Construction Materials Testing & Analysis Solutions

Cement & Concrete Quality Control

From the quarry to the kiln, maintaining precise control over raw material composition is the key to producing high-performance cement. This section focuses on the critical determination of Carbon, Sulfur, and moisture content in limestone, dolomite, and fly ash.

Whether you are monitoring Loss on Ignition (LOI) to ensure chemical stability or analyzing clinker microstructure for quality assurance, our solutions provide the data needed to optimize fuel usage, reduce rework, and meet strict environmental standards. Build a foundation of consistency with elemental analysis designed for the minerals industry.

Carbon and Sulfur Determination in Limestone and Dolomite

Carbon and Sulfur Determination in Limestone and Dolomite

This application note outlines total carbon and sulfur determination in limestone and dolomite using the LECO CS844 Series. Induction furnace combustion with dual-range detection ensures accurate purity verification for industrial and construction applications.

Sulfur and Carbon Determination in Cement, Clay, Fly Ash, Limestone, Soil, and Ore

Sulfur and Carbon Determination in Cement, Clay, Fly Ash, Limestone, Soil, and Ore

Carbon and sulfur determination is essential for quality control in cement production, soil characterization, and metal recovery processes. Reliable analysis supports process optimization, environmental monitoring, and consistent material performance across raw and finished products.

Loss on Ignition (LOI) in Combustion Residues

Loss on Ignition (LOI) in Combustion Residues

Loss on Ignition (LOI) in combustion residues is a critical quality parameter for cement and related industries. Macro thermogravimetric analysis using the LECO TGA801 enables accurate, representative LOI measurements on heterogeneous samples.

Cement Clinker Analysis

Cement Clinker Analysis

By examining cement clinker microstructure, producers can detect changes in crystal size, shape, and phase distribution that may not be revealed through mechanical or chemical testing alone. The application note details best practices for sample storage, sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, and microscopic analysis, along with image-based phase quantification using automated analysis tools. Routine clinker…

Split Loss-on-Ignition Analysis of Cement

Split Loss-on-Ignition Analysis of Cement

Loss on Ignition (LOI) and Split Loss testing are critical for evaluating cement quality, water content, and carbonation. Using thermogravimetric analysis, the LECO TGA801 uniquely performs Split LOI measurements at multiple temperatures in a single run, enabling efficient determination of CO₂ content and ensuring cement composition meets quality and safety requirements.

Ensure Quality, Avoid Failures

Structural integrity begins at the microscopic level. For manufacturers and engineers working with rebar, structural beams, and metal building components, verifying material purity is vital for ensuring the safety and longevity of a project. This section focuses on the critical analysis of inclusions and chemical uniformity within steel products. From specialized sample preparation techniques to solving the challenges of analyzing difficult part geometries, our solutions provide the clarity needed to prevent material failure and ensure every batch meets rigorous construction codes.

Bulk Analysis of Low Alloy, Cr-Mo, Free Machining, and Austenitic High Mn Steels

Bulk Analysis of Low Alloy, Cr-Mo, Free Machining, and Austenitic High Mn Steels

Chemical composition is essential for accurate steel identification and classification, as mechanical properties alone cannot reliably distinguish alloy types. Using the LECO GDS900, producers can determine iron, carbon, alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, manganese, vanadium, and molybdenum, as well as modifiers like sulfur and lead. The glow discharge source minimizes metallurgical history effects, reduces…

Bulk Analysis of Corrosion and Heat-Resistant Steels

Bulk Analysis of Corrosion and Heat-Resistant Steels

Stainless steel properties are directly tied to alloying elements such as chromium and nickel, as well as carbon, manganese, molybdenum, and copper. This application note outlines how the GDS900 glow discharge atomic emission spectroscopy provides linear response, minimal spectral interferences, and reduced metallurgical history effects, enabling reliable composition verification for producers and manufacturers. Accurate bulk…

Carbon and Sulfur in Iron, Steel, Nickel-Base and Cobalt-Base Alloys

Carbon and Sulfur in Iron, Steel, Nickel-Base and Cobalt-Base Alloys

Carbon and sulfur are critical quality metrics that influence hardness, ductility, weldability, wear resistance, and malleability. The application note outlines sample preparation best practices, references applicable ASTM standards, and explains how the CS induction furnace enables fast, accurate analysis to support efficient production and quality control workflows.

Determination of Hydrogen in Steel and Iron

Determination of Hydrogen in Steel and Iron

This application note details accurate hydrogen determination in steel and iron using the LECO H836EN. The impulse furnace and thermal conductivity detection system deliver precise low-level hydrogen analysis to support quality control and prevent embrittlement, blistering, and flaking.

Oxygen and Nitrogen in Solid Iron, Steel, Nickel-Base, and Cobalt-Base Alloys

Oxygen and Nitrogen in Solid Iron, Steel, Nickel-Base, and Cobalt-Base Alloys

Accurate control of oxygen and nitrogen levels is critical for managing porosity, inclusions, corrosion resistance, strength, and overall alloy performance. This application note outlines recommended sample preparation, applicable ASTM and ISO methods, hardware requirements, system settings, and expected analytical performance for reliable routine analysis.

Automatic Metallographic Specimen Preparation

Automatic Metallographic Specimen Preparation

LECO’s automatic specimen preparation system streamlines metallography by reducing grinding and polishing steps, ensuring reproducible, high-quality surfaces while saving time and consumables. Ideal for steels, cast irons, superalloys, titanium, aluminum, and microcircuit samples.

Sulfur Printing

Sulfur Printing

Sulfur printing is a metallographic technique that reveals sulfur distribution in ferrous alloys, highlighting segregated regions and potential hot shortness. This method provides macro-scale insight that complements precise instrumental sulfur analyses.

Revealing Delta Ferrite in Martensitic Stainless Steels

Revealing Delta Ferrite in Martensitic Stainless Steels

This method describes how to selectively stain delta ferrite in martensitic stainless steels using a 20% NaOH electrolytic etch. The technique improves contrast for accurate quantitative image analysis and volume fraction measurement in alloys such as 17-4 PH.

Sectioning Techniques in Metallography

Sectioning Techniques in Metallography

Sectioning is the first and critical step in metallographic specimen preparation, reducing large samples to manageable sizes. Correct sectioning prevents damage that could compromise subsequent grinding, polishing, and analysis.

Determining ONH in Alloys: Optimizing Cycle Time and Performance

Determining ONH in Alloys: Optimizing Cycle Time and Performance

Oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen are critical quality metrics in steel and nickel- and cobalt-based alloys, directly influencing strength, ductility, porosity, and embrittlement. Explore the principles of simultaneous ONH determination using the LECO ONH836, which employs a high-power electrode furnace to rapidly release and measure target gases. It also outlines best practices for sampling and sample…

High-precision Analysis for the Exact Makeup of Coatings

Protection is as important as the structure itself. In this section, we explore high-precision analysis for galvanized, aluminized, and painted surfaces that prevent corrosion and extend the life of building materials. Using Compositional Depth Profiling (CDP), you can visualize the exact chemical makeup of a coating from the surface down to the substrate. Ensure uniform application, verify coating thickness, and maintain the aesthetic and functional standards required for modern architectural finishes and protective barriers.

Compositional Depth Profile Analysis of Galvanized Steel

Compositional Depth Profile Analysis of Galvanized Steel

This document details the compositional depth profile analysis of various galvanized coatings using the LECO GDS950. It explains how to achieve rapid, accurate results for zinc and zinc-alloy coatings following ISO 16962.