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Frequently Asked Questions

How to find us?

Chicago Laboratory: 
1390 N 25th Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160

Lab Hours: Mon-Fri | 7AM – 4PM (CST)

+1.708.343.3444

Receiving Area / Sample Drop Off: 
1390 N 25th Ave., Melrose Park, IL 60160

Receiving Hours: Mon-Fri | 6AM – 4PM (CST)

+1.708.343.3444


What’s the Sample Size For A Full Size Tensile Test? 

Tensile specimens are always oriented longitudinal or lengthwise to the rolling or forging direction unless a transverse direction has been requested. The default orientation is longitudinal.

Round – Full Size – .500″ Diameter 

  • Round – Full Size tensile coupon (.500″ gage diameter) require 6″ length and 1″‘ square. The coupons are then machined on a CNC turning center.
  • Round – Shortest Full Size (.500″ gage diameter) 4-1/2″ minimum length x ¾” square BUT must be threaded at an additional cost.. The coupons are then machined on a CNC turning center.
  • Round – Sub-size 1-1/4″ to 4-4-1/2″ minimum length x ¾” square BUT must be threaded at an additional cost The coupons are then machined on a CNC turning center.

What Size Sample Do I Need For A Spectrographic Chemical Analysis?

Simple laboratory preparation methods for Spectrographic analysis permit fast 1day turn-around.
Spectrographic analysis requires a solid sample with a flat surface able to cover a 3/8″ diameter hole.
Chips or drillings (minimum 10 grams) can be re-melted using equipment that provides an argon blanket over the crucible to prevent vapor loss during melting. Sheet samples that are less then .008″ are too thin for Spectro analysis. The 10,000-volt spark “burns through” the material causing an inaccurate analysis. Re-melting can be performed.


What Is Involved When Performing A Metal Failure Analysis And What Is The Cost? 

A failure analysis investigation can accomplish many goals, but typically the goal is to determine how and why a metal component has failed or fractured during service. The outcome of the investigation is used to identify …read more


What are the Required Specimen Sizes for Tensile-Charpy Impact-Jominy?

Tensile SpecimensMinimum Sample Requirements
.500″ Headed Tensile Specimen6″ long x 7/8″ Diameter
.500″ Threaded Tensile Specimen5 1/2″ long x 3/4″ Diameter
.350″ Headed Tensile Specimen5″ long x 5/8″ Diameter
.350″ Threaded Tensile Specimen4 1/2″ long x 5/8″ Diameter
.250″ Headed Tensile Specimen3 1/2″ long x 1/2″ Diameter
.250″ Threaded Tensile Specimen3″ long x 1/2″ Diameter
.160″ Threaded Tensile Specimen3″ long x 1/2″ Diameter
Charpy Impact SpecimensMinimum Sample Requirements
Full Sample Specimen1/2″ x 1/2″ thick x 2.065″ long (10mm x 10mm)
3/4 Size Specimen1/2″ x .336″ thick x 2.065″ long (10mm x 7.5mm)
2/3 Size Specimen1/2″ x .303″ thick x 2.065″ long (10mm x 6.7mm)
1/2 Size Specimen1/2″ x ..237″ thick x 2.065″ long (10mm x 5mm)
1/3 Size Specimen1/2″ x .171″ thick x 2.065″ long (10mm x 3.3mm)
1/4 Size Specimen1/2″ x .138″ thick x 2.065″ long (10mm x 2.5mm)
Jominy SpecimensMinimum Sample Requirements
CNC Machined5-1/2″ long x 1-3/8″ Diameter
Manual Machined Samples4-1/2″ long x 1-3/8″ Diameter