Diagnosing the precise cause of a failure is critical for developing cost-effective solutions that prevent repeat failures. Metallurgical failure analysis is a useful tool for supporting manufacturing, design, and quality efforts by providing details of component failures that would not otherwise be available.

This four hour workshop will introduce the tools and concepts applied during lab-based failure analysis. In particular, the participants will get a hands-on introduction to fracture recognition using stereo microscopes. Fractured parts from case studies will be used to introduce ‘fractography’ using these microscopes and explain its role in failure analysis.

Our instructor is Shane Turcott, P.Eng. M.A.Sc., Principal Metallurgist at Steel Image Inc. Shane has performed failure analysis for various employers including: Dofasco, Bodycote and Liburdi Turbine Services. In 2009, he founded Steel Image which is an engineering company specializing in failure analysis and on-site material evaluations. Considered an expert in these fields, he has worked around the world supporting automotive, mining and oil industries. He is the past Ontario Chair of the American Society of Materials, had been decorated by McMaster University and once completed a 100 mile running race.

The seminar qualifies as PEAK Training.