Evidence-based metallurgy for real-world problems.
Consulting for Materials Science
South Coast Metallurgical, LLC provides independent metallurgical consulting specializing in metals and materials failure analysis.
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Led by Jim Curiel, our practice delivers proven, practical expertise supported by access to advanced analytical instrumentation and over 50 years of combined experience in:
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Materials characterization
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Metallurgical failure analysis
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Mechanical and structural integrity evaluation
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Process metallurgy
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Technical training and expert support across multiple industries
We apply rigorous analytical methods to identify root causes of failure, support sound engineering decisions, and increase component and system reliability.
Our services are designed to integrate seamlessly with your engineering, maintenance, and quality teams — providing clear answers, defensible conclusions, and actionable recommendations.
Your Analytical Partner
With decades of industry experience, we apply a disciplined, fundamentals-first approach to problem solving.
Most metallurgical failures can be accurately evaluated using classical techniques such as:
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Optical macroscopy
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Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
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Metallography and microstructural analysis
However, to support today’s highest levels of technology — including the extreme micro-miniaturization found in medical device and microelectronics industries — South Coast Metallurgical, LLC also provides access to and expertise in advanced analytical technologies necessary to fully characterize complex materials and failure mechanisms.
We combine classical metallurgical fundamentals with modern analytical capability to deliver clear, defensible conclusions and actionable engineering recommendations.
Services
Failure Analysis, Fractography, Fault Site Identification & Characterization
South Coast Metallurgical, LLC provides independent forensic metallurgical failure analysis focused on the accurate identification of failure mechanisms, fault origins, and contributing material and processing conditions.
Our investigations are conducted using a disciplined, fundamentals-based approach supported by advanced analytical instrumentation. Each analysis is performed to determine how, where, and why a component failed — and to provide clear, defensible conclusions.
Core Capabilities
Fault Site Identification & Characterization
We locate and characterize the origin of failure and associated damage features, including:
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Crack initiation sites
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Fracture origins
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Fatigue progression features
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Overload, brittle, and ductile fracture modes
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Environmental and corrosion-assisted damage
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Manufacturing- and processing-related discontinuities
Fractography
Using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we perform detailed fractographic examination to identify:
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Failure mode and fracture morphology
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Direction and progression of crack growth
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Fatigue striations, beach marks, and micro-features
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Cleavage, intergranular, and ductile rupture mechanisms
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Secondary damage and post-fracture effects
Metallurgical & Materials Characterization
We evaluate material composition, microstructure, heat treatment condition, and processing history through:
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Metallography and microstructural analysis
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Chemical and elemental analysis
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Coating and surface condition evaluation
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Inclusion and defect assessment
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Heat-affected and transformation zone evaluation
Deliverables
Our analyses provide:
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Clear root-cause determinations
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Engineering-grade technical reports
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Defensible conclusions for internal, regulatory, and legal use
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Actionable recommendations to prevent recurrence and improve reliability
Metallography, Materiallography, Microstructural Characterization
South Coast Metallurgical, LLC provides independent metallographic and microstructural characterization services to evaluate material condition, processing history, and performance-limiting features at the microscopic and sub-microscopic levels.
We apply classical metallurgical fundamentals combined with modern analytical technology to characterize structure–property relationships that directly influence mechanical performance, durability, corrosion resistance, and failure behavior.
Core Capabilities
Specimen Preparation & Sectioning
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Precision sectioning, mounting, grinding, and polishing
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Preparation of metals, alloys, coatings, and advanced materials
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Micro- and macro-etching for structure revelation
Microstructural Evaluation
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Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
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Grain size, phase distribution, and morphology analysis
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Carbide, intermetallic, and precipitate characterization
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Inclusion and defect assessment
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Weld, heat-affected zone (HAZ), and transformation zone evaluation
Materials Condition Assessment
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Heat treatment verification
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Processing history and forming effects
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Work hardening and transformation products
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Surface treatments, coatings, and diffusion layers
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Microstructural uniformity and segregation analysis
Applications
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Failure analysis support
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Manufacturing and quality control investigations
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Process validation and troubleshooting
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Material qualification and compliance
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Reliability improvement and life prediction studies
Deliverables
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Engineering-grade microstructural documentation
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Interpretive analysis and conclusions
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Defensible technical reports
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Clear, actionable recommendations
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On site technical training & consulting
Metallographic Sample Preparation & Fundamental Failure Analysis
South Coast Metallurgical, LLC provides on-site technical training and consulting in metallographic sample preparation and fundamental failure analysis methods for engineering, quality, manufacturing, and laboratory teams.
Our programs are built on classical metallurgical fundamentals combined with real-world forensic experience, delivering practical skills that improve analytical accuracy, investigation quality, and reliability outcomes.
Training & Consulting Focus Areas
Metallographic Sample Preparation
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Proper sectioning and specimen extraction
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Mounting, grinding, and polishing techniques
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Etching methods for structural revelation
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Preparation of steels, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, titanium, nickel alloys, and specialty materials
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Common preparation errors and artifact avoidance
Fundamental Failure Analysis Techniques
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Visual and macroscopic examination
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Fracture surface handling and preservation
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Crack origin identification
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Basic fractography principles
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Fatigue, overload, brittle, ductile, and corrosion-assisted failure modes
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Documentation and reporting best practices
Program Format
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On-site classroom and hands-on laboratory instruction
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Customized to your materials, products, and processes
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Suitable for engineering, QA, manufacturing, laboratory, and regulatory teams
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Ideal for medical device, aerospace, microelectronics, and high-reliability manufacturing environments
Outcomes
Participants gain practical skills to:
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Improve sample quality and analytical repeatability
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Accurately recognize failure mechanisms
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Support internal investigations and audits
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Increase product and system reliability
Our Journey
South Coast Metallurgical, LLC was founded on a career devoted to solving complex materials and metallurgical problems across some of the most demanding industries in the world.
Our roots span decades of hands-on engineering and failure analysis experience supporting aerospace, defense, aviation, microelectronics, medical device manufacturing, and advanced process metallurgy. From early work in precision metals processing and guidance-control systems to today’s highly miniaturized electronic and medical technologies, our journey reflects the evolution of modern engineering itself.
Jim Curiel’s professional background includes technical leadership and advanced failure analysis roles with organizations such as:
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Plessey Precision Metals
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Litton Guidance and Control (now Northrop Grumman)
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Hi-Rel Laboratories, Inc
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Scanning Electron Analysis Laboratories (SEAL Labs, Inc.)
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J.A. Curiel & Associates
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Eurofins EAG Laboratories
These roles provided extensive experience in metallurgical failure analysis, microstructural characterization, and advanced materials evaluation for mission-critical components and high-reliability systems.
In parallel with consulting and laboratory leadership, Jim Curiel has spent over 30 years delivering professional technical training at both local and national levels. He has served academia, private industry, and law enforcement organizations, providing instruction in metallurgical analysis, materials characterization, and failure investigation.
Today, South Coast Metallurgical, LLC brings this legacy forward — combining classical metallurgical fundamentals with modern analytical technology to deliver clear, defensible conclusions and reliability-focused engineering solutions for today’s most advanced industries.
310 692-9892
94063 Iris St
Gold Beach, OR 97444
