SMI Failure Analysis Service

When you need to know WHY
Under the metallurgical expertise of SMI technical director Luke Zubek P.E., all tests are performed in accordance with ISO 17025 at A2LA-accredited labs.
SMI provides comprehensive failure analysis services for springs, wire forms, slide form parts and other metal components.

The sequence and number of procedures taken depend on the nature of the inquiry. That's why SMI will customize the service to meet the needs of your specific case in the most complete, yet cost-effective, manner possible.

Upon completion, you will be provided with a confidential report detailing the findings of the analysis; the test methods used; and recommendations to prevent future failures.

Services Offered

Listed below are some of the features that SMI can include in your confidential failure analysis:

  • Collection of background data from the failure.
  • Spring design analysis and evaluation of operating stresses.
  • Macroscopic examination and analysis.
  • Fracture surface analysis.
  • Chemical verification.
  • Hardness and tensile testing.
  • Material comparison/analysis.
  • Microscopic examination and analysis.
  • Microstructure evaluation.
  • Photo documentation.
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS).
  • Recommendations to prevent reoccurrence.
  • Conclusions based on analysis.

How it Works

1. SMI Technical Director Luke Zubek will discuss the details of your case with you. Be sure to report the condition of operations, details on the failure itself, background on the supplier and the part's history. Knowledge of recent design changes can be especially helpful

2. After the initial conversation and a review of applicable specifications, blueprints and histories, SMI will provide you a rough estimate and lead time.

3. You will send failed samples and unfailed samples (if possible) for review. Please collect and store the pieces of the failed part in a manner that will avoid corrosion of the fracture surfaces. Never touch the fracture surfaces or fit them back together, as this may cause damage. Wrap or bag spring pieces in a way that prevents parts from rubbing together and causing additional scratches/damage.

4. Before work is initiated, you will receive a test plan for approval. This will outline the procedures to be performed and the cost, so you will know exactly what to expect.

5. All testing, evaluation and analysis of your samples will be performed in an ISO 17025-compliant lab that has been certified by the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA).

6. Upon completion, SMI will present you a complete report detailing the results; the testing methods used; charts, photographs and photomicrographs (if any); as well as recommendations to prevent future failures.

Cost

A typical investigation starts at about $600 for SMI members.

Procedures needed to conduct a failure analysis vary depending on the nature of the inquiry. SMI will only charge you for services performed for your specific case.

A formal quote and test plan outlining the procedures to be performed and the cost will be sent to you for approval before work is initiated, so you will know exactly what to expect.

About Luke Zubek, P.E.

Luke Zubek is the technical director of the Spring Manufacturers Institute.

Prior to that, he was an metallurgical engineer at Ispat Inland Steel for 10 years.

He has an educational pedigree that includes a Master's of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois.

Zubek has worked for a major steel producer and has been instrumental in making significant advances in quality as a cross-functional Team Leader. Some of the projects included spring steels, segregation and inclusion reduction in automotive axle grades. He also has extensive experience with continuous casting and steelmaking operations.

Confidentiality

Each participant will receive a written report following the failure analysis, together with supporting documentation and photographs, if any.

All such material and all correspondence are kept between Luke Zubek and the individual specified by the participating company. No information is divulged to any governing or regulatory agency, or other outside party.

Guarantees

Conclusions and recommendations made are professional opinions based on the tests performed and the information provided.

Registration
To register for the Failure Analysis Service, use the request form on the next page.
Fax the request form to (630) 495-8595.
Or mail the form to SMI, 2001 Midwest Road, Suite 106, Oak Brook, IL 60523-1335.
For more information, contact Luke Zubek by phone at (630) 495-8588 or e-mail at luke@smihq.org.


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