Mechanical testing services
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- Personal service from method experts
- Competitive prices
- Result accuracy guarantee
Mechanical testing of polymers, plastics, and composites
The mechanical properties of polymer-based materials largely dictate the applications in which the material can be used. If, for example, a durable packaging material is needed, the impact, compression, and tensile properties need to fulfill stringent quality standards.
Thermal analysis is required if plastics are used in warm or cold surroundings. At Measurlabs, we offer several techniques for evaluating the thermal properties of polymeric materials, including dynamic mechanical analysis, dilatometry, and thermomechanical analysis.
Examples of standardized mechanical tests for plastics include tensile testing by ISO 527-2, heat deflection temperature measurement by ISO 75, and determination of flexural properties by ISO 178. In addition to traditional fossil-based plastics, all tests are suitable for biobased alternatives.
Compression strength of plastics
Tensile properties of rigid plastics by ISO 527-2
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of plastics
Puncture resistance of rigid plastics by ISO 6603-2
Impact strength of plastics - Charpy and Izod methods
Vicat softening point of plastics
Thermal characterization with DSC
Flexural properties of plastics (Three Point Bend Test) by ISO 178
Prices excluding VAT.
Mechanical tests for paper and cardboard
Mechanical testing is often used to assess the suitability of paper and cardboard for use as packaging materials. Properties to be evaluated include compression strength, puncture resistance, tensile strength, and tearing resistance, among others. Many of the testing methods are based on EN, ISO, or TAPPI standards.
If paper or board is used as a food contact material, a more comprehensive range of tests is required. In addition to mechanical testing, physical and chemical tests should be performed to ensure that the material has appropriate barrier properties and is chemically safe to come into contact with food.
Bending stiffness of corrugated cardboard
Edge crush test (ECT) for cardboard
Short-span compression test (SCT) for paper or board
Pin adhesion test (PAT) of corrugated cardboard
Tensile strength (TEA) of paper and paperboard
Bursting strength of paper or board
Concora medium test (CMT30) for flutings
Puncture resistance of corrugated cardboard
Prices excluding VAT.
Testing of textiles’ mechanical properties
Mechanical testing of textiles is aimed at ensuring fabric quality and durability during use. Typical tests assess properties like tear resistance, abrasion resistance, and seam strength. In addition to EN and ISO standards, AATCC standards are common in textile testing. Both finished fabrics and their components (fibers and yarns) can be tested.
The general EU testing requirements for textiles are relatively lenient, but obtaining an environmental label, such as the EU Ecolabel, is only possible if the textile retains its properties through dozens of wash cycles. Measurlabs offers the mechanical testing needed to demonstrate fabric durability by stringent quality requirements.
Testing standards and equipment
Mechanical tests are generally performed according to internationally recognized, material-specific standards, which provide an objective framework for assessing the quality of a product. Some of the standardization organizations on whose methods we base our testing catalog include ISO, DIN, ASTM, EN, and TAPPI.
The most common piece of equipment used in mechanical testing is the universal tester, which can apply various types of pressure on the test specimen, enabling the determination of tensile strength, compression strength, and other fundamental properties. Standard-specific equipment is also commonly used.
Measurlabs offers both standardized and custom mechanical tests for product development and quality assurance. If you wish to discuss the testing options most appropriate for your product or material, do not hesitate to contact our experts.
Questions?
Mechanical testing expert Ville Roininen is happy to help.
Our experts are at your service
When you order mechanical testing services from Measurlabs, we will assign a dedicated testing expert to oversee your project and answer any questions you may have. You will also benefit from a results accuracy guarantee, clear reporting, and competitive pricing and turnaround times.
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Have questions or need help? Email us at info@measurlabs.com or call +358 50 336 6128.