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Material Development & Testing Equipment

Here’s an overview of our material development and testing equipment:

We utilize a Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectrometer to analyze material samples. The samples are subjected to an infrared beam to produce a recordable spectrum that can be used to identify and verify material ingredients.
We also use a Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) on material samples. By fractionation (material separation) at elevated temperatures, our TGA helps us determine the quantities of ingredients in a given sample.
The most commonly referenced physical property is material hardness as expressed in either durometer points or International Rubber Hardness Degrees (IRHD). We can conduct durometer tests per ASTM D 2240 and IRHD tests per ASTM D 1415.
Our Instron® tensile / compression tester allows us to conduct in-house tensile tests per ASTM D 412. Featuring a compression load cell, our tester also enables us to run compression-deflection tests as described in ASTM D 575. Comparing test results allows us to verify material consistency and to predict material performance.
We have six elevated temperature Blue M® ovens. These are horizontal airflow convection ovens, and they feature microprocessor-based controls. These ovens allow us to anticipate material performance in high temperatures based on the results of tests described in ASTM D 573. Our Blue M ovens also facilitate compression set testing, and we have our own compression set test fixtures. Because compression set can cause an elastomeric part (such as an O-ring) to lose sealability, gauging compression set characteristics via tests described in ASTM D 395 can be very helpful when selecting a material.
We have a heating block manufactured by Akron Rubber Development Laboratory (ARDL) that lets us conduct elevated temperature fluid resistance tests as detailed in ASTM D 471. Fluid resistance tests enable us to evaluate how well a material will withstand the potentially degrading effects of fluids in simulated service conditions. We use a fume hood for solvent capture during flammable fluid tests.
We have two shaft seal endurance testers with multiple variable controls that allow us to test the effectiveness of seal designs. Our testers let us control test head temperature, shaft speed and rotational direction, shaft-to-bore misalignment, dynamic runout, and sump temperature, all with an eye toward simulating anticipated service conditions. New designs can be evaluated and existing designs refined based on the results of this testing.
On the subject of shaft seal testing, we can also gauge radial lip force using an electronic split-shaft tester. As described in RMA Handbook OS-6, lip force tests are important because they can help make sure that a shaft seal lip will not exert either too much or too little force on the shaft.
Our hydrostatic tester with chamber allows us to run hose burst tests per ASTM D 380. Because they record the pressure at which a hose sample ruptures, burst tests give a very clear indication of a hose’s ability to withstand a given pressure situation. We can also conduct coupling and outside diameter (O.D.) swell tests.
Because some parts will be expected to function in extreme cold or extreme heat (or, in some very severe applications, both), we employ a Thermotron® environmental test chamber to conduct high and low temperature tests. Our test chamber can handle hot-cold cycling from -73° C to 177° C (-100° F to 350° F).
We use a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) to verify the proper state of cure for a given part. Our DSC also allows us to gauge the glass transition temperature (Tg) for materials or compounds.