Mechanical Testing
Accurate, Certified testing for all industries
SMS Labs is equipped to put your material to the test. Determining mechanical properties is required in validating raw material and ensuring your parts are fit to withstand the task at hand. Customers utilize our mechanical test methods for failure analysis, material validations, reverse engineering, product development/R&D, and more. Samples may be raw stock, finished parts, or weld joints.
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Tensile Testing
Next Day Service Guarantee for Standard, Pre-Machined Tensile Tests on pulls up to 60,0000 pounds for up to 5 bars.
Tensile testing measures material strength and ductility under tension, aiding in development, quality control, and certification. Test samples include finished products, raw stock, and welded parts.
- Ultimate Tensile Strength (Breaking Force)
- Yield Strength
- Elongation
- Reduction of Area
Typical data obtained from tensile testing includes
Equipment:
- Tinius Olsen Super L Hydraulic Universal Testing Machine. 60,000 lbs capacity (Tension & Compression)
- Instron 4202 Electro-Mechanical Tensile Test Machine. 2,500 lbs capacity (Tension & Compression)
- Mark 10 ESM 301L Motorized Test Stand w/ Series 5 Advanced Digital Force Gauge. 300 lbs capacity (Tension & Compression).
Hardness Testing
Knowing a material's resistance to deformation is crucial when designing parts, investigating issues, or comparing materials. The hardness test choice depends on the material, sample size, or specifications. Sturbridge Metallurgical can analyze various parts to determine their hardness profiles.
Microhardness Testing Using Vickers & Knoop:
Microhardness testing is common in labs. Vickers is suitable for most metals with a uniform diamond shape for measurement. Knoop is for brittle or thin materials, using an elongated diamond shape. Parts are cut and hot mounted for accuracy.
Rockwell & Superficial Rockwell Hardness Testing:
Rockwell hardness is the most commonly known and requested hardness test, consisting of seven (7) different scales: HRA, HRB, HRC, HRD, HRE, HRF and HRG. The superficial Rockwell scale is used for brittle and thinner materials.
Durometer Hardness Testing:
Durometer hardness testing is used for measuring the hardness of rubbers, polymers and elastomers. The durometer hardness test is also referred to as the Shore Durometer test and is typically performed to the Shore A or Shore D scales.
Other hardness testing methods like Brinell or Portable hardness testing for larger parts can be performed. Let Sturbridge Metallurgical help you choose the right hardness testing. We can handle small lab jobs or ongoing production lab work to suit your needs.
Bond Strength Testing (Coatings)
Determine material strength and ductility under compressive stresses. Data from testing aids in product development and quality control. Test samples may include finished products, raw stock, and welded components.
- Tinius Olsen Super L Hydraulic Testing Machine, 60,000 lbs capacity.
- Instron 4202 machine, 2500 lbs capacity, tension/compression.
- Mark 10 ESM 301L Motorized Test Stand with Series 5 Gauge. 300 lbs capacity.
Equipment
Bend & Compression Testing
Bend Testing
Simple, qualitative test used to assess the ductility and soundness of a material, commonly applied in quality control for butt-welded joints, due to its simplicity in both test piece and equipment.
Compression Testing
A compression test is used to assess how a material responds to crushing forces. Samples are compressed, and deformation at specific loads is recorded based on customer requirements. Overall compression strength and other characteristics can be determined.
Quality Accreditations
ISO/NADCAP/GE/PW Accredited
Certified to deliver precise, internationally recognized results.
Fast Turnaround Times
Quick, efficient processing to keep your manufacturing timelines on track.
Experience Matters
Our team of seasoned engineers and techs bring decades of hands-on industry knowledge.
Detailed & Defensible Reports
Clear, illustrated reports with actionable insights and data integrity.
Why choose us?
Trusted by leading industry professionals for reliable result, expert analysis and unmatched quality of service.
About SMS Labs
Sturbridge Metallurgical Services was founded in 1990 in Sturbridge, MA, by President, Courtney Grimes. Our small, independent testing lab has outgrown three locations through the years, before settling into our current home at 8 Picker Road in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Our lab offers a complete range of materials testing and analysis services, and we've expanded into sales of a full line of metallographic equipment and supplies.
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