Business Details
32 Years
experience
Expert Failure Analysis & Materials Testing Services
Metallurgical Associates has been delivering specialized engineering solutions since 1994. Our team of certified metallurgical experts brings decades of combined experience in failure analysis, materials testing, and manufacturing process optimization. We serve industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to medical and construction, providing actionable insights through advanced techniques like Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. Our ISO 17025 accreditation by A2LA ensures rigorous quality standards in all testing and analysis. We prioritize client collaboration, offering transparent communication throughout every project.Our technical expertise spans contaminant investigations, corrosion prevention, and weld engineering. With a proven track record of solving over 12,000 material failure cases, we combine academic knowledge with practical industry experience. Our engineers hold advanced degrees in Metallurgical and Materials Science, ensuring authoritative problem-solving capabilities. We maintain laboratory assessment expertise through Tee-Squared Services, Inc., further strengthening our technical offerings. Our commitment to continuous improvement drives both product performance enhancements and cost-saving opportunities for clients.
Services
Failure Analysis
Corrosion Analysis
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Contaminant Investigation
Weld Engineering
Material Testing
Reverse Engineering
Specification Review
Product Liability Support
Process Improvement
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 28 years of specialized metallurgical engineering experience
- Our team includes engineers with advanced degrees in materials science
- We maintain A2LA ISO 17025 accredited laboratory standards
- Our experts have analyzed over 12,000 material failure cases
- We provide both technical expertise and litigation support capabilities
Associations and certifications
- A2LA ISO 17025
Services
Failure Analysis
Our failure analysis service identifies root causes of material failures through comprehensive testing and evaluation. We examine components ranging from small fasteners to large industrial equipment, using advanced techniques like fractography and metallography. Our engineers provide actionable recommendations to prevent recurrence and improve product reliability.
Scanning Electron Microscopy
We utilize scanning electron microscopy for high-resolution imaging and compositional analysis of materials. This technique helps identify microstructural defects, contaminant particles, and fracture surface characteristics. Our certified operators produce detailed reports with magnifications up to 100,000x, supporting both research and failure investigation needs.
Material Testing
Our materials testing service includes mechanical and chemical analysis of metals and alloys. We perform tensile testing, hardness measurements, and spectrochemical analysis to verify material properties against specifications. This ensures compliance with industry standards and identifies potential quality issues in production materials.
Weld Engineering
We evaluate weld quality and integrity through macroetch testing and microstructural examination. Our services include weld procedure qualification, defect analysis, and failure prevention recommendations. We help manufacturers optimize welding processes for improved structural performance and code compliance.
Specification Review
Our specification review service evaluates material and process requirements for product optimization. We identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining performance standards. This includes updating outdated specifications to incorporate modern materials and manufacturing techniques for enhanced product reliability.
People
Tom Tefelske
President
President with 40 years of industrial experience specializing in failure analysis. Holds BS and MS degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from University of Wisconsin. Co-founded Metallurgical Associates in 1994 after senior metallurgist roles at major manufacturers.
Wendy Tefelske
Vice President
Vice President with extensive business experience from Mary Kay distribution and family engineering enterprises. Provides operational support across all business functions. Active in community and church activities while supporting business growth initiatives.
Anthony D'Antuono
Senior Engineer
Senior engineer with prior teaching experience and dual degrees in Physical Science Education and Materials Engineering. Joined MAI in 2012 after metallurgical technician roles. Specializes in client communication and metallurgical problem-solving for diverse industries.
Kelly Brown
Lab Supervisor
Lab supervisor with 30+ years in metals industry. Expert in scanning electron microscopy operations and failure analysis. Joined MAI in 2021 with extensive foundry and materials testing background. Focuses on producing high-quality analytical images for client reports.
Valerie J Young
Vice President of Operations
Operations leader with transportation industry background. Recently transitioned to metallurgical field with focus on team development and process optimization. Brings safety and human resources expertise to support technical operations and client service initiatives.
Questions
What industries do you serve?
We serve automotive, aerospace, medical equipment, construction, and manufacturing industries with materials testing and failure analysis services.
Are you ISO accredited?
Yes, we maintain ISO 17025 accreditation through the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA).
How many failure analyses have you completed?
Our team has performed over 12,000 analyses on products ranging from small fasteners to large industrial components.
What testing methods do you use?
We employ scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, metallography, and mechanical/chemical testing for comprehensive material analysis.
Can you help with litigation support?
Yes, we provide expert witness testimony and technical documentation for product liability and litigation cases involving material failures.
Do you offer specification development?
We develop, review, and revise material specifications to optimize product performance and reduce manufacturing costs for new and existing products.
