Metallprøver

Metallprøver are physical samples taken from metals or metal-containing components for testing, evaluation, and quality assurance. They are used to determine chemical composition, mechanical properties, microstructure, and performance under various conditions. Prøver can originate from production batches, finished parts, or dedicated test coupons introduced specifically for analysis.

The primary purposes of metallprøver include verifying compliance with specifications, characterizing material behavior, and supporting material development. Common types of metallprøver include chemical analysis samples, metallographic specimens prepared for microstructural examination, hardness test pieces, and corrosion or wear coupons. Weld samples and fracture surfaces may also be examined to assess joint quality and failure mechanisms.

Preparation and testing of metallprøver involve several steps. Samples are carefully cut to size, labeled for traceability, and subjected to mounting, grinding, and polishing to reveal a representative surface for microscopy. Etching may be used to reveal microstructure. Analytical methods include chemical composition techniques such as optical emission spectroscopy (OES) or X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and sometimes ICP for precise element quantification. Mechanical testing can involve hardness tests, tensile and impact tests, while metallographic analysis provides information about grain structure, phase distribution, and inclusions. Non-destructive testing methods may be employed to assess properties without altering the specimen.

Documentation is essential, with detailed records of origin, processing, test results, and certificates of analysis to ensure traceability. Standards from ISO, EN, or ASTM families often govern sampling, preparation, testing, and reporting, supporting supplier qualification, batch release, and material development across industries.