At TTI and TTI Testing, we leverage Digital Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and advanced Chemical Analysis to provide in-depth insights into material properties and failure modes.
This integrated approach allows us to thoroughly examine wear patterns, identify failure mechanisms, and understand material behaviour—delivering accurate, reliable results for failure investigations and root cause analysis.
Digital Optical Microscopy
TTI’s advanced digital microscope provides magnification of up to 1000x, enabling detailed examination of rope and cable components at the yarn or wire level.
This optical microscopy technique is essential for identifying signs of mechanical wear and understanding failure mechanisms. When paired with tensile testing, it offers a comprehensive analysis of a rope or cable’s condition. By revealing wear patterns and potential failure points, digital optical microscopy delivers critical insights into structural integrity, performance, and remaining service life.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
TTI Testing’s XL-30 Scanning Electron Microscope enables detailed analysis of material deterioration at the filament level, offering significantly greater resolution than optical microscopy. This high-powered method reveals microscopic signs of damage that are often undetectable with other techniques.
SEM is particularly effective in identifying failure mechanisms. For example, tensile failures typically exhibit filamentation, while axial compression often presents as distinct kinks in adjacent filaments and axial splits. By referencing TTI’s extensive database of filament failure modes, the root causes of damage can often be accurately determined.
When combined with sputter coating, SEM’s high magnification and resolution capabilities make it an indispensable tool for diagnosing and understanding the precise nature of filament wear and failure.
Chemical Analysis
Chemical analysis is used to identify materials and evaluate the effects of exposure to aggressive environments. It examines changes in a material’s polymer molecular structure and detects unexpected alterations in finishes or coatings that may contribute to internal wear. By identifying chemical degradation, contamination, or alterations in material composition.
This method provides crucial insight into material composition, chemical degradation, and potential causes of premature failure—supporting accurate diagnostics and informed decision-making.