Chemical Analysis of Metals

Chemical analysis of metals consists of a variety of tests which can be carried out for a range of purposes. Primarily, the purpose is to determine the composition of metal alloys through metal chemical analysis. This information can be applied to uncover why a particular component part failed whilst in operation (failure analysis). It may assist with quality control; or with reverse engineering (reproducing a product after carrying out an examination of its composition). Chemical analysis can also ensure that your suppliers’ products are as advertised or as you expect them to be. Common tests used are quantitative or semi-quantitative in nature and may include inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP) analysis, optimal emission spectrometry (OES) analysis, scanning electron microscopy/ energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) analysis and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) analysis. Chemical analysis of metals is useful in many different industry sectors, notably the aerospace, automotive, oil and gas and medical fields; indeed, anywhere where products or their components are made of or include metals and alloys.