determine the origin of a failure? In the event of a complex **failure analysis**, FILAB carries out on-site audits. Our experts’ intervention in your production environment makes it possible to supplement laboratory data for a definitive interpretation of the causes of the defect. How do i choose a more suitable material to prevent failures? FILAB supports you in the **study** and optimization of your materials. Through comparative reverse engineering, we help you validate a new source or develop a material specification that is more resistant to your operating constraints. How can failure analysis be brought in-house for more regular inspections? We train your teams in **failure characterization** techniques specific to your industry. FILAB also helps you implement reliable in-house analysis methods so you can respond more quickly when detecting your production defects. What is failure characterization in the laboratory? Failure characterization, also known as failure analysis, is the process of identifying, analyzing, and describing defects or failures in a system, product, or material. It involves understanding the root causes of failures and providing detailed information about their nature, extent, and consequences. Why is failure characterization important? Failure characterization is important because it helps understand why a system, product, or material failed. It can help identify design issues, manufacturing errors, unfavorable service conditions, or other factors that contribute to failures. This information is essential for improving the reliability, service life, and safety of products and systems.