Forensic Materials & Testing Services

When Materials Fail, We Find Out Why 

Material failures often leave behind a "fingerprint" - distinctive physical evidence that reveals how and why the failure occurred. At EDT, we use forensic materials analysis to study that evidence and uncover the root cause of failure. By pairing advanced laboratory analytical techniques with deep forensic-engineering know-how, we reconstruct the moment of failure and deliver clear, defensible conclusions about cause, responsibility, and prevention. Insurers, litigators, and loss-control teams count on our fast, objective insights to resolve claims and protect future operations.

What We Analyze

In forensic engineering, the failed component is often the most important piece of evidence. Our forensic materials testing services focus on analyzing the physical item-its composition, surface features, and microscopic details-to identify the cause of failure. We apply targeted methods based on the material involved and the nature of the incident.

We commonly test and evaluate:

• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals - including carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, titanium, brass, and copper alloys
• Plastics and polymers - used in piping, fittings, medical devices, consumer products, and more
• Glass, ceramics, and composites - including tempered glass failures and building materials such as concrete and masonry
• Coatings, adhesives, and non-metallic finishes - for degradation, delamination, or contamination issues
• Welds and joints - to assess weld integrity, compatibility, and proper fabrication
• Fire- and heat-damaged materials - to determine whether failure was due to thermal exposure or another root cause, as well as to assess any degradation of the original material properties.
• Corroded or environmentally degraded materials - such as tanks, valves, piping, and HVAC components
• Fractured or ruptured components - including valves, mechanical parts, glass panels, and structural components