Institute of Metallurgy, Metal Forming and Nanotechnology
Research
Research Competencies
Integrated 3D Microstructure Analysis Laboratory Covering a Wide Size Range
Our main research areas in the field of X-ray diffraction include qualitative and quantitative phase identification; the investigation of natural and synthetic industrial raw materials, industrial precursors and products, ceramics, metals, and composite materials; the analysis of archaeological artifacts (using fully non-destructive methods as well); and the complex structural and compositional analysis of nanomaterials—even in sub-milligram quantities.
We offer a crystal orientation analysis capability that is unique in Hungary—and in some parameters even in Central Europe—across an exceptionally wide size range (from a few nanometers up to several tens of centimeters). This includes techniques such as TEM-ASTAR, SEM-EBSD, ODF-XRD, and a proprietary centerless XRD method, supported by extensive expertise accumulated in this field.
Laboratory equipment includes:
- X-ray diffractometer (XRD/SAXS)
- Scanning electron microscope for precision sample preparation and 3D tomography (LA-FIB-SEM)
- 3D imaging system covering a wide size range (microCT)
- Centerless X-ray diffractometer (XRD Robot) for non-destructive 3D residual stress mapping
Services:
Residual stress measurement based on X-ray diffraction is one of our core service areas, backed by several decades of expertise and unique measurement capabilities. Numerous research and development projects are linked to this field, including:
- 3D mapping of stress states induced by high energy-density treatments
- Monitoring the evolution of residual stresses during fatigue loading
- Characterization of stress states in semi-finished automotive products after various machining processes
Our services cover:
- Depth-resolved residual stress profiling
- Phase-selective stress measurement in multiphase steels
- Characterization of residual stresses resulting from different heat treatment and manufacturing processes
Our industrial and research partners include FAG Magyarország Ipari Kft, Rába Automotive Holding Plc, Lech-Stahl Veredelung GmbH, and domestic research institutions such as Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Ltd. for Applied Research.
In addition, we apply the unique capabilities of our centerless X-ray diffractometer in archaeometric investigations—for example, in the study of the Seuso Treasure, in collaboration with the Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences (Hungarian Academy of Sciences) and the Hungarian National Museum.
Complex Image Analysis and Structural Testing Laboratory
The Complex Image Analysis and Structural Testing Laboratory provides modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art instrumentation for the investigation of the microstructure of inorganic materials. The laboratory is staffed by highly trained professionals who are proficient in operating advanced equipment and in performing high-level analysis and interpretation of the results.
Optical Microscopy and Image Analysis Laboratory
Our laboratory offers capabilities for the development of customized electrolytic etching methods for specialized samples, as well as color etching techniques for special alloys. We also provide pre-screening of samples intended for image analysis and optimization of image data for enhanced detection and interpretability.
Laboratory Equipment:
- Correlative microscopy setup: Zeiss EVO SEM + Zeiss Axio Imager Optical Microscope
- Zeiss Stereo Discovery
- Zeiss Axio Imager
- Zeiss Axio Vert
Services:
- Optical microscopy imaging and image analysis
- Development of custom image analysis software
- Preparation of expert reports on complex or custom investigations
Scanning Electron Microscopy Laboratory
Our laboratory is equipped to perform electron microscopy and electron beam microanalysis on a wide range of materials, including iron-based alloys, non-ferrous metals, thin-film coatings, ceramics, polymers, natural minerals, specialized amorphous alloys, powders, and colloids.
Laboratory Equipment:
- Amray 1830I Scanning Electron Microscope with EDAX DX4 EDS microprobe – 1 unit
- Cambridge Stereoscan 150B Scanning Electron Microscope – 1 unit
- C. Zeiss Citoval Stereo Microscope – 1 unit
- Bio-Rad SEM Coating System – 1 unit
Services:
- Scanning electron microscopy imaging
- Image analysis
- Electron beam microanalysis
- Expert reports on complex or custom investigations
X-ray Diffraction Laboratory
X-ray radiation, possessing higher energy than visible light within the electromagnetic spectrum, scatters on the electrons of atoms, allowing the determination of their spatial arrangement. Using diffraction-based methods, numerous material characteristics and properties related to atomic ordering can be accurately measured.
Our most common tasks include:
- Identification of unknown phases in metallic, ceramic, mineral, and carbon-based samples
- Determination of retained austenite in heat-treated components (e.g., bearing rings, rollers)
- Residual stress analysis in surface-compacted, shot-peened, and roller-burnished machine parts (e.g., axles, clutches, gears)
- Investigation of thermal treatment-induced stresses and laser surface hardening stress profiles
- Failure analysis (e.g., fractured rails, warped mechanical parts)
- Determination of crystallinity in polymers and amorphous metals
- Single crystal orientation analysis
Laboratory Equipment:
- Stresstech Xstress 3000 G3 R X-ray diffractometer – dedicated to residual stress and retained austenite measurements
- Bruker D8 Advance diffractometer with Eulerian cradle
- Philips PW 1830 powder diffractometer
- Isodebyeflex1001 generator (radiation source)
Services:
- Qualitative phase analysis
- Quantitative analysis
- Texture analysis, including pole figure, inverse pole figure generation, and ODF (Orientation Distribution Function) calculation
- MonoCap-based measurements and selective area X-ray diffraction
- Elastic residual stress determination
- Non-destructive, sample-free measurements
- Stress tensor measurement
- On-site measurements
- Depth-resolved stress profiling
- Non-destructive retained austenite measurement without sampling
- Determination of lattice parameter changes in materials with known crystal structure (profile analysis)
- Laue diffraction analysis
- Preparation of expert reports on complex or custom investigations
Heat Treatment and Physical Measurements Laboratory
Heat Treatment Laboratory
The primary role of the Heat Treatment Laboratory is to support the educational activities of the Institute of Physical Metallurgy, Metal Forming and Nanotechnology, and secondarily those of the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering by providing access to furnaces. The laboratory also supports staff research experiments, student research projects (TDK), theses, and doctoral work, as well as other research tasks.
It is not intended for experiments involving phase transitions or casting processes that require high-temperature melting furnaces.
Physical Measurements Laboratory
The Physical Measurements Laboratory is dedicated to measuring various physical properties of metallic materials, such as electrical resistivity, thermal expansion coefficient, and thermoelectric power. It also serves for the observation of metallurgical processes.
Laboratory Equipment:
- 2 × KMM5/1200 furnaces
- Denkal6 furnace
- Ws903 drying oven
- Small drying oven
- 2 × Heraeus KR260 furnaces
- 3 × OH63 furnaces
- Netzsch 202 heat flux DSC device
- Netzsch 404 heat flux analysis system
- with DSC head
- with DTA head
- Leitz dilatometer
- IEW induction heating equipment
- Custom-built electrical resistivity measurement units
- Dual-bridge measurement system with analog data recording
- Potentiometric measurement station with digital data acquisition
- Induction casting system
Custom-built Instruments:
- Custom-built thermomagnetic measuring device
- Custom-built inductive dilatometer
- Custom-built DTA apparatus
- Operable in the 25–600 °C range with heating rates of 0.5–10 K/min
- Operable in the 25–1150 °C range with heating rates of 0.5–50 K/min
- High-temperature drop calorimeter
Services:
Our laboratory furnaces are designed specifically for heat treatment applications. The laboratory is capable of performing most standard types of heat treatments at the laboratory scale. Through continuous development, we strive to meet the demands of even highly specialized or currently non-standard heat treatment processes.