FAQs About Testing Forged Metal Parts

Forged Metal Parts FAQ

Material testing is necessary for forged metal parts, but not all tests are equal. The big division in material testing is destructive vs. nondestructive testing. The former generally analyzes material structure or physical properties and results, while the latter identifies defects in materials under testing. As the name suggests, destructive testing fundamentally alters the test material and results in disposal. 

Destructive Testing

Nondestructive Testing

Fracture toughness measures how materials resist crack formation. Cycle fatigue measures how materials respond to load cycling. Fatigue crack growth measures the response of materials with cracks already present. Tensile testing assesses the response of a material under increasing axial loading. Stress-rupture testing places a constant load to determine planar stress. Creep testing checks deformation under repeated stress/relaxation cycles. Charpy impact testing evaluates how well a material can resist physical impact force. Metallography analyzes metal samples at a structural level. Chemical analysis uses laboratory techniques to characterize materials chemically.

Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to detect flaws on the surface or interior of hollow or thin-walled materials. Radiography can penetrate solid materials for sub-surface imaging. Liquid-penetrant testing looks for discontinuities in fluid storage or transport systems. Magnetic particle inspection isolates defects on the surface of materials using a fine powdered metal oxide.

Lab Selection Criteria

Partnering with the right material testing lab can make all the difference. Manufacturers should focus on testing labs with a long history of success working with various industries, demonstrating an established track record of performance. When weighing material labs, consider these distinguishing factors:

Technical Qualifications

What equipment and expertise does the lab possess?

Turnaround Times

What’s the timeline expectation for work done/services performed?

Full-Service Capabilities

Often, more than one testing service is necessary for comprehensive analysis. What services can the lab perform?

Capacity

For nondestructive testing, every item in a lot will require evaluation. More generally, it’s critical to work with a testing lab that can keep up with service requests to expedite approvals.

Service and Support

The services the lab renders go beyond the lab: the way test results are stored/accessed and the ability to quickly contact customer service representatives are worth weighing.

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