Alpha case contamination of Titanium alloys results from oxygen or nitrogen pick-up during heat treatment. This brittle surface structure is prone to microcracking, and reduces the metal's performance and fatigue properties.

A Metaltest Alpha Case evaluation will reveal the depth and composition of the alpha case structure. The image at the right is a micrograph of Titanium 6AL-4V with a cascading alpha case effect. While alpha case may be prevented by heat treating in a vacuum, most often it is simply removed by mechanical grinding or chemical etching. A Metaltest Alpha Case evaluation will show you how much metal must be removed. 

Alpha case evaluation is performed according to customer drawings or specifications.