Materials Testing

Cryo-electron microscopy (EM) imaging uses cryogenic temperatures to allow samples to be examined in as near their natural state as possible. Radiation damage is prevented and samples do not need to be stained or fixed, as in other techniques. Structural biologists use this method to study macromolecules, especially viruses, cells, proteins and nucleic acids.

Crystallography analysis explores the structure of any type of matter, living or inanimate. Understanding how atoms are arranged in a material assists in identifying that material’s properties. This ultimately gives insight into how materials will perform under certain conditions, which can inform industry in the design and testing phases of manufacturing, for instance.

Destructive testing services work alongside non-destructive testing. They seek to test the strength and durability of a material, as well as its other mechanical properties, in order that products meet quality and regulatory guidelines. The process can reduce accidents and expense for manufacturers across a range of industries.

Electronics materials testing establishes whether component parts of electronics technology are suitable for the uses for which they are intended. As well as performance, the process also looks at compliance with the applicable regulatory standards for quality and safety. It can also be used to verify designs.

Failure analysis tells manufacturers and others why a product has or might fail. This allows them to take corrective action to improve quality in the longer term. As well as allowing preventative action, it can also be used to determine liability where accidents or failures have already occurred.

Mechanical properties testing is used in many industries during the manufacture and assembly of goods and component parts. The process ensures the materials used are both safe and fit for the purposes for which they are being utilised. Force is dynamically or statically applied to materials to test strength, elasticity and so on.

Metallurgical failure analysis investigations take place to establish why metal components have failed. This is typically due to corrosion or mechanical damage, or both. The parts being tested are subjected to mechanical stresses in a series of destructive and non-destructive testing to determine the causes of failure.

Microscopy analysis allows for the examination of minute samples and microstructures, to identify useful information about the construction and performance of materials and living organisms, for instance. Knowing this helps to better understand their behaviour under certain conditions and helps inform everything from addressing health issues to solving manufacturing problems.

Nano-technology research and x-ray analysis involves using x-ray diffraction to study the structure and manipulation of the smallest particles of matter on a previously unknown scale. The technology is in its infancy, but has already offered the potential for huge advances in a range of fields from medicine to electronics.

Non-destructive testing services allow materials, components and systems to be subject to testing without being destroyed in the process. This can help save businesses time and money as the material being analysed can remain in place or be brought back into commission once testing is complete. Engineering and construction industries find this advantageous in particular.

Physical properties testing is extensively used across industry, notably in research and design and for quality assurance. The many types of test available analyse materials, products and processes to see how they perform under specific conditions. Physical properties include melting and boiling points, density, solubility and other characteristics.

Raw materials testing is vital for consumer confidence across a range of industries from pharmaceuticals to construction. The processes involved check for contamination, product purity and consistency; and also to ensure and demonstrate compliance with national and international standards. Testing should happen regularly, but notably where a new material is introduced or a supplier changed.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allows a far higher magnification of images than can be achieved with standard light microscopy. It uses a beam of electrons which interact with the sample to give detailed data about the composition and surface of the material being viewed. The sample can also be studied for the effects of different environments, such as temperature extremes.

Scratch testing mimics and monitors the effects of different working conditions on coatings such as polymers, paints and varnishes to be used on surfaces such as cars. The scratches are made by conical diamond tips in various ways and the results then analysed to develop a scratch map.

Specialised mechanical testing devises specific tests to analyse the performance and/ or properties of samples and materials under controlled conditions. This is for instances where the usual tests cannot be applied for various reasons. Such specialist tests are often needed for quality assurance or to complement data gathered from typical methods of testing.

Surface analysis tests the surfaces of materials for their unique properties such as corrosion resistance, friction, adhesion etc. It does so through the use of microscopic chemical and physical probes. Identification of surface properties of materials enables determination of their uses and also why they might fail; so such findings are invaluable for design, failure analysis and quality assurance.

Other products that didn't quite fit into any of the above categories.