Comprehensive Metals Testing and Consultancy You Can DEPEND On
First choice for quality, personal service, speed and accuracy
At ASAMS, we provide a comprehensive range of ISO 17025 UKAS-accredited metals testing services and expert metallurgical consultancy, designed to give you accurate answers when you need them most. View our UKAS accreditation schedule and accreditation certificate.
Our capabilities include mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, charpy impact, bend, fracture), corrosion testing, weld qualification, macro and micro examination, grain size determination, ferrite content analysis, and failure investigation. For chemical analysis, we work with trusted subcontractors to ensure complete accuracy.
With over 35 years of experience, our independent laboratory delivers fast, reliable results that help keep your projects safe, compliant, and on track. Serving industries from energy and manufacturing to construction and offshore engineering.
MECHANICAL TESTING
UKAS-accredited mechanical testing with high-capacity equipment and sub-zero impact capability.
When you need certainty, ASAMS delivers it—fast. Our UKAS accredited lab combines high-capacity equipment (tensile up to 600 kN, charpy to 450 J) with subzero charpy capability down to −196 °C, plus Brinell, Rockwell and Vickers hardness to ISO/ASTM standards. We machine specimens inhouse, offer witnessed testing, and turn around clear, actionable reports that help you release product, prove compliance and make confident decisions.
Whether you’re qualifying a WPS, verifying mill certificates, or investigating a failure, we remove friction from your schedule and risk from your project. Contact ASAMS for dependable mechanical testing that keeps production moving.
Tests offered under this service
Test Name | Standard(s) | Brief Description | Testing Limits | Equipment Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bend | BS EN ISO 7438 | Guided bend testing to assess ductility and soundness. | Bend test fixture and press | |
Brinell Hardness (HB 10/3000) | BS EN ISO 6506-1; ASTM E10 | Brinell hardness using 10 mm ball and 3000 kgf load. | Brinell hardness tester | |
Rockwell Hardness (B and C scales) | BS EN ISO 6508-1; ASTM E18 | Rockwell hardness on B and C scales. | Rockwell hardness tester | |
Vickers Hardness (HV5, HV10) | BS EN ISO 6507-1; ASTM E92 | Vickers micro/low-load hardness testing. | Vickers hardness tester | |
Tensile at Ambient Temperature | BS EN ISO 6892-1; ASTM E8/E8; ASTM A370; ASTM B557 | Determines yield/UTS/elongation of metallic materials. | Forces from 3 kN to 600 kN | Universal Testing Machines (300 & 600 kN) |
Charpy Impact | BS EN ISO 148-1; ASTM E23; ASTM A923 Method B | Notched specimen impact energy at sub-zero and ambient temperatures. | −196°C and −123°C to ambient. Machine capacity 450 J | Charpy pendulum impact tester with cryogenic facility |
Lateral Expansion and % Shear | BS EN ISO 148-1; ASTM E23 | Fracture appearance (% shear) and lateral expansion measurement. | Microscope and gauges |
Non-accredited testing
Equotip 3 Hardness Testing
ASAMS’ Equotip 3 portable hardness tester enables rapid, on‑site hardness checks using the Leeb rebound method, with readings convertible to Vickers, Rockwell and Brinell scales as well as the instrument’s Leeb (HLD) output ideal for heavy or installed parts and hard‑to‑reach locations. ASAMS offers in‑house testing or short‑term hire with full training, supported by the downloadable Equotip 3 manual, so your team can verify material hardness accurately without moving components offsite.
Please note that Equotip hardness testing is currently outside ASAMS’ UKAS scope, and formal certification should use our accredited Brinell, Rockwell or Vickers services where required; speak to the lab for guidance on the best route for compliance. For bookings, hire rates and technical advice, contact ASAMS and we’ll recommend the most suitable hardness method for your application.
WELD CERTIFICATION
Code-compliant welder and procedure qualification with UKAS-accredited testing.
Get welder and procedure qualifications done right, first time. ASAMS runs the full suite (macro, bend, tensile, impact and hardness) in one lab, to the codes you work to (ISO 9606/15614, ASME IX, AWS D1.1 and more).
We arrange witnessing, handle specimens end to end, and issue clean, code aligned reports that stand up to client scrutiny and audit.
From pressure systems and pipelines to structural and offshore work, we help you mobilise crews and start welding sooner. Book your qualification with ASAMS and tick compliance off your critical path.
Tests offered under this service
Test Name | Standard(s) | Brief Description | Testing Limits | Equipment Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Welder/Procedure Qualification Tests | ISO 9606-1, -2; ISO 15614-1, -2, -6, -7, -8; ISO 9016; ISO 5178; ISO 4136; ISO 5173; ISO 9015-1; ISO 9017; ISO 17639; BS 4515-1/-2; BS 4871-3; BS 4872-1/-2; ANSI/AWS D1.1; ASME IX; ISO 5817 | As designated by the code(s): tensile, impact, bend, hardness, fracture and macro. | UTM; impact tester; hardness testers; macro etch and microscopy |
FAILURE ANALYSIS & METALLURGICAL CONSULTANCY
Actionable root-cause investigations backed by accredited testing and metallurgical expertise.
When a component fails, ASAMS’ metallurgists lead a bespoke, evidence‑based investigation to isolate the true root cause and get you safely back to service. Our team handles everything from small parts to complex, months‑long cases, scoping work around your deadlines. We start with a focused discussion and, if useful, a site visit, then agree a clear test plan and quotation so you stay in control of scope and cost throughout.
We apply the right mix of techniques (fractography, NDT, macro/micro examination, mechanical testing, chemical analysis, and SEM with EDX/XRD) to build a defensible chain of evidence, providing interim updates as needed. Your final report explains what happened, why, and what to do next, with practical corrective actions you can implement; where verification is required, we draw on ASAMS’ in‑house accredited test capabilities to close the loop quickly. Speak to ASAMS today to set up an investigation plan and reduce the risk of recurrence.
METALLOGRAPHY
Accredited metallographic preparation and optical examination for welds and materials.
See what your material is really telling you. ASAMS provides accredited macro/micro examination with rapid prep and crisp imaging, plus quantitative measures like ferrite (ASTM E562), grain size (ASTM E112), coating thickness (ASTM B487) and duplex intermetallic phases (ASTM A923 Method A). Reports are concise, visual and mapped to acceptance criteria.
Use metallography to verify weld quality, confirm heat treatment and de risk production. Request metallography today and get visual evidence you can sign off with confidence.
Tests offered under this service
Test Name | Standard(s) | Brief Description | Equipment Used |
|---|---|---|---|
Macrostructure & Microstructure Assessment | ASAMS OP No 07 | Sectioning, mounting, polishing and etching. | Optical microscope; sample preparation equipment |
Ferrite/Phase Content (Duplex/Austenitic) | ASTM E562; OP27 using Feritscope | Ferrite or phase quantification. | Feritscope; image analysis |
Graphite Content (Cast Irons) | ASTM A247 | Graphite form and distribution by comparison. | Optical microscope |
Average Grain Size | ASTM E112 | Determination of average grain size number. | Optical microscope; image analysis |
Austenite Spacing | DNVGL-RP-F112 A.6 | Measurement of austenite spacing. | Optical microscope |
Coating Thickness (Cross-Section) | ASTM B487 | Cross-sectional measurement of coating thickness. | Optical microscope |
Duplex Stainless – Intermetallic Phases | ASTM A923 Method A | Etch examination for detrimental intermetallic phases. | Metallographic preparation and etching |
CORROSION TESTING
UKAS-accredited corrosion testing for metals in aggressive environments.
Prove resistance where it matters most. ASAMS tests stainless and specialty alloys using accredited methods such as ASTM G48 Method A (pitting/crevice), ASTM A923 Method C, and ASTM A262 Practices A and E (IGC) with strict procedures and clear acceptance. Results arrive fast and ready to use for specification and client compliance.
From marine and chemical processing to offshore service, we help you select and validate materials that last. Book your corrosion testing method with ASAMS and reduce failure risk at the source.
Tests offered under this service
Test Name | Standard(s) | Brief Description | Testing Limits | Equipment Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pitting & Crevice Corrosion Resistance | ASTM G48 Method A; ASTM A923 Method C | Resistance of stainless steels in chloride media. | 20-60 °C | Controlled temperature immersion baths; specimen racks |
Intergranular Corrosion (IGC) – Austenitic Stainless Steels | ASTM A262 (Practice A and E) | Susceptibility to intergranular attack. | Immersion baths; reagents; metallographic verification |
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS & PMI
Rapid alloy identification and compositional checks to prevent material mix-ups and verify conformity.
Verify alloy grade and chemistry quickly to prevent costly mix-ups. ASAMS offers OES/ICP and XRF PMI, with combustion/fusion for light elements – aligned to your specification limits. Where accreditation applies, we confirm status at quotation and route testing via approved partners to keep you compliant.
Use chemical analysis to lock down materials before fabrication or commissioning. Ask ASAMS for a fast quotation and get certainty on composition.
REINFORCING STEEL TESTING
Construction product compliance testing for reinforcing steels and welded fabrics.
Demonstrate construction compliance with confidence. ASAMS performs tensile (Rm, Fm) up to 600 kN, weld shear and bend testing to BS 8548 and ISO 15630, plus macro examinations as required. Reporting is clear, pass/fail is explicit, and turnaround is geared to factory production control.
Whether you need UKCA/CE/CARES evidence or third-party verification, we keep projects moving. Schedule rebar testing with ASAMS and deliver assured quality to site.
Tests offered under this service
Test Name | Standard(s) | Brief Description | Testing Limits | Equipment Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tensile (Rm and Fm only) | BS EN ISO 15630-1; BS 8548 | Determination of tensile strength parameters for reinforcing steels. | Forces up to 600 kN (Approximately 32mm diameter bar) | Universal Testing Machine (600 kN) |
Weld Shear (welded fabrics) | BS EN ISO 15630-2; BS 8548 | Shear testing of welded joints in reinforcement fabrics. | Forces up to 600 kN | Forces up to 600 kN UTM with shear fixtures |
Bend | BS 8548 | Ductility and integrity bend testing of reinforcement. | Bend mandrels/fixtures | |
Macro Examination | BS 8548 | Metallographic assessment of reinforcement (e.g., welds). | Optical macroscopy |
You Bring Us the Problem.
We Deliver the Solution.
ASAMS is your one-stop metals testing laboratory, combining expertise, advanced facilities, and a collaborative approach to solve your toughest challenges. From major engineering projects to routine safety checks, we provide fast, accurate results across mechanical, corrosion, chemical, metallographic, and weld testing.
With options like remote witnessing and a commitment to excellence, accuracy, and transparency, we make testing simple and reliable—building partnerships that last.