committee

Component metallography allows microstructural characterization and surface examination in an almost non-destructive manner and offers almost unlimited application possibilities. The availability of the test results is fast and flexible. All preparation steps are performed directly on the component and the microstructure and damage state are recorded either directly on-site or via impression techniques. The Working Group and an annual training seminar offer opportunities for exchange and assistance concerning the application of adequate preparation procedures, microscopic methods, and the analysis, evaluation, and documentation of microscopic examination results. Here, experts from industry as well as accessory manufacturers are brought together with experts from colleges and universities: in technical discussions and in the practical exchange of experience.

Ambulatory metallographic testing methods play an important role in the operational quality assurance of large machine components, in power plant service, chemical plant construction, and many other industrial sectors. This type of testing allows statements to be made on the structural condition or microstructural defects almost non-destructively, without taking samples. This applies, for example, to components in operation, such as pipes in power plants or large turbine blades or turbine housings, where destructive sampling is not possible due to the high production costs. Ambulatory metallography, also called component metallography, was developed for this field of application. Here, no sample is transported to the laboratory microscope in the stationary metallography laboratory. Grinding, polishing and etching are performed with portable equipment directly on the component, and microstructural analysis is performed with portable microscopes on site or via impression techniques.

The focus of the activities in the Working Group and advanced training seminar includes the basics of preparation techniques and preparation of an ambulatory examination as well as the additional ambulatory testing methods such as spark spectrometers for chemical analysis or mobile hardness testing. Besides, there will be an exchange concerning the current status of applicable guidelines and standardization in Germany and abroad (e.g. VGB-S-517). In the advanced training seminar, numerous examples will be practiced and the microstructure imprints on different material states, on defects and cracks for different material classes will be taken and evaluated based on concrete examples from practice, e.g. for the microstructure control of large gas turbine components, on components subjected to pressure loads and components operated in the creep range.