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MECHANICAL
Mechanical testing provides an exact determination of the mechanical properties of materials including metals or plastics. Static and/or dynamic loading in our computer-controlled tensile tester allows for varied test conditions which can be precisely repeated time and time again, for evaluation of both standard specimens and actual assemblies. Tensile and Yield Strength determinations are important mechanical tests, as well as Elongation and Reduction of Area. Hardness evaluations are a required test for many aerospace, automotive, and military applications. Impact testing is useful for predicting toughness of materials at a specific temperature.
TESTING SERVICES
Tension & Compression
Mechanical testing of material is the most widely used test to determine the materials capability for specific applications. Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, Elongation, and Reduction of Area are the properties that are generally used for specifying the material requirements. Special applications such as lifting devices, actual assemblies, and sectional pieces can be tested by proof load, crush strength, push out tests, etc.
Hardness / Rockwell / Brinell
Hardness of material is dependent on the processing of the part by heat treatment, cold working, aging, etc. Different hardness scales are utilized due to material thickness and hardness. For example, a thin sheet of material is tested using a superficial scale that will not penetrate too deep into the surface. Brinell hardness utilizes a large carbide ball, and the hardness test is over a larger area than Rockwell hardness. This is for material that is not homogenous such as castings.
Charpy Impact / Izod & V-Notch
Impact testing to ASTM E23 is used to determine a materials ability to absorb energy over a specific area or cross section. This test is highly useful in welding applications to determine the relative toughness of the weld area, as compared to the parent material. Evaluating a series of impact tests over a range of temperatures will result in a determination of the materials "Transition Temperature" in which a material changes from a ductile material to a brittle material.
Microhardness
Microhardness is performed on cross sections that are metallographically prepares, and is used for evaluating case hardness, plating hardness, phase hardness, etc.
RR Moore Fatigue Tester
Industry standard for rotating fatigue testing. The sample is loaded in a bending moment while being rotated, resulting in an alternating surface compression and tension. This test is used for various applications including metals, plastics, and adhesives.
MACHINE SHOP
A full-service, highly equipped machine shop at our facility provides sample preparation in order for the various departments to perform their tests. It is extremely important that all samples are made according to ASTM procedures. Some mechanical testing requires fixtures that are made to properly secure the sample for testing. This is done in-house under the supervision of our technicians. Our machine shop plays an important role in providing exceptional service to our customers.
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