„The testing chamber, and the staff's approach and willingness beyond requirements — I can only recommend them.“
Tomáš Matús
Google review
Sample Preparation
In our laboratory we offer the preparation of your samples and their subsequent evaluation. We have microscopic imaging methods as well as hardness measurement available for you.
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Over 30 years of experiencein the supply & service of testing technology
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Warranty & post-warranty servicefor our own and competitors' equipment
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Training of your employeesto increase their expertise
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Accredited laboratoriesfor external tests and calibrations
Sample preparation
In our laboratory we prepare samples for you from steels, cast irons, aluminium, copper, hard and soft plastics, rubbers and many other materials.
Samples may have surface treatment as well as functional layers.
We can prepare samples either mounted or just as a section, finished products or raw material including PCBs.
We approach each assignment individually and offer solutions tailored to your needs.
Sectioning of the material
- First we select a representative part of the material. Is it a functional surface? A location where the part often breaks? An area that corrodes?
- Sometimes it is appropriate to prepare several samples from a single part if we need to examine it as a whole. Cutting is done primarily with cut-off wheels. During cutting it is important to minimise the thermal influence on the sample, which could change its structure.
Mounting
- Metallographic mounting of samples is an important step in preparing materials for microscopic analysis as well as for hardness measurement. It is suitable above all for small samples. It improves handling of the sample and ensures flatness of the surfaces during subsequent grinding and polishing.
- There are two main mounting methods: hot and cold. Both methods have their specific advantages and are selected according to the type of sample and the requirements for its further analysis.
Grinding and polishing
- Grinding is carried out to remove coarse irregularities and achieve a flat sample surface. Various abrasive papers and wheels with progressively finer grit are used to minimise surface damage.
- Grinding is followed by polishing. Polishing is done using polishing pastes and wheels, which remove fine scratches and reveal the microscopic structures of the material.
We'll be happy to advise you.
Ing. Radek Lovětínský
Head of the testing laboratory
Metallographic procedures
- High-quality preparation of metallographic samples enables detailed analysis of the material structure under the microscope.
- Preparation usually takes place in the following steps: sectioning of the material, mounting, grinding and polishing, and optionally etching.
- The sample is then evaluated using macro or microscopy, or hardness tests are carried out.
Scope of tests
- Materialography
- Metallography
- Petrography
- Sample preparation
- Metallographic section
- Sample polishing
- Hot mounting
- Cold mounting
- PCB preparation/inspection
- Abrasive cutting
What We Test for You
Measurement of surface hardness profile
We mount cross-sections of samples using hot or cold mounting and evaluate the depth of the carburised or nitrided layer and the depth of surface hardening.
Determination of surface layer thickness
We prepare sections for microscopic measurement of surface layer thickness.
Microscopic evaluation of welds
We mount, grind and polish samples for evaluation of the weld structure and heat-affected zones.
PCB preparation and evaluation
We prepare board cross-sections for analysis of joints, layers and any defects.
Compliance with standards
There are standards for sample preparation that are generally valid regardless of the application.
Other standards relate to specific evaluation procedures for metallographically prepared samples.
Therefore, for every order we carefully consider not only the use of a specific standard, but also the material, the structure and the complexity of the sample.
Standards
- ASTM E3 – the standard provides guidelines for the preparation of metallographic samples, including steps such as cutting, grinding, polishing and etching.
- ČSN EN ISO 14271 - preparation of samples for hardness testing on etched cross-sections of resistance spot, projection and seam welds.
- ČSN EN ISO 4499-1 The standard specifies methods for the metallographic determination of the microstructure of hardmetals using microstructural images.
How Does It All Work?
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1
Non-binding inquiry
Tell us your testing requirements (e.g. via the inquiry form, email or phone).
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2
Consultation & requirements specification
We contact you and clarify the test specification and timeline.
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3
Price quotation
You receive a structured price quotation from us.
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4
Ordering
After your order we reserve the date and capacity.
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5
Delivery of samples
You deliver the samples to us in person or by courier.
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6
Performing the test
We carry out the test on the reserved date.
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7
Preparing the test report
After the test we send the test report electronically.
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Follow-up support
We'll gladly go through the test results with you.
Words From Our Clients
„JD Dvořák — a company where the impossible does not exist and where it is not only about work. I am glad to have the honour of working with JD Dvořák.“
Libor Pala
TRL Space Systems s.r.o.
„We have worked with JD Dvořák for a long time in testing, the rental of climatic chambers, and the service and calibration of our equipment. We value the helpfulness and professionalism of the department heads and technicians we are in regular contact with during tests and the work carried out. Our technicians also make use of training in various areas of testing, which provides both an expansion of theoretical knowledge and practical demonstrations.“
Jiri Turek
Google review
„What I greatly appreciate is the personal approach to solving every problem. Whether it concerned specific testing requirements or the need for individual consultation, I was always met with willingness and expert help that led to a smooth and efficient collaboration. For me, JD Dvořák is not only a professional company, but also an excellent partner in research and education.“
„We have worked with JD Dvořák since 2020. Since then we have completed several installations together, and throughout they have provided service and the necessary calibrations, always at the highest professional level. They have also helped us with our special requirements and we can always rely on them. Their approach is not only professional and customer-oriented, but also very human, and the cooperation is always pleasant.“
Jan Špaček
Fresenius Kabi Horatev CZ s.r.o.
„Cooperation with JD Dvořák is at an excellent level, as proven by more than 20 years of trouble-free collaboration.“
Libor Šmíd
TÜV SÜD Czech s.r.o.
„You do good work — thank you for the long-term cooperation.“
Ing. Ivan Vavrík
Bel Power Solutions s.r.o.
„Thank you for the professional cooperation so far. You are a very reliable partner for us.“
Ing. Miloslav Mensinger
Škoda Auto a.s.
Test report
This document contains key information about the tested sample and the course of the test. We provide the report in Czech or English according to your needs.
We issue both an accredited and a non-accredited test report according to customer requirements. The type of report is determined by the chosen testing standard.
- Information about the tested sample
- Place and date of the test
- Equipment used and its calibration status
- Description of the test procedure including laboratory conditions
- Graphical record of the test
- Responsible persons
- Photo documentation of samples before and after the test
Why test with us?
Expertise in the field
Not sure how to test your sample? We'll help. We have years of experience and will recommend the most suitable procedure. And if you already know exactly what you want, we'll be your partner — without unnecessary questions.
Flexibility
Our equipment covers most requirements. If something is missing, thanks to our links with manufacturers of testing technology we can often arrange even specialised equipment outside our laboratory.
Reliability & speed
You can rely on both the equipment and our arrangements. We service and calibrate everything ourselves, so we can react quickly and adapt tests to get you results as soon as possible.
Personal approach
Every job is unique to us. We always try to understand your needs and tailor the service exactly to what you expect.
We'll be happy to advise you.
Ing. Radek Lovětínský
Head of the testing laboratory
Frequently Asked Questions
Metallography makes it possible to evaluate the microstructure of a material, grain size, the presence of phases, inclusions, cracks and other defects that affect the mechanical properties and reliability of a product.
Qualitative metallography focuses on describing the structure (e.g. types of phases), whereas quantitative metallography provides measurable data such as grain size, phase fraction or defect density.
Most often metals and alloys are analysed (steels, aluminium, copper, titanium), but ceramics, solders, layers on PCBs or composites can also be examined.
The process includes cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing and optionally etching the sample, so that its microstructure can be observed under the microscope.
Commonly used standards include ASTM E3 (sample preparation), ČSN EN ISO 643 (grain size), ASTM E112 (quantitative analysis) and others according to customer requirements.
Yes, metallographic methods are also used to analyse cross-sections of printed circuit boards (PCBs), solder joints and layers, particularly when evaluating joint quality and detecting manufacturing defects.
