Expertise in Microstructure Analysis, Material Characterization and Process Optimization
We provide comprehensive expertise and state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure to analyze and optimize materials, components, and processes for your technology development or failure investigations.
Our Competencies
Microstructure & Metallography
- Macroscopic and microscopic examination of surfaces and components
- Stereomicroscopy for 3D documentation (up to 100x magnification)
- Laser scanning microscopy for 3D surface profiles, wear and corrosion analysis, and laser structuring
- Quantitative evaluation: grain size, dendrite arm spacing, porosity, phase fraction, and morphological analysis
- Metallographic sample preparation: cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, and surface coating for SEM
High-Resolution Microscopy & Analysis
- Light microscopy and digital image analysis for microstructure evaluation
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with SE/BSE imaging
- Fracture surface and failure analysis
- Chemical composition and phase identification via EDX and EBSD
- Integration with thermodynamic simulations (Thermo-Calc) for process and material optimization
Thermal & Thermodynamic Analysis
- Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA): DTA, DSC, TG up to 1600 °C
- Analysis of melting, solidification, phase transitions, oxidation/reduction, decomposition, and kinetics
- High-temperature studies under vacuum or controlled atmospheres
Chemical & Corrosion Testing
- Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) for Al, Fe, Ni, Cu alloys
- Local EDX chemical analysis
- Potentiodynamic corrosion testing in various electrolytes (NaCl, H₂SO₄)
- Immersion tests and evaluation via weight loss and surface profiling
- Corrosion mechanism investigation using metallography and SEM
Mechanical Property Characterization
- Hardness testing (macro, micro, nano) and mapping (Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell)
- Tensile and compression tests up to 100 kN with strain measurements
- Shear and 3-/4-point bending tests for metals and ceramics
- Customized test setups for component-specific mechanical evaluation
Thermal Processing & Casting Support
- High-vacuum and controlled-atmosphere furnaces up to 1600 °C
- Quenching setups: water, oil, compressed air, Jominy end-quench
- Laboratory rolling and casting equipment for Al, Cu, brass, bronze, and custom alloys
- Sand molding and specialized molds for flowability, shrinkage, and hot cracking studies
- Thermo-analytical investigations for phase transitions and material behavior
Your Added Value
- Comprehensive expertise: Metals, ceramics, alloys, coatings and advanced manufacturing materials
- State-of-the-art infrastructure: Fully equipped labs for metallography, heat treatment, casting and mechanical testing
- Tailored solutions: Customized analyses for components, technologies and failure cases
- Proven track record: Extensive experience in industrial projects, failure analysis and international R&D collaborations
Collaboration and Contact
Leverage our materials science expertise to optimize your components, improve processes, and solve complex material challenges.
We look forward to your inquiry and to developing tailored solutions for your company.
Prof. Dr. Anja Buchwalder
Group Leader of Materials Science
- Phone
- +41 56 202 73 80
- anja.buchwalder@fhnw.ch