POF Metallurgical Laboratory

The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) used the Metallurgical Laboratory in 1972 to conduct basic research into the chemistry and physical metallurgy of non-ferrous metals. Dr. Khalil Qureshi played a pioneering role as the lab's principal investigator. The lab also undertook classified studies, as codename: Wah Group Scientists, in designing and developing the non-nuclear physical components and performing metallurgy testing of explosives to be used in nuclear devices under Dr. Zaman Sheikh, a physical chemist. The importance of its work in materials science and understanding the chemistry and metallurgy of plutonium evolved in the Metallurgical Laboratory into a critical laboratory, similar to the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology. Due to the sensitivity of the projects and security concerns of scientists at the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), the program was definitely moved to KRL in the 1980s. == Current Role ==

These days POF Metallurgical Laboratory offers a variety of material testing services, including: • Metallographic testing: This examines the microstructure of metals and alloys to understand their properties and behavior. • Chemical analysis: This determines the elemental composition of a material. • Mechanical testing: This evaluates the mechanical properties of a material, such as its strength, ductility, and hardness. • Testing for ferrous and non-ferrous materials: ML can test both iron-based (ferrous) and non-iron-based (non-ferrous) metals and alloys. == Accreditations ==

The lab is accredited by various accreditation bodies including PNAC and ISO 14001:2004 by TUV Austria Bureau. == Customers ==

Following industries utilize the services of ML: • Automobile industry • Research Institute • Oil and gas Industries • Defense production • Manufacturing units • Research & Development • Steel industries ==References==