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Materials Failure Investigation
Materials Failure Investigation For the past fifteen years, BBB Technologies Ltd has been a leading independent laboratory based investigator of materials failure. Most of the matters in which we are asked to give opinions, involve active litigation of the threat of it. Apr 19, 2024
Intergranular Corrosion Investigation & Testing
Intergranular Corrosion Investigation & Testing The effects of corrosion can be both beautiful and costly and here at BBB Technologies forensic materials laboratories, we routinely investigate the cause and mechanism of corrosion, and if a liability exists, establish where it lies. Apr 12, 2024
Etching in Metallography
Etching in Metallography In the realm of material analysis, where precision and accuracy are paramount, the technique of etching is an established powerful tool. Specifically, when it comes to understanding the properties and characteristics of mild steel, etching plays a pivotal role. Apr 02, 2024
Expert Witness Services in Materials Investigation
Expert Witness Services in Materials Investigation Materials are used in many millions of applications and processes and oftentimes, for at the time seemingly unknown reasons, the material will fail. Very often, the suspected failure of any material, may in time proceed down the litigation path and in these instances, we are requested to act as Expert Witnesses for one party or another. Mar 11, 2024
Metallography in Materials Testing
Metallography in Materials Testing Through a highly refined process of sample encapsulation in resin, and gradual grinding and polishing, metallography is a technique which we use to investigate the microstructure of both metallic and non-metallic materials. Feb 26, 2024
SEM Viewing Modes in Materials Analysis
SEM Viewing Modes in Materials Analysis Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is an incredibly powerful tool for any forensic engineer, offering a method to capture high resolution photographs at high magnifications, in addition to elemental analysis. SEM can be used in many subtly different ways, and today we will discuss one of those: the viewing modes. Feb 19, 2024
Chemical Analysis of Plastics
Chemical Analysis of Plastics In order to establish whether that plastic component will perform its function satisfactorily, importers or manufacturers of plastic components need to positively identify and verify the chemical components of the plastic. Feb 09, 2024
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy In the intricate world of forensic engineering, solving mysteries surrounding material failures is a crucial endeavour. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) is key player in this field, offering an invaluable tool for determining the elemental composition of materials. Jan 30, 2024
PIR Foam Stability
PIR Foam Stability Rigid insulation foams are polymer based materials, commonly used to insulate the floors, walls and roofs of all types of buildings. Our laboratories are regularly asked to assess both the physical and chemical properties of both rigid and cavity injected insulation foams. Jan 09, 2024
Quality Verification of Steel Fasteners
Quality Verification of Steel Fasteners There are hundreds of metal part and component importers all over Ireland, and we have been a longstanding provider of quality verification services as occasionally, through no fault of the importer, fixings and fasteners may be physically or chemically different from that purchased. Dec 08, 2023
Testing Paint Film Flexibility Part 2
Testing Paint Film Flexibility Part 2 Here, we will introduce the Cylindrical Mandrel. Like the Conical Mandrel, paint testing with the Cylindrical Mandrel forms a large part of what our laboratory does, and we regularly receive samples from all over Ireland and sometimes abroad, either liquid or powder paint samples, or materials coated with a paint film. Oct 23, 2023
Testing Paint Film Flexibility Part 1
Testing Paint Film Flexibility Part 1 Testing paint forms a large part of what our laboratory does. We very regularly receive retained quantities of paints which were used to coat anything and everything, from floors, to walls, to manufactured items. Oct 05, 2023
The Duties of an Expert Witness
The Duties of an Expert Witness In any type of materials failure investigation which we are asked to undertake, particularly if the failure has lead to personal injury, legal proceedings are inevitable. Sep 05, 2023
Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis
Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has emerged as a pivotal tool in materials science, enabling profound insights into the microcosm of various substances. Aug 30, 2023
Examining ball grid arrays through metallography.
Examining ball grid arrays through metallography. Analysing ball grid arrays using scanning electron microscopy, and metallographic techniques. Aug 11, 2023
Mould on Interior Paints
Mould on Interior Paints Very often, we are asked to investigate the rapid occurrence of mould on a recently painted surface. Such matters can give rise to claims and counterclaims, in particular a painting contractor being accused of not washing the surface before painting or using paint which is defective. Aug 04, 2023
In Service Failure of PVC Plastisol Coatings
In Service Failure of PVC Plastisol Coatings PVC plastisol coatings are found in a variety of applications including significant use in the manufacture of PIR insulation panels and every year, we are asked to investigate why such coatings fail in service and what remediation steps can be carried out. Jul 29, 2023
A case of Fuel Contamination
A case of Fuel Contamination Water contamination in diesel fuel is bad news. Very bad news as not only will water contaminated cause steel tanks and piping to rust, it will encourage the growth of microbes within the diesel piping system which will damage anything using the diesel fuel. Jul 20, 2023
Paint failure on galvanized steel.
Paint failure on galvanized steel. One commonly occurring enquiry which our laboratories receive concerns a galvanized coating failure on steel, or paint flaking and peeling on galvanized steel. Jul 13, 2023
Grinding & Polishing - Analysing copper wires
Grinding & Polishing - Analysing copper wires Automated cutting equipment and metallographic techniques offer invaluable tools for examining the purity and internal damage of copper wires. Jul 10, 2023
Examining Electronic Components for Failure
Examining Electronic Components for Failure Electronic components can be ground and polished to facilitate the examination and identification of failures within the components. Jun 09, 2023
Why does paint peel?
Why does paint peel? Why does paint peel and and how can it be overcome? Jun 05, 2023
Fading & Poor Colour Retention
Fading & Poor Colour Retention As Ireland's leading paint failure investigation laboratory, we are constantly asked to advise as to why exterior paints fail. May 30, 2023
What are Nickel Sulphide Glass Inclusions?
What are Nickel Sulphide Glass Inclusions? Welcome to our latest blog on Forensic Failure Analysis. In this blog, we discuss Nickel Sulphide Inclusions...Read more May 10, 2023
What Is Forensic Microscopy?
What Is Forensic Microscopy? Welcome to our second entry on our series of Forensic Failure Analysis. Next, we will microscopes, the most common tool in forensic analysis... Read more. Apr 27, 2023
How to know if steel will rust
How to know if steel will rust

Steel, when left exposed to the atmosphere, will slowly rust and lose functionality as the steel weakens. In construction and industrial…Read more

 Apr 17, 2023
What is Forensic Failure Analysis?
What is Forensic Failure Analysis?

Welcome to our first of what will be a line of papers written by our technical experts, concerning the forensic failure analysis of materials. First, what is forensic science…Read more.

 Apr 13, 2023
Resolving a Paint Issue
Resolving a Paint Issue

If you are a paint contractor, building contractor, facilities manager, surveyor or lawyer, this information will greatly help when you want the painting job to be done right, and if things…Read more.

 Apr 06, 2023

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