Artificial intelligence and machine learning

DL Segmentation of lath-shaped bainite – LM*

DL Segmentation of lath-shaped bainite – SEM*

Benefits of Machine Learning (ML)

  • Presents promising new possibilities in microstructure analysis
  • Automates of time-consuming and labour-intensive standard tasks
  • Facilitates the evaluation of large, high-dimensional data volumes
  • Ensures objectivity and reproducibility
  • Serves as foundation for improved analyses of complex microstructures previously unattainable

How we approach ML

  • Computer science expertise is blended with domain knowledge in material science
  • A holistic approach to ml is adopted: including all the steps involved in obtaining a microstructure image
  • This differentiates from approaches by pure data scientists who may overlook domain knowledge
  • Emphasis is placed on accurately assigning ground truth for supervised ML
  • Priority is given to controlling and understanding material science-related aspects, recognizing their significance for success over solely optimizing ML parameters

Contact for questions

Dr.-Ing. Dominik Britz

Tobias Fox

Dr.-Ing. Tobias Fox

Chief Operating Officer

+49 157 52210561
t.fox@mec-s.de
LinkedIn

Our services offered:

  • Customised ML-based solutions for automated microstructure analysis
    • Focus on objective ground truth, e.g. through correlative microscopy
    • Holistic approach: metallographic boundary conditions required for successful ML implementation
  • Customised training (ML basics, ML in materials science and engineering, ML in metallography and microstructural analysis)

Where our ML approaches are successfully applied

In addition to standard everyday metallographic tasks, such as grain size determination, phase analysis, layer thickness measurement or fracture surface analysis, our ML approaches are used in particular for complex microstructural analyses for which no conventional solutions were previously available.

Segmentation of lath-shaped bainite in multiphase steels

Microstructure classification in heat-treatable steels

Classification of non-metallic inclusions

Classification of the carbon-rich second phase in dual-phase steels

Segmentation of former austenit grains in steel

Reference projects

Joint stock company of Dillinger Hüttenwerke

  • Strategic partnership:
    Establishment of ML methods in microstructure analysis
  • Key figures:
    • 4 doctoral projects
      > 30 student theses
      > 20 national and international conference papers
      > 20 publications

MTU Maintenance

  • Project objective: Joint R&D project for the segmentation of thermally sprayed coatings using deep learning
  • Business value: automated, objective microstructure quantification as a basis for improved process-structure property correlations

MTU Maintenance report

 

 

Further areas of application

Material Analysis and Microscopy

From chemical analyses, microstructural investigations and texture analyses to high-resolution 3D tomography in the nanometer range.

Correlative microscopy

A correlative characterisation of microstructures serves as a benchmark for automated microstructure recognition and as a starting point for machine learning approaches.

Failure analysis

In the area of failure analysis, in addition to identifying and analyzing causes of fracture, we are also able to fully characterize components on both the macro and micro scales.

Triboelectrical characterization

Complementary to our microstructure analysis, we can perform a wide variety of triboelectric measurements under controlled conditions. 

Surface functionalization

We offer high-resolution imaging and chemical analysis of surfaces as well as profile recordings for determining layer systems using FIB cross-sections. 

Have we sparked your interest in working together?

Please feel free to contact us! We look forward to talking to you and finding out together how we can help you with your project.