Overview

Interior photograph of a Kinectrics materials workshop

Material selection is the act of choosing the material best suited to achieve the requirements of a given application. Many different factors go into determining the selection requirements, such as its mechanical, chemical, physical, or electrical properties, and the potential associated cost. Consideration must also be given to the potential for degradation caused by heat, fatigue, corrosion, radiation damage, and structural or chemical change.

As a result, the appropriate selection of materials requires a wide range of knowledge from experts such as materials scientists, design engineers, production engineers, and procurement agents. Operational experience is also very helpful.

When in service, materials may fail or degrade, and a forensic investigation could be needed to establish what processes have given rise to the problem. These forensic investigations can be complex as they need to consider all the potential degradation mechanisms and often have to be supported with inspection and testing.

Materials whether metals, ceramics, polymers, rubbers, composites, or concrete lie at the core of our work. Our experts in materials science come from a variety of specialties and offer a depth of knowledge so that they can solve your toughest materials problems.

With state-of-the-art materials laboratories, and access to experts across the company, we can work with you to advise you on your optimum material selection.

Why Us?

  • State-of-the-Art Laboratory Equipment

    Our comprehensive materials investigation capabilities are supported by state-of-the-art materials testing labs, irradiated materials testing labs, corrosion test equipment, and specialized equipment such as a scanning electron microscope with electron backscatter diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis.

  • Experts in each Class of Material

    We have subject matter experts for each class of materials including metals (notably zirconium alloys), polymers, ceramics, concretes, glasses, and composites used for their structural, electrical, magnetic, or atomic properties ensuring we can answer whatever materials questions that you need answered.

  • Research Expertise and Practical Expertise

    By combining research and practical experience from our materials scientists, design and procurement engineers, technicians, and research scientists we can relate the fundamentals of materials performance to the application and provide well-rounded advice.

  • Responsive and Flexible

    With all the expertise and comprehensive testing capabilities in-house, we can quickly mobilize the right materials team needed to resolve any challenges enabling us to provide a swift response to any of your materials questions.