To meet the increasing commercial importance and demand for its precision engineered machining activities, Cross Manufacturing has moved its metallurgical laboratory into new dedicated facilities which will also enable further expansion in the future.
Routinely conducting extensive material testing, analysis and research, the facility is dedicated to supporting the company’s precision engineering business, as well as researching, developing and implementing new materials and processes into production.
Equipped with state-of-the-art test and analytical equipment, the laboratory’s metallography capabilities include the evaluation of microstructures for grain size, carburisation, weld analysis, corrosion, inclusions, defects, recast layers, fracturing/micro fracturing, coating evaluation, heat treatment, rolling effects and FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis). Digital optical and scanning electron microscopes provide up to 60,000X total magnification, whilst a dedicated etching facility and modern semi-automated polishing and grinding capabilities allow for precise and accurate analysis at very high magnification, enabling comprehensive microstructural examination.
Microhardness testers, hardometers and tensile testing equipment enable full mechanical testing of materials at all stages of production in accordance with customer specifications including ASTM and NADCAP.
SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) enables extensive chemical and elemental analysis of raw materials and products, allowing for material grade identification, contamination analysis, material heterogeneity analysis and more.
Mechanical testing at elevated temperatures using test furnaces, analytical equipment and software can test materials and products at very high temperatures for extreme lengths of time to simulate working conditions. Corrosion, creep rate, thermal dispersion, relaxation and more can be investigated.
Cross will continue to expand its presence in the engineering and manufacturing landscape at the Advanced Engineering 2025 exhibition at the NEC in October.
On Stand Number H156 Cross will be showcasing more of its precision machining capabilities and commitment to continuous investment in cutting-edge CNC machinery, multi-spindle machining centres, and in-house inspection and testing facilities, ensuring consistent, high-quality output across every component, supported with stringent quality accreditations including IATF 16949 for automotive and AS9100 for aerospace.
As one of the UK’s leading industry events, the show will provide an opportunity for customers and partners to experience the quality, capability and innovation that Cross Manufacturing brings to every project.