This article series explores the indispensable role of characterization in the development of cold spray coatings and illustrates some of the common processes used during coating development.

Ni-ion irradiated NiTi is nearly 50% harder, retains 85% recoverable deformation, and has reduced hysteresis. This work explores the feasibility of using ion beam modification to modulate the austenite to martensite phase transformation in NiTi, thereby achieving novel or localized properties in near-surface regions.

Preventive multi-frequency testing using eddy current ensures heat-treated parts meet specifications.

From its earliest beginnings to today, hardness testing has evolved in a parallel manner to the engineering innovations of the times.

Powder metallurgy offers distinct advantages for the production of certain alloys. The degree to which contents of the alloy may be prescribed represents tremendous potential and supports alloy use in new applications. However, robust testing of powder metallurgy alloys is required to assess their potential and quality. Fatigue testing via the resonance principle enables metallurgists to achieve greater throughput in testing programs, while novel hardness testing platforms support analysis of individual phases in porous powder metallurgy specimens.

The absence of standards and a common vocabulary are an obstacle when it comes to evaluating the structure of thermal spray coatings. However, proper sectioning and mounting of metallographic specimens helps ensure that the images obtained accurately reflect the coating structure and the information that can be derived from it.

This article reviews the measurement physics of macro and micro Vickers indentation testing and the factors that determine measurement precision and repeatability. Study results show that when force loads of less than 100 gf are used, it is difficult for operators to precisely determine the position of the indenter tip, leading to various measurement errors. These errors explain the data anomalies reported in the literature for low-load Vickers hardness testing, which are often incorrectly attributed to material characteristics.