Laboratory testing services

This analysis according to the IEC 60243-1 standard determines the dielectric strength of solid plastics by subjecting a flat sample plate to a gradually increasing voltage between two electrodes. The voltage at which the plastic loses its insulating properties is known as the breakdown voltage. The dielectric strength is calculated by dividing the breakdown voltage by the thickness of the sample and is typically expressed in kilovolts per millimeter (kV/mm). Samples are preconditioned at 23 °C and 50% RH for 24 hours before testing and are tested in a surrounding medium of thermostated insulating oil to prevent flashover. The analysis includes five tests at 23 °C. The dielectric strength is determined from the median of the test results. Five additional tests will be conducted if any single test result deviates by more than 15% from the median. The dielectric strength is then determined from the median of the 10 results. These additional tests do not affect the price of the analysis. Maximum dielectric strength 50 kV/mm. Analyses conducted at cryogenic and elevated temperatures (up to 250°C) are also available. Please contact us for a quote tailored to your project. Note that we also offer other tests to evaluate the electrical properties of plastics, including volume & surface resistivity tests and comparative tracking index (CTI) determination.

These analyses (IEC 62631-3-1 and IEC 62631-3-2) measure the resistive properties of solid plastics under direct current (DC) conditions. Flat plates of the sample are placed between two electrodes, and a known DC voltage is applied. For volume resistivity (IEC 62631-3-1), the current flowing through the bulk material is measured. For surface resistivity (IEC 62631-3-2), the current along the surface is measured. Resistivity values are calculated from the applied voltage and measured current. The tests are conducted in triplicate at 23 °C and 50% RH after conditioning the samples for 4 days at 23 °C and 50% RH. The samples sent for testing should have a thickness close to their intended application. Analyses conducted at cryogenic and elevated temperatures (up to 250°C) are also available, as well as other electrical tests for plastic materials. Please contact our experts for a quote tailored to your project.

Dielectric constant (or relative permittivity) is a measurement of a material's ability to store electrical energy when subjected to an electric field. A material with a high permittivity will store more energy in the material compared to a material with a lower permittivity. This parameter allows for the evaluation of a material's performance when used as a dielectric in a capacitor or as an electrically insulating material, for example. The permittivity is dependent on the frequency of the applied electric field, as well as the temperature. Measurlabs can offer analyses up to 3 MHz at room temperature (23 °C) within our current testing portfolio. Samples for testing must be provided as flat with no surface defects or voids within the material. Please specify whether you would like testing according to ASTM D150 or IEC 62631-2-1 in your request.

IEC 60601-1 is a widely accepted benchmark standard that defines the general requirements for the safety of medical electrical equipment, particularly addressing the electromagnetic compatibility of such devices. The price for testing is variable and depends on the complexity of the medical device - please contact us to receive an offer.