An attempt is made to outline the term 'materials characterization'. O
n the basis of the structure-to-property-relationships, a philosophy i
s proposed, adapted to systematical development of methods for nondest
ructive materials characterization. The state of the art reached for m
etals is reviewed and typical applications of macroscopic physical pro
perties for nondestructive materials characterization are given. The m
aterials characterization of ball bearing steel and cast iron by multi
parameter materials characterization is discussed in detail.