Material Testing Laboratories and Services

Standards

There are several standards related to materials testing, including ASTM international standards like ASTM E8/E8M (metals) and ASTM D638 (plastics), that define methods for tensile, compression, flexure, and non-destructive testing. ISO standards related to materials testing include ISO 6892 (metallic tensile testing), ISO 527 (plastics tensile testing), and ISO 178 (flexure testing), while BS EN materials testing standards ensure construction materials, metals, and products meet strict safety, quality, and performance requirements through standardized procedures. Key testing areas include compressive strength of concrete (BS EN 12390-3), tensile strength of metals (BS EN ISO 6892), and soil/aggregate properties.

Materials Testing at TWI

TWI’s materials and testing laboratory facilities and systems span the full range of methods for assessing the properties and structural integrity of materials and products.

We offer a range of materials testing services for metals, composites, polymers, resins and elastomers to determine properties, performance, strength, durability and resistance to factors such as corrosion and fatigue. Our high quality material inspection services help you to ensure that your materials are compliant to standards, safe, and fit for purpose.

All TWI materials laboratory tests and services can be conducted to (international/national) standards or as bespoke testing solutions to meet customer requirements. Our materials testing laboratories cover aggressive environment testing, corrosion tests, fatigue and mechanical testing, fracture, hydrogen testing, residual stress measurement, welded polymer testing, and combinations of these test methods.

Our testing facilities have achieved UKAS-accreditation and are supported by a range of material analysis and characterisation equipment, as well as non-destructive testing and condition monitoring capabilities, including chemical analysis sampling and testing capabilities.

With decades of experience of testing material properties, TWI has worked as a trusted partner with many of the biggest global names in industry, including brands operating in aerospace, transport, power, energy, construction, medical and marine applications to provide quality control to ensure components can withstand their intended lifespan.

In addition to our standard materials testing capabilities, we also offer a wide range of bespoke services for materials selection, application, certification and failure analysis, providing a cost-effective one-stop-shop for your materials testing needs.

Details of the state-of-the-art testing equipment and systems available at TWI can be found via the links below:

Materials and Coatings Analysis

• Analysis and characterisation  – including optical, SEM microscopy and x-ray diffractometric systems

Standard and Bespoke Testing

• Aggressive environment testing – fracture and fatigue testing in sour (H2S), sweet (CO2) and other corrosive environments; at a range of temperatures and pressures.
• Corrosion testing  – covering aqueous, small scale testing
• Fracture and mechanical testing
• Fatigue testing
• Hydrogen testing
• Residual stress measurement
• Welded polymer testing

Full-Scale Testing Facilities

• Full scale chain test-rig
• Pressure pit
• Resonance testing

Non-Destructive Testing and Condition Monitoring Systems

• NDT testing
• Condition monitoring

For more information on our materials testing services, please email contactus@twi.co.uk.