Rotech Performs Failure Investigation on Pushchair Handle for British Manufacturer

The handle assembly had fractured into two sections on the main gripping bar of the handle. A second fracture was also visible at the other end of the handle, near to the machined slot walls where the handle is slotted into the main frame of the pushchair. This area had fractured part way through the tube section, with the fracture starting at the slot walls.

We carried out a microscopic examination to analyse the fracture, that gives us an insight into the characteristics of the nature and cause of the failure.

We also performed tensile and hardness tests to support our investigations, which would help our customer understand the maximum load that the material can withstand before failure, and chemical analysis to ensure the alloy material used in production complies with quality standards (EN AW-6463).

During our microscopic examinations, the fractured areas were found to have bright, reflective surfaces and a smooth surface with rounded features. These characteristics are typical of burnishing, caused by relative movement between contacting fracture faces.