The Applied Technical Services rubber testing labs conduct testing and analysis on rubber components for manufacturers in several different industries. Manufacturers select component materials for use in their products based on the expected performance capabilities of those chosen materials. For example, tires need to be durable enough to withstand normal driving conditions, pliable enough to deform without breaking when exposed to stress, elastic enough to snap back into shape after they have been deformed by extreme amounts of pressure, and tough enough to resist failure due to tearing. To ensure that the rubber they choose will perform to expectations during end use, OEMs send samples to a third party that specializes in analyzing their material — like Applied Technical Services’ rubber testing labs.
Methods Used in Our Rubber Testing Labs
ATS offers a list of mechanical and chemical tests that will determine the characteristics of clients’ test materials, whether for quality control or failure analysis purposes. ATS’ rubber testing labs perform the following rubber-related testing methods, for which we are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (A2LA) accredited to conduct to their to their relevant ASTM standards:Tensile Testing
- Tensile strength, percent elongation, breaking point of material
- Properties are highly dependent on the test speed and should be closely controlled
- ASTM D412, ASTM D638, ISO 527-1, DIN 53504
- A2LA Accredited
Durometer Hardness
- Tests resistance to deformation under load
- Categorized into various scales depending on type of rubber (Shore A or Shore D)
- ASTM D2240, DIN 53505
- A2LA Accredited
Compression Set Testing
- Tests durability and elasticity, either in air liquid media
- Only used for rubber
- Determines material’s ability to retain its original shape after being subjected to extended periods of compressive loads
- Applied either at set deflection or force at different temperatures
- ASTM D395
Polymer Identification
- Uses FTIR method
- Analyzes chemical makeup of polymer
- Can be used for quality control, failure analysis, etc.
- ASTM E1252
- A2LA Accredited
About Applied Technical Services
For over 50 years, ATS has provided world-class testing, inspection, and engineering consulting services. We serve clients from around the globe who lead a variety of industries.
ATS doesn’t only analyze rubber materials, either; our polymer testing laboratories regularly test plastics, resins, and other polymeric materials to determine their various mechanical, chemical, and thermal characteristics.
Our Commitment to Quality
Our labs operate according to our ISO 9001:2015 registered quality management system. By attuning our procedures to the internationally recognized standard for quality assurance practices, ATS is able to deliver continually improving services to our clientele.
As a result of our commitment to quality, ATS ensures that clients receive clear and accurate reporting from our testing personnel. These experts in their respective fields of mechanical testing and chemical analysis pledge to remain engaged, accessible, and responsive to our clients’ needs throughout the testing process. It is due to the combination of their expertise and access to our regularly calibrated equipment that ATS can deliver these accurate results quickly. Our rubber testing labs are well equipped to handle your polymer testing needs.
If your company needs to characterize a rubber sample for either material qualification or failure analysis, contact ATS today – we take a closer look
