Ferrite Testing

Ferrite is a kind of crystalline structure found in microstructure of both austenitic and duplex stainless steel or welds, and its content determines the mechanical properties, weldability, durability, toughness, crack prevention and corrosion resistance of the base metal and welds to a certain extent. Sometimes, too high ferrite content will have adverse effect on the properties of steel, such as destroying the uniformity of the structure, reducing the plasticity and toughness of the material, accelerating the aging rate of the material during creep and reducing the service life of the material. Therefore, it is important to control a proper ferrite content.

Ferrite testing is a rapid, accurate inspection method used to determine the content of delta ferrite on austenitic and duplex stainless steel materials without leaving markings on the test specimen.

STEMart can carry out ferrite testing on austenitic and duplex stainless steel to help manufacturer avoid potential failures or increased maintenance costs caused by in-service corrosion, cracking or poor mechanical properties.

Test Capabilities

• Inspection of weldments, forgings, castings, wrought materials and weld overlays.
• Determination of ferrite content within stainless steel welds, tubing and overlays.
• Determination of ferrite content percentages of duplex stainless steel pipe, tanks, castings, pressure vessels, mechanical components.
• Regular inspection of construction steel with austenitic chrome alloy steel welded cladding such as those used in boilers, vessels, etc.
• Inspection of weld materials including butt welds, category A-D welds, stainless steel weld overlays on non-ferrous interfaces.

Test Methods

• Metallographic method

Observe and calculate the ferrite content with metallographic microscope after drilling holes or cutting points on test specimen.

• Magnetic method

Based on the magnetic principle of ferrite, ferrite tester provides convenient and accurate determination of ferrite content directly in stainless steel base metal or weld metal.

For more information about our ferrite testing services, please contact us.