At the product design stage, accurate testing and evaluation can save time, money and labor by providing valuable information before production.
Element engineering and failure analysis experts can test your prototype to the point of failure—both expected and unexpected—while there is still time to make critical modifications to your product or process.
Factors in a failure at the design stage
A failure analysis determines the failure initiation location(s), the mode of failure, and whether a material defect contributed to the failure. While these facts are important, the load or loads that generated the failure are just as, or even more important, to understanding and preventing future failures.
Load testing and laboratory-generated failure
During the design of most components, the expected loads are determined, and these are used to design the component. In actual applications, these loads are generally not well known, and can be significantly different than assumed in the design phase. Setting up and running a well controlled laboratory test, evaluation or simulation can lead to a much better understanding of the strength of the component, and if the assumed loading tests (during design) results in the same type of failure as occurred in service. In addition, once the load test is set up, improved product or prototype designs can be evaluated much more quickly than in a field evaluation.
Eliminate product failure surprises with prototype testing
In most product lab tests or simulations, the object is to break or generate a failure of the component or structure. However, often the evaluation or simulation results in an unexpected failure. A failure analysis performed on a laboratory-generated failure can provide just as much insight into the performance of the component as the analysis of the field failure. In our product testing laboratories, Element testing experts help you fully understand your product and its potential, and plan for a successful production and distribution.