Chemical Testing
SMS Labs offers a variety of chemical analysis techniques tailored to resolve the finest level of detection in your material. Customers depend on our chemical determinations for failure analysis, material validations, reverse engineering, product development/R&D, and more.
Through a variety of techniques, SMS can accurately determine elemental composition, alloy designation, and also identifying stains, residues, foreign object debris (FOD) or inclusions.
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Full Chemistry
SMS labs offers chemical analysis by spark excitation (Optical Emission Spectroscopy/OES) for
determination of elemental composition in metallic samples.
Additional techniques provide resolution of both Carbon/Sulfur by combustion,
Oxygen/Nitrogen/Hydrogen by inert gas fusion.
- Equipment: Oxford Foundry Master Xpert
- Common Uses: Elemental analysis of most metallic alloys
- Best Application: Semi-destructive chemistry certification, material validation/over-check.
- Equipment: Eltra CS 2000
- Detection Range: Carbon & Sulfur
- Common Uses: Determination of rubber and polymer hardness.
- Best Application: Destructive testing for material validations, certification, or research
- Equipment: Eltra ONH 2000
- Detection Range: Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen
- Common Uses: Determination of Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen in alloys and ceramics.
- Specification: Destructive testing for material validations, certification, or research
XRF Analysis – Positive Material Identification (PMI)
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) provides instant, non-destructive elemental analysis and positive material identification (PMI) by measuring the fluorescent X-ray emitted from a sample when it is excited by a primary X-ray source.
- Equipment: Thermo Scientific Niton XL3T with geometrically optimized large area drift detection (GOLDD+™) technology
- Detection Range: Magnesium to Uranium.
- Common Uses: PMI, quality assurance, production, non-destructive on-site verifications
- Materials: Metals & Alloys, powders, scrap, chips, wire, FOD
- Best Application: Nondestructive screening & rapid over check
Quality Accreditations
ISO/NADCAP/GE/PW Accredited
Certified to deliver precise, internationally recognized results.
Fast Turnaround Times
Quick, efficient processing to keep your manufacturing timelines on track.
Experience Matters
Our team of seasoned engineers and techs bring decades of hands-on industry knowledge.
Detailed & Defensible Reports
Clear, illustrated reports with actionable insights and data integrity.
Why choose us?
Trusted by leading industry professionals for reliable result, expert analysis and unmatched quality of service.
About SMS Labs
Sturbridge Metallurgical Services was founded in 1990 in Sturbridge, MA, by President, Courtney Grimes. Our small, independent testing lab has outgrown three locations through the years, before settling into our current home at 8 Picker Road in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Our lab offers a complete range of materials testing and analysis services, and we've expanded into sales of a full line of metallographic equipment and supplies.
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