Laboratory for Materials Diagnostics

As a university-based research facility, our materials diagnostics laboratory offers a wide range of analytical and examination capabilities for a variety of materials – in particular fiber-reinforced composites, metals, and engineering plastics. Our equipment supports research projects, feasibility studies, and materials science investigations throughout the entire sample preparation and analysis process.

Our main focus areas:

• Sample Preparation (Metallography & Material Preparation) 
  We prepare samples in a manner appropriate to the material ­- embedding, grinding, and polishing - to enable structural-mechanical, microscopic, and other examinations. In doing so, we take into account the specific requirements of each material class.

• Light Microscopy
  Various light microscopes with reflected and transmitted light as well as digital image analysis are available for microstructural analysis, the examination of microstructures, and the documentation of damage patterns. This enables the precise capture of fine details and structural characteristics - both in metallic materials and in fiber-reinforced or polymeric materials.

• Ultrasonic Testing in a Water Bath
  For non-destructive testing, we use water-coupled ultrasonic methods. These enable the identification of internal defects, delaminations, or inhomogeneities, particularly in fiber-reinforced composite materials, but also in metals and plastics.

• Surface Measurement & Height Analysis
  Using tactile measurement methods, we reliably determine height differences, steps, or flatness, among other things. This allows machining quality, coating thicknesses, offsets, or surface topographies to be recorded in detail - for example, for the assessment of adhesion, dimensional accuracy, or tribological properties.

A modern, versatile laboratory infrastructure is available to us for carrying out the investigations mentioned above. Below you will find a selection of our key analysis and sample preparation equipment, which is regularly used in research and teaching: