Laboratory for Materials and Components Testing
A team of qualified test engineers and materials testing technicians perform a wide range of quasi-static, cyclic, and dynamic impact tests at our ZwickRoell testing laboratories in Ulm, on the customer's behalf.
All testing conducted in ZwickRoell testing laboratories is performed carefully, diligently, and according to standards. We rely on our test engineers and materials testing technicians' many years of experience and sound expertise. With the expertise and extensive equipment provided by our ZwickRoell testing laboratories, we also offer you the ideal solution to achieve reliable test results in a fast, flexible and cost effective manner. We completely customize for all branches of industry and materials, whether metals, plastics, rubber or composites, in the automotive, medical or other industry—you will find yourself in good hands.
Wide range of testing options with more than 50 testing systems and 2,000 accessories
All testing conducted in ZwickRoell testing laboratories is performed carefully, diligently, and according to standards. In our testing laboratories we perform contract testing and subcontract testing of any kind. Our rapid response times enable us to provide you with fast test results. By prior arrangement, we can also provide express testing.
We also develop and manufacture the necessary adaptations and devices for your specific testing needs.
Overview of the various options we offer:
- Statische materials testing machines up to 1,200 kN
- Vibrophores up to 500 kN
- Servohydraulic materials testing machines up to 250 kN
- High-speed testing machines
- Pendulum impact testers with multi-channel systems to gather test data (for example, single strain gauge)
- Hardness testers for all common methods
- Melt flow index testers, HDT/ Vicat stereo microscope
- Comprehensive range of accessories including specimen grips, extensometers, specimen preparation and temperature conditioning devices
- Components testing
- Test rig with portal frames for oversized and multi-axial components testing up to 250 kN
- Linear motor testing machines up to 10 kN
- Wide range of accessories: Our portfolio includes testing with optical extensometers (videoXtens, laserXtens), testing in temperature chambers, and testing with strain gauge applications.
Testing to Standards or Special Customer Requests
For more than 35 years, experienced test engineers and materials testing technicians have been performing a wide range of tests quickly and reliably according to customer orders. Implementing your specific standards is easy for us.
- We have access to a large archive of standards (e.g. tensile testing, hardness testing, impact testing,...) and look forward to supporting you in finding solutions for your testing requirements.
- Implementing your specific standards is easy for us, regardless of whether it is a single test or a complete test series. Our many experts offer specific know-how and years of experience.
- We regularly put our efficiency to the test by participating in round robin tests.
Watch Tests Live via Video Transmission
ZwickRoell testing laboratories are equipped with all of the latest multimedia options required for video conferencing and live demonstrations. This provides an opportunity, in particular for international customers or those who are at farther distances, to participate live in contract testing and preliminary tests on a regular basis.
Customers can ask questions and comment on the test sequence during the test that is transmitted in detail, and at the end can discuss the test result with the responsible team member. In contrast to receiving a simple test report, customers get a more sophisticated picture of how their specimens or components are being tested and when and how the material failure occurred.
Comprehensive documentation of your tests
Once your testing is complete, your test results are sent to you quickly in a PDF file format. Upon request, you will also receive the raw data for each individually identified measuring point of your test so you can perform an independent analysis.
By prior arrangement, we can also provide you with photo documentation and additional test reports or testing evaluations.
- The test reports describe the condition of the specimen, the test arrangement, possible problems and testing characteristics, as well as concrete solutions.
- Special evaluations are also possible and can be implemented in-house by our specialists through software add-ons and modifications.
- If needed, you also receive the tXp ZSE file to be imported into the software on your ZwickRoell materials testing machine.
All of our laboratories' materials testing machines and instruments are calibrated regularly, with the majority according to the German National Accreditation Body DAkkS. If needed, we can send you the calibration reports.
Metals Testing Laboratory
The ZwickRoell Laboratory for Materials and Components Testing will support you with any testing requirement surrounding metals. We supply standard-compliant testing solutions for all established test standards (DIN, ISO, ASTM, etc.) and specimen shapes (flat specimens, round specimens, concrete-reinforcing steel, wire, castings, etc.). From preparation of the specimen material and testing, to evaluation and analysis of test results, the ZwickRoell testing laboratory offers expert metals testing.
- Tensile, compression, and flexure tests (including at temperature)
- Hardness tests to all established methods
- Fatigue tests and fracture mechanics
- High-speed tests
- Biaxial and torsion tests
- Component testing
Battery Testing Laboratory
The lab offers a wide range of tests aimed at both individual cell components and complete battery cells. These include specialized tests such as foil tensile tests and adhesion tests on electrodes, supplemented by temperature-controlled tests on entire cells. Our testing experts also perform tensile strength tests on separators, copper and aluminum foils and housing components.
The scope further includes critical evaluations of weld seam and seal strength, shear strength of weld seams and connections, puncture resistance of separator foils and the adhesive strength of electrode coatings and insulation materials. Fatigue tests on welded joints and pressure resistance tests on batteries and their components are also part of the extensive test procedures. In addition, electrical conductivity, compressibility and mechanical parameters can be measured to support precise simulations and well-founded development decisions.
The tests serve to ensure the quality and performance of batteries in different application areas. Upon request, ZwickRoell develops customized testing concepts, offers advice on battery testing-related questions and performs tests on the customer’s behalf with complete confidentiality. Two experienced application engineers advise customers on the selection of the right test methods and support them in carrying out the battery tests.
Testing Laboratory for Plastics, Rubber and Composites
The ZwickRoell Laboratory for Materials and Components Testing is one of the largest testing labs for polymers, composites (GFRP, CFRP), and elastomers in Germany. Since at ZwickRoell we manufacture our own equipment, we always use systems with the latest technology. The benefits are obvious: maximum result precision and efficient testing.
- Tensile, compression, and flexure tests (IS0 527, ASTM D638, ISO 178, etc.)
- Tests at temperature (-40°C to +250°C)
- Puncture tests and push-out tests
- Melt flow index tests (ISO 1133, ASTM D1238, etc.)
- Impact tests to Izod and Charpy, tensile impact tests (ISO 179, ASTM 6110, ISO 180, etc.)
- Drop-weight tests
- Fatigue tests and component testing
- Hardness testing according to all common methods
Testing Laboratory for Automotive and Mechanical Engineering
The many and varied testing challenges in the automotive industry and in mechanical engineering call for extensive experience in this area. From simple materials testing to complex component testing—our test engineers' experience and support are at your disposal. ZwickRoell machinery is equipped with testing systems for static and dynamic tests on threaded fasteners, CT specimens, springs, gears, crankshafts, and much more.
- Tensile, compression, and flexure tests (ISO 6892, etc.)
- Tests at temperature (-40°C to +900°C)
- Hardness tests to all established methods (Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell, etc.)
- Fatigue tests and fracture mechanics
- Sheet metal testing (for example, cupping tests to Erichsen (DIN EN ISO 20482), earing tests (DIN EN 1669), etc.)
- Impact tests up to 750 J (Charpy, Izod, Brugger, impact tensile and wedge-impact tests to all established standards)
- Component testing
- Specimen preparation (specimen blanking and specimen grinding)
Testing Laboratory for Medical Engineering and the Pharmaceutical Industry
There is hardly any other industry where seamless and dependable quality control is as important as in the medical and pharmaceutical industry. The ZwickRoell testing laboratory will assist you with these testing challenges and will be happy to advise you on the various test methods. Our lab is equipped with both static and dynamic testing machines, which enables us to perform testing in accordance with all established test standards from the medical engineering and pharmaceutical industry. The testing spectrum covers diverse items such as medical packaging, implants and therapy systems, as well as biomaterials and injection systems.
- Static tests (tensile tests, compression tests, flexure tests)
- Tests at temperature (37 °C chamber)
- Tests in fluid baths (including temperature-conditioned test)
- Fatigue tests
- Biaxial tests
- Special testing solutions according to customer requirements, also with qualified testing systems (DQ, IQ, OQ)
Testing Laboratory for Paper, Textiles, Food Products and Other Materials
With a history spanning over 35 years, almost every type of material and component has passed through the ZwickRoell testing laboratory as part of many customer projects. The list ranges from texture and viscosity tests on different food products (noodles, baked goods, fruit, dairy products, etc.) to a variety of tests on textiles (yarns, ropes, fabrics, geotextiles, etc.). Other materials, on which mechanical properties have been tested in our laboratory, include various sports products (skis, running shoes, tennis rackets, etc.) and technology products (smart phones, laptops, cameras, etc.).
- Tests on paper/corrugated board (flexure tests, burst tests, compression tests, box crush tests, etc.)
- Tests on food products (viscosity tests on dairy products and sauces, texture analysis with indenter, shear tests, flexure tests, cutting tests, etc.)
- Tests on packaging (peel tests, sealed-seam strength tests, compression tests, function tests, etc.)
- Tests on textiles (tensile tests, tear-growth tests, burst tests, adhesion tests, etc.)
- Tests on mechatronics (switch testing, checking spot-soldered joints, tests on actuators, tests on cables, etc.)
- Tests on wood (tensile tests, flexure tests, compression tests, etc.)
- Tests on building materials (roof tiles, wall tiles, insulating material, etc.)
