Discover the Why Behind Product Failures—
Build Stronger, More Reliable Metals

When a product fails, the questions start flooding in: Why did it happen? Could it have been prevented? How do we make sure it never happens again?

At Secat, we believe that every failure tells a story—and if you listen carefully, that story holds the key to smarter designs, better materials, and more robust processes.

We specialize in aluminum with the ability to test and analyze any metal. Our failure analysis digs deep beneath the surface to uncover root causes. We use a science-driven, systematic approach that not only fixes the problem at hand but empowers you to move forward with confidence.

Secat’s Approach: From Mystery to Meaningful Answers

Every investigation starts with your product’s unique story—its composition, how it’s used, and its full-service history. We tailor every analysis with precision.

Our goal? To transform uncertainty into clarity, so you can make informed decisions and avoid surprises.

What Secat Investigates

  • Mechanical: strength, ductility (YS, UTS, elongation, FLD, earring, Olsen cup)

  • Chemical: OES, EDS

  • Surface: optical inspection, 3D roughness

  • Thermal: DSC, heat-treatment verification, high-temp tension

  • Electrical: conductivity

  • Hardness: Rockwell, Vickers, Knoop

  • Packaging: can end and can body pressure testing

  • Confirmation of corrosion and product analysis

  • Corrosion initiation sites

  • Stress corrosion cracking (SCC)

  • Electrochemical corrosion mechanisms

  • Testing to ASTM G66, G67 and other standards

  • Brittle vs. ductile fracture features (cleavage, river marks, dimples, etc.)

  • Fracture origin and propagation (crack migration, ripples, inclusions)

  • Specialized aluminum packaging failures:

    • Can tear-off

    • Can end leaks

    • Can body pinholes

  • Heat-treatment failure (cooling rate validation, heat-rate design)

  • Alloy optimization (e.g., Fe/Si balance in AA8011 for improved elongation)

  • Homogenization failure (grain size, porosity class, segregation)

  • Ingot/die-cast inclusion detection (with ultrasonic positioning)

  • Rolling and casting defect identification

  • Lubricant, coolant, filtration and refractory material analysis

Investigation Examples

Can tear-offs are difficult to diagnose due to thin walls and complex fracture patterns. Secat isolates the cause with detailed cross-sectional analysis.

Defects from casting or rolling often lead to pinholes. Secat pinpoints the source using metallographic and chemical tools.

Inclusions from foreign materials like steel chips can compromise sheet quality. We help confirm the source and recommend preventive solutions.

Why Partner With Secat
  • Decades of metallurgical expertise focused on aluminum and related metals
  • State-of-the-art lab equipment and scientific rigor
  • Customized failure investigations tailored to your product and industry needs
  • Clear, actionable reports that guide your next steps confidently
Every failure is a lesson. Let Secat help you learn—and build better, stronger metals.

Reach out today to discuss your failure analysis project and get answers you can trust.