Microstructure and Mechanical Characterisation of Metallic Materials

Majority of components whether it is an automotive, aerospace, camera case or even railway tracks are made from metallic materials. As such either as part of quality control during production or postmortem investigations there is growing need to understand and conduct microstructure analysis, non-destructive investigations as well as mechanical testing. There are many different characterisation techniques that are useful for day-to-day investigations as well as techniques that may be used for further analysis.

This course aims to cover the basics of metallographic preparation, mechanical testing (tensile, hardness, plastometer, etc), Optical microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy techniques as well as radiographic and CT (computed tomography) to determine the nature of the defects present in the component.

Led by Dr Chamini Mendis and a team of expert researchers from BCAST, this workshop-style course combines engaging lectures with practical sessions in our advanced laboratories.

This is an in-person course which will take place over 5 consecutive days, from 19 to 23 January 2026.

WHY ATTEND?

Whether you’re an engineer, technologist, or R&D professional, this course will empower you with the skills and knowledge needed to:

• Develop a strong foundation in metallographic preparation, microstructural analysis, and mechanical testing.
• Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques such as optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile and hardness testing, thermal analysis, and CT scanning.
• Understand defect analysis and how to apply various techniques to assess material integrity.
• Learn from industry-leading experts in metallurgical characterisation.
• Enhance your professional skills and contribute to improved material performance and sustainability in your field.

COURSE CONTENT & PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS

Each topic includes an in-depth lecture followed by practical work in BCAST laboratories, allowing participants to apply their knowledge immediately.

• Metallographic preparation what are you looking for and importance of sample preparation.
• Introduction to chemical etching and electrolytic polishing for optical microscopy observations.
• Scanning electron microscopy and microstructure of your components.
• How do we measure microstructural features – pit falls and standards.
• Tensile and hardness testing what information can we get from a test and what is important.
• Thermal analysis when you would get liquid phase and how these related to processing parameters.
• CT scanning and defect analysis. What can we see, and pit falls of CT analysis.
• Advanced characterisation techniques that may be useful R&D work.

COURSE INSTRUCTORS:

Dr Chamini Mendis – Course Lead

Dr Jaime Lazaro Nebreda – Course Expert

Dr Ebad Bagherpour Jahromi – Course Expert

Prof. Isaac Chang – Course Expert

Dr Loredana Saccone - Practical Delivery

Mr. Philipos Nicola – Practical Delivery

Mr. Matt Choi – Practical Delivery

Mrs Simin Sakaki – Practical Delivery

Certification

All participants will be issued with a certificate of course completion.

Important Dates:

• 25th September, 2025 – Deadline for early bird registration (10% discount)
• 25th November, 2025 – Full registration
• 19th - 23rd January, 2026 – Course dates

How to register?

Register your interest by claiming a free ticket on this Eventbrite page. After registration, you'll receive detailed course fee and payment information via email.

Important: To guarantee hotel accommodation, we strongly recommend registering by the early bird deadline. If you register after this date, you may need to arrange your own accommodation. In such cases, the necessary reductions will be made, and the course fee will be recalculated accordingly.

If you require a visa invitation letter, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Limited spaces are available—apply now to secure your spot!

Get in touch today! - bcast-training@brunel.ac.uk

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