Our guide to Destructive
Testing methods
Unveiling the inner strengths of your materials
BES Group - Experts since 1859
Who we are
Across the BES Group, we’re proud to support our customers with an extensive
range of Destructive Testing methods. Our team of expert technologists are
dedicated to meeting your testing needs, by thoroughly assessing the properties,
behaviour, and microstructure of your materials to ensure comprehensive
evaluation and support.
Ensuring our customers have access to dependable materials test results is our top
priority. Our expert team plays a crucial role in offering this assurance, providing
accurate and reliable test results that our customers can trust. We’ll help you choose
the right testing methods for your situation, whether it’s standards and quality
compliance, health and safety processes, trading and legal regulations, or product
design and development.
We can support you with our complete suite of Destructive Testing services, including:
Impact Testing Corrosion Testing
Tensile Testing Metallography
Hardness Testing Destructive Weld Testing
Chemical Analysis Salt Spray Testing
Failure Investigations Fastener Testing
SEM/ EDX Analysis Product Testing
2
Your safety, our focus.
Why BES Group?
We are UKAS accredited to ISO 17025, ensuring that our testing procedures meet the
highest industry standards.
With over 100 years of testing knowledge, quality assurance and engineering advice,
our team of technologists are highly skilled and experienced in various testing methods.
We are committed to delivering results within quick turnaround times, helping you to
meet your project deadlines and milestones.
We offer competitive pricing without compromising the quality of our services,
providing excellent value for your testing needs.
3
BES Group - Experts since 1859
Impact Testing
Impact testing is used to detect a Often used for:
material’s ability to resist deformation
Steels
(such as fractures, bending or stretching)
when sudden loads or shocks are applied. Aluminium alloys
Impact testing uses a pendulum to strike Copper
the material, and measures the energy
absorbed by the material when it breaks. Titanium
Nickel-based alloys
We offer: Cast Iron
Charpy Impact testing High-strength alloys
Izod Impact testing
Why use impact testing?
Understand metal toughness and
limitations
Supports product design and
processes
Establishes quality control measures
Fast testing times
Impact Testing in practice
As an example, we’ve carried out
Impact Testing on metals used in car
manufacturing, where components
need to be able to withstand sudden
impacts or collisions. This test
helps engineers to select impact-
resistant metals for manufacturing car
components, which helps to improve
passenger safety and vehicle safety
standards.
4
Your safety, our focus.
Tensile Testing
Tensile testing, also known as tension Often used for:
testing, is used to find out how strong a Metal fabrications
metal is and also how much stress it can
withstand until it breaks. It measures Sheet metal and steel plates
the mechanical properties of the metal, Forged components
including ultimate tensile strength, yield
Castings
strength, breaking strength, maximum
elongation, and reduction in area. Machined components or finished
products
Hot tensile testing, or elevated tensile Fasteners; screws, bolts, nuts, rivets
testing, is another method used to etc.
assess the strength of a metal at higher
temperatures. Why use tensile testing?
Supports material selection
We offer:
Can predict how a material will
Tensile testing with forces from
perform in use
2kN up to 600kN
Confirm the material meets
Elevated tensile testing to
requirements or standards
temperatures up to 600°C.
Can predict how the material will
behave in extreme conditions (hot
tensile testing)
Tensile testing in practice
As an example, we’ve carried out
Tensile Testing on various batches of
steel within the steelmaking industry.
This helps to verify that the metal
conforms to the necessary strength
specification before distribution to
manufacturing clients, and guarantees
that the steel is suitable and reliable
for producing durable products and
components.
5
BES Group - Experts since 1859
Hardness Testing
Hardness testing on metals is used to We offer:
evaluate their resistance to permanent Brinell hardness testing
deformation, such as scratching or
indentations, when a constant force is Rockwell hardness testing
applied. There are many types of hardness Vickers hardness testing (macro and
tests available; the right test method is micro)
usually selected based on the material,
Knoop hardness testing
shape and size of the material, and the area
that needs to be tested.
Often used for:
Microhardness testing is another way to Forgings and castings
measure how hard a material is, but on a Brittle metals and soft steels
very small scale, requiring extremely light
Bulk metal
loads for applications such as coating
hardness, case depth determinations, Rough or coarse metals
microstructural variations or on fragile or
brittle materials. Why use Hardness Testing?
Simple surface preparation
Results can be easily interpreted
Wide variety of metals can be tested
Can be combined with other
destructive or non-destructive tests
Hardness Testing in practice
As an example, we’ve carried out
Hardness Testing on heat treated metals
to verify that they have been processed
properly and have achieved the desired
hardness level. This is a critical part
of the heat treatment process, to
ensure the correct properties have
been achieved, and can impact the
manufacture of parts and components.
6
Your safety, our focus.
Chemical Analysis
Chemical Analysis is used to evaluate the Often used for:
chemical make-up of metals and find out Cast irons
what elements that are present within
the material. Chemical analysis helps High alloyed and low alloyed steels
to confirm that metals are made of the Carbon steels and refractories
right composition and that they meet the
Plain carbon, alloy steels, and tool
required standards or specifications for
steels
production.
Ferrous based alloys
We offer: White metals
ICP-OES Analysis
Why use Chemical Analysis?
Spark-OES Analysis
Identify and quantify elemental
Carbon, Sulphur and Nitrogen analysis
composition
Copper Nickel (Cupronickel) alloy
Supports quality control processes
analysis
Ensures products are made from the
right metal
Can be combined with mechanical
testing for in-depth analysis
Chemical Analysis in practice
As an example, we’ve carried out Chemical
Analysis on hot dip galvanizing baths to
determine the concentration of Zinc and
identify any impurities present. This plays
a crucial in the quality assurance process
for galvanizing, as these levels have a
direct impact on the quality and longevity
of the metal coating.
7
BES Group - Experts since 1859
Failure Investigations
Failure Investigations are an in-depth Often used for:
examination used to find the root cause Raw materials; sheet metal, castings
and nature of a product or material and forgings etc.
failure. Using microscopy, mechanical and
chemical tests, we carry out a thorough Finished products; fasteners,
investigation to find any flaws or defects pipeworks, consumer products,
within the material, any signs of corrosion structural components, automotive or
or damage, and assess how the product or aerospace components, etc.
material has been used in service.
Why use Failure Investigations?
We offer: Identify how a product or material has
Visual inspection failed
Metallurgical examinations Prevent future failures
SEM/ EDX analysis Improve production and quality
processes
Fractography
Supports with legal and compliance
Chemical Analysis procedures
Mechanical Testing
Failure Investigations in
practice
As an example, we’ve carried out Failure
Investigations on fasteners that were
used to secure an oil pump housing
unit. We were able to determine the
root cause and nature of failure as
loosening of the bolts due to incorrect
installation and poor maintenance.
This has helped our customer to
introduce additional safety measures
and installation techniques to prevent
future risks of failures.
8
Your safety, our focus.
SEM/ EDX Analysis
SEM / EDX Analysis is a technique used Often used for:
to analyse the structure and composition Aluminium alloys
of metals at a microscopic level. It is
especially useful for providing details Steel and Iron
images at high magnifications, to give a Copper, Copper Nickel Alloys
deeper insight into the microstructure of
Nickel alloys
metals, such as grain boundaries, defects,
corrosion, and phase distribution. Titanium
Precious metals (Gold, Silver,
SEM & EDX analysis can also provide Platinum, etc.)
information on the elemental composition
of the metal, identifying trace levels Why use SEM/ EDX Analysis?
of elements or compounds at specific
Targeted analysis of sample surfaces
locations.
Higher resolution microscopy
produces highly detailed images
Large depth of field allows more of the
sample to be analysed at one time
Using both SEM & EDX analysis can
generate more information about a
sample than SEM analysis alone.
SEM/ EDX Analysis in
practice
As an example, we’ve used SEM/ EDX
Analysis on fractured medical drill bits
to pinpoint the nature and cause of
failure. Our microscopic examinations
revealed traces of calcium deposits
(bone), which remained even after the
drill bits were sterilised. This shows
that SEM/EDX Analysis can detect
minute particles within a material that
are not visible through macroscopic
examinations.
9
BES Group - Experts since 1859
Corrosion Testing
Corrosion Testing is a method used to Often used for:
assess the resistance of metals and Automotive and aerospace
protective coatings against corrosion. components
Our metallurgical corrosion tests aim to
examine the microstructure and surface Marine and offshore structures
layers of metals to detect any signs of Extreme environmental conditions
corrosion damage, and any defects or flaws
Oil and gas pipework
that could make the metal susceptible to a
corrosive attack. Construction and infrastructure
We offer: Why use Corrosion Testing?
Intergranular Corrosion Testing Identifies advanced corrosion attacks
Pitting and Crevice Corrosion Testing Predicts resistance or susceptibility to
corrosion
Rate Corrosion Testing
Supports material selection for
specific environments
Minimises risk of failures
Corrosion Testing in
practice
As an example, we’ve used Corrosion
Testing on road safety products that had
experienced corrosion damage. These
tests were able to identify the type of
corrosion attack, and the severity of
corrosion damage at both visual and
microscopic level. This information
helped our customer to reassess the
material used in their product design,
opting for a more resistant material to
minimise corrosion damage.
10
Your safety, our focus.
Metallography
Metallographic tests are used to Often used for:
structurally analyse metals at a Steel and iron
microscopic level to get a comprehensive
understanding of their features. These Titanium
can include the metal’s microstructural Aluminium
condition, any surface coating applications
Superalloys
and heat treatment processing.
Copper alloys, brass, bronze
This information is valuable in assessing
how metals will react to certain conditions, Why use Metallography?
such as temperature, humidity, corrosion, Gives an in-depth analysis of material
and cyclic loads. microstructure
Ensure materials meet the required
We offer:
standards and specifications
Microstructure and macrostructure
Verify that metals have been properly
analysis
processed and heat treated
Phase identification and distribution
Supports development and
Decarburization improvement of metals
Dezincification
Grain size and grain boundaries
Case depth
Inclusion content
Ferrite counts and volume fraction
Metallography in practice
As an example, we’ve used
Metallography on metals used in
the manufacturing of aerospace
components. It is crucial that these
metals are properly processed and
suitable for use under extreme
conditions, so assessing the
microstructure for any signs of defects
from heat-treatment procedures is
essential.
11
BES Group - Experts since 1859
Destructive Weld Testing
Weld testing is a crucial part of ensuring
the integrity and reliability of welded joint Often used for:
in various metal structures. Destructive Forgings and bars
weld testing involves physically testing
a weld sample until the point of failure Plates
and microstructural analysis of the weld Valves
itself. This helps to evaluate the material’s
Tubular products
properties and behaviour and identify any
potential weaknesses or defects within the Pressure vessels and pump
weld.
Why use Destructive Weld Testing?
We offer: Ensures reliability and safety of welded
Tensile testing and elongation structures
Impact testing Minimises risk of failures
Macro and micro examinations Supports improvement of welding
practices
Metallographic tests
Identifies potential flaws or defects
Hardness surveys
early
Corrosion testing
Destructive Weld Testing in
practice
As an example, we’ve carried out Weld
Testing on steel fabrication test pieces
to ensure they meet the required
standards, particularly for industrial
piping, railway components, and
pressure vessels.
12
Your safety, our focus.
Salt Spray Testing
Salt Spray Testing is used to assess Often used for :
how well coatings and surface Replicating road salt and rainwater for
treatments can withstand corrosion in automotive, rail and transportation
harsh environments. The test creates components
environmental conditions within a
specialised chamber, where a fine mist Replicating salty ocean air and
of saltwater solution is applied to induce humidity for marine and aerospace
corrosion at an accelerated level. This applications
helps to predict how the materials will Replicating weather conditions such
hold up over time when exposed to these as humidity and temperature for
corrosive conditions. construction and infrastructure
We offer: Why use Salt Spray & Finish Testing?
Neutral Salt Spray Testing Rapidly accelerates the corrosion
Humidity Testing process
Predict the material’s resistance or
susceptibility to corrosion
Supports material selection for harsh
environments
Supports protective coating selection
and product design
Salt Spray Testing in
practice
As an example, we’ve used Salt Spray
Testing on bespoke, handmade door
knockers that had been powder coated,
to replicate how the coating would
react to specific weather conditions.
By using Salt Spray Testing, we could
predict the durability of the powder
coating to salt or rain water, giving
the customer reassurance that their
product was suitable for most weather
conditions.
13
BES Group - Experts since 1859
Fastener Testing
We carry out a comprehensive range of Often used for:
testing services specifically for fasteners, Carbon, low alloy, Boron
including bolts, nuts, screws, washers and
more. As fasteners play a critical role in Stainless steels
nearly every kind of industry, conducting Duplex/ super duplex alloys
thorough testing at every stage of
Nickel Aluminium bronzes
production is essential. This ensures that
each fastener meets the highest standards Monels and Inconels
of quality and compliance before it is ready Waspalloy
for installation.
Titanium alloys
We can carry out a range of tests on
Why use Fastener Testing?
fasteners at any stage of production; from
raw materials for production, batches of Verifies material composition and
products or machined samples ready for durability
distribution, or full-sized finished bolts Compliance with regulations and
ready for installation. standards for fastener manufacturing
We offer: Cost efficient for routine testing in
batches
Proof load testing on nuts and bolts
Safety and reliability assurance for
Wedge tests for head soundness critical applications
Tensile, hardness and impact testing
Torque testing
Elevated tensile testing
Chemical Analysis, Metallography, and
Salt Spray Testing
Fastener Testing in practice
As an example, we have carried out
testing on bolts that were used for
transporting irradiated nuclear fuels.
These bolts were safety-critical,
so rigorous testing to confirm their
suitability, material composition, and
durability within harsh conditions was a
vital part of the production process.
14
Your safety, our focus.
Product Testing
Product testing is a crucial step in the We can test a whole range of finished metal
development of new products and products for domestic or commercial
improving existing products on the purposes. Some of the products we have
market. Routine product testing helps to previously tested include:
measure a product’s performance, safety Drinkware, silverware and utensils
and quality compliance to make sure they
meet the required standards and protects Domestic, household and white goods
customer health and safety. Hand tools and hardware
Gardening equipment and furniture
There are many ways to carry out product
testing for safety and legal compliance. Luggage and accessories
We offer a wide range of testing services, Medical and dental instruments
depending on your requirements.
Pet products and accessories
We offer: Saddlery and equestrian products
Mechanical testing Security, safety products and
accessories
Chemical Analysis
Metallography Why use Product Testing?
Failure Investigations Quality compliance and product safety
Salt Spray Testing Understand product limitations to
reduce product recalls, failures, or
misuse
Improves product design and
innovation
Supports customer satisfaction and
brand reputation
Product Testing in practice
As an example, we have carried out
testing on drinkware products ready
to enter the market. We performed
Chemical Analysis to ensure the
drinkware was made of the right
material, and that the material was safe
for use as a drinkware product.
15
Your safety,
our focus.
For more information, email
sales@[Link]
or visit our website to find out more at
[Link]