1. Secat is a metallurgical research laboratory
specializing in aluminum technology. We assist
companies with materials testing, failure
analysis, alloy development, and the
enhancement of processes and properties. For
more inforamtion GO to our
website:http://www.secat.net/

2.  Identification of causes of fractures during fatigue testing An
aluminum producer needed assistance in determining the cause of
fractures that occurred during fatigue testing.
 Secat analyzed the fracture surface and identified the fracture origin,
cause of the fracture, and suggested remedial actions.
 Elimination of defects that are revealed during fatigue testing
 An analysis of fatigue samples revealed the presence of inclusions at
the fracture origin.
 Secat's evaluation of the inclusions - using advanced Metallographic
techniques - indicated that the inclusions were related to melt
practices. Possible remedial actions were discussed with the customer.

3. Secat scientists and engineers focus on issues and technology for the
Aluminum industry. Our expertise includes microstructural analysis,
mechanical and structural testing, process technology and efficiency,
energy assessment, and new product research and development.
A major casting company that provides castings to an automotive
supplier experienced complaints of increased tool breakage during the
machining stage. Secat examined samples of the cast products and
analyzed inclusions that were revealed during the machining process.
ecat visited a customer facility with our mobile laboratory to help
them identify existing inclusion and gas levels in metal using the Prefil
Footprinter® and Alscan®, and help to determine how those levels
correlate with the rejections received from field.

4.  Secat's evaluation of the inclusions - using advanced Metallographic
techniques - indicated that the inclusions were related to melt
practices. Possible remedial actions were discussed with the customer.
 Using microstructural characterization, Secat identified inclusions
in the sheet and suggested possible sources, which was traced to
contamination in the lubrication.
 A series of corrective actions were recommended, which included
improved filtering of the lubricant oils during the recycling process and
periodic quality control checks of oil impurities.
For more information GO to our website:http://www.secat.net/