A device developed within the NCK MATCA project can accurately measure the proportions of individual phases in steel and is ready for use in industry.
Researchers at Palacký University Olomouc have developed a detector for the non-destructive analysis of the phase composition of steel. Using Mössbauer spectroscopy, the device can determine the proportions of austenite, martensite, iron carbides and other components without the need to prepare or damage the sample before measurement.
With a detection limit below 1%, the device can identify even very small proportions of individual phases. It can be used not only in the laboratory, but also to measure large components or directly during the manufacturing process. As part of the project, its operational stability, safety and mobility were improved, enabling its use in field and commercial measurements.
The technology has been tested, for example, on gears, pinions and bearing rings. One of the devices was installed at Třinecké železárny a.s., and testing was also carried out in cooperation with COMTES FHT a.s., MUBEA – HZP s.r.o. and SIGMA GROUP a.s. The result could be particularly useful to companies in metallurgy, steelmaking and the automotive industry, as well as in the optimisation of steel forming and heat treatment processes.
The device was developed as part of the Sensor Technology for the 21st Century project, which forms part of the National Competence Centre for Materials, Advanced Technologies, Coatings and Their Applications, supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.
The NCK for MATCA is supported by the