Retained Austenite Measurement
Too much retained austenite in a steel part means brittleness down the line — and by the time it shows up, you’re dealing with field failures, not lab data. Verichek is ISO accredited for retained austenite measurement using X-ray diffraction (XRD), delivering results with the accuracy and traceability that heat treaters, automotive manufacturers, and quality systems require. 24-hour turnaround. ASTM E975-14g compliant.
Verichek is ISO accredited for Retained Austenite Analysis under ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
We Test To
Retained austenite measurement protects the integrity of heat-treated steel parts before they reach the field. Here’s where our testing delivers value.
Verify Heat Treatment Results
Confirm that austenite transformation occurred as required — and that the remaining retained austenite content is within spec — before parts move forward in production.
Prevent Brittle Failure
Excess retained austenite transforms to martensite over time, causing brittleness. Documented measurement now prevents costly or dangerous failures downstream.
Meet Quality & Audit Requirements
ASTM E975-14g compliant results with traceability — giving your quality records, customer documentation, and audit trail the data they need.
Our Retained Austenite Testing Services
All retained austenite analysis is performed in-house at our ANAB-accredited lab using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method on the GNR AreX-D Retained Austenite Analyzer.
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Method
XRD avoids the shortcomings of traditional metallographic investigation — chemical etching and optical determination — by providing direct, quantitative measurement of austenite content with no operator subjectivity.
ASTM E975-14g Compliant
We adhere to Standard Practice for X-Ray Determination of Retained or Prior Austenite in Steel, providing results that meet the traceability requirements of modern quality management systems.
24-Hour Turnaround
Once your sample is received, prepared using our polishing table, and measured on the GNR AreX-D, results are delivered within 24 hours. Ship your sample to us and we handle the rest.
In-House & On-Site Testing Options
Retained austenite measurement is performed in-house at our ANAB-accredited lab. Ship your sample to us and we return documented results within 24 hours.
In-House Testing (Standard)
Ship your steel sample to our lab. Once received, we prepare it using a polishing table and perform XRD measurement on the GNR AreX-D. Results are returned within 24 hours with full documentation. This is our standard process for retained austenite analysis.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Project
Have questions about sample preparation, sample size, or whether your parts are suitable for in-house measurement? Contact us before shipping and we’ll confirm requirements and coordinate submission.
Equipment We Use
Our retained austenite analysis is performed on the GNR AreX-D, a dedicated X-ray diffraction instrument designed specifically for retained austenite measurement in steel.
GNR AreX-D Retained Austenite Analyzer
A purpose-built XRD instrument for retained austenite measurement. Delivers precise quantitative results that the traditional microscope method cannot match — with full traceability and documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is retained austenite and why does it matter?
Retained austenite is the austenite that remains in steel after heat treating instead of fully transforming into martensite. If the content is too high, that austenite will eventually transform — causing brittleness that can lead to part failure in service. Monitoring retained austenite is critical for any application where steel strength and durability are specified.
What measurement standard do you follow?
We follow ASTM E975-14g: Standard Practice for X-Ray Determination of Retained or Prior Austenite in Steel.
How accurate is XRD compared to the microscope method?
XRD provides significantly greater accuracy and traceability than the traditional metallographic method (chemical etching and optical determination). It eliminates operator subjectivity and produces documented, quantitative results that meet modern quality and audit requirements.
What is the turnaround time?
24 hours from receipt of the sample. Contact us before shipping to confirm sample requirements and submission process.
Our Metal Testing Services
PMI Testing
Confirm your metal is exactly what it’s supposed to be — before it goes into service. ISO 17025 accredited OES, XRF, and LIBS testing, in-house or on-site.
Hardness Testing
Verify your metal will perform under load with ISO accredited Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers, and Leeb testing — in our lab or at your facility.
Coating Thickness Testing
Non-destructive ISO 17025 accredited XRF measurement — fast, accurate, and available in-house or on-site.
Not Sure Which Spectrometer Is Right for You?
Our technical sales team has decades of experience matching OES instruments to specific applications. Let us help you find the perfect spectrometer for your needs.
ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Precision
Our ANAB accreditation is your guarantee of technical competence. Backed by 30+ years of business excellence and 150+ years of combined expertise.
