You want to ensure structural integrity is in place at all times, whether you’re building a bridge, fabricating a building, or something else, chances are you’re using steel. As such, a Charpy test can be performed so that you have quality results that you can trust.

Identify the ductile to brittle transition

It is important that you understand the transition from ductile to brittle for the metal you are working with. Particularly when choosing an alloy for its workability, you want it to be highly ductile, meaning it won’t lose hardness as it deforms. The more folded the metal is, the more beneficial it is to you in a variety of applications.

Set sensitivity

This metal sensitivity should be fully explored. You want to know how it will behave in various environments. If you’re heavily exposed to steam boilers, engines, or something else, you need to know how hard it’s going to be. The Charpy test will be able to identify sensitivity. In addition, you will be able to obtain additional information about the metal. You simply need to tell the third party testing exactly what they need to find out so they can include it in the test results.

Determine overall strength

The strength of metal needs to be fully understood. If it is going to be brittle in nature, you may need to choose a different alloy or treat it before use. Without knowing how ductile or brittle the metal is, it could end up breaking at one point or another. This could cause injury, damage to a location, or create another problem.

The current can be identified as it is exposed to various temperatures, including temperatures of 7-0. As an example, the Titanic could have been tested at sub-zero temperatures to reveal that it would be more brittle once the hull plate came into contact with the iceberg.

Set parameters

A Charpy test can also help you establish parameters to work with when using a specific metal or alloy. If the metal will become more brittle after a specific temperature, you need to know this. The higher and lower temperatures could affect the metal in ways you wouldn’t have expected.

Even if you don’t plan on exposing the initial product to your temperatures, it’s best to know how the metal will respond beforehand so you don’t run into problems.

Once you have chosen the alloy you want to work with, be sure to take the time to schedule a Charpy test. The results could help you make more effective decisions.