Grain Flow Analysis
Macro-etching to reveal the internal grain structure and flow direction in wrought metals.
What It Measures
Grain flow analysis involves cutting, polishing, and etching a cross-section of the material to make the grain structure visible. The etched surface reveals how the metal flowed during forging or rolling — showing grain direction, uniformity, and any discontinuities. For forged parts, this confirms that the grain flows along the part geometry rather than being cut through.
Why It Matters
Metal is strongest in the direction of grain flow. A forged connecting rod with grain flowing along its length is dramatically stronger than one machined from a block where the grain runs perpendicular to the load. Grain flow analysis verifies that the manufacturing process produced the intended internal structure — especially critical for fatigue-loaded components.
Standard Followed
ASTM E381
Equipment Used
Sectioning and polishing equipment, chemical etchant (typically dilute acid), and macro photography setup.
When You Need It
- Forged components under cyclic loading
- Aerospace structural forgings
- Quality verification of rolled plate direction
- Failure analysis investigations
Pricing
Sample Report
Sample report — coming soon. We will add anonymized real reports here.