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Laboratory Testing, Inc. (LTI) has added Moisture Analysis to the extensive list of materials testing services offered by the laboratory. The test is performed on a fully computerized Leco RC612 analyzer that reveals the percentage of moisture in a wide variety of inorganic materials, including welding flux, ores, ferroalloys and chemical samples. Moisture Analysis is A2LA accredited to ISO 17025 and the test procedures conform to the following standards:
• AWS A4.4 M
• MIL-E-23765/2E
• EB 4906 Rev A
Moisture Analysis is a test frequently ordered by businesses that rely on precision welding or that purchase materials known to contain moisture. Flux coated weld wire can absorb moisture if not properly stored in a humid environment. Prior to welding, moisture analysis can determine the presence of moisture, which can lead to porosity. Porosity is contamination of weld metal caused by trapped hydrogen as moisture breaks down during heating, leaving round holes in the weld bead. Porosity can weaken the weld, and depending on the welding code or standard, porosity might cause rejection of a weld.
Residual moisture can be found in many inorganic materials, but it is important for buyers to know they are not paying for unwanted moisture. Here again, moisture analysis solves the problem by letting the buyer know the percentage of total weight that is attributed to moisture.
The Leco’s state-of-the-art furnace control system allows temperature ramping from 25° to 1100°C. The analyzer uses radio frequency to heat the sample to the specified temperature in order to separate the moisture from the rest of the sample. An infrared detection process quantifies the moisture as compared to a reference material. Moisture is reported as a percentage of the total weight.
Laboratory Testing Inc’s full-service Chemistry Lab also offers a range of services including ICP analysis, AES and wet chemistry to identify and quantify major and minor elements for customers wanting to check sample purity. LTI can also examine flux-cored wire for rust caused by exposure to moisture, which can be detrimental to weld quality.
About Laboratory Testing, Inc. (LTI)
Laboratory Testing, Inc. (labtesting.com) is an independent, accredited testing and metrology laboratory in business since 1984. The company specializes in metals and plastics testing, material analysis, nondestructive testing, failure analysis, calibration services, dimensional inspection, specimen machining and certified reporting of results. The lab is accredited by PRI/Nadcap and A2LA and certified to ISO/IEC 17025, which complies with ISO 9001 and ISO 13485. Testing services include mechanical testing, chemical analysis, metallurgical testing, corrosion analysis and nondestructive testing such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, liquid penetrant inspection, X-ray inspection, visual inspection and hydrostatic pressure testing. Chemistry services are available for metals, powdered metals, ores, ferroalloys, composites, ceramics and plastics. The company’s metrology division performs dimensional inspection and dimensional, pressure, force, torque, electrical, temperature, mass and vacuum calibration services traceable to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). Field calibration, repairs, new instruments and replacement parts are provided.
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