Different Types of Mechanical Testing Services and Materials
What is Mechanical Testing?
Mechanical testing services are standardized procedures used to assess the mechanical and physical properties of materials. These tests are vital in the design and manufacturing processes, especially when complying with international standards such as those from ISO.
Mechanical testing allows manufacturers to:
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Identify poor-quality materials
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Verify material suitability
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Ensure products meet performance expectations
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Select materials based on application-specific requirements
Five Types of Mechanical Testing – Measuring Material Strength
Mechanical testing helps evaluate a material’s strength across different stress types. These methods are used for metals, plastics, composites, and other industrial materials.
1. Torsion Testing
Torsion testing examines a material’s behavior under twisting forces. It helps determine:
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Shear modulus of elasticity
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Shear yield strength
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Ductility and fracture resistance
Common types of torsion testing include:
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Torsion only – Applying a torsional force
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Proof testing – Holding torsion under time to evaluate stability
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Functional testing – Observing behavior under torsion
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Failure testing – Twisting until the material breaks
Relevant Standard: ISO 7800 – Torsion Testing of Metallic Wire
2. Fatigue Testing
Fatigue testing subjects materials to repeated loading and unloading cycles to determine their endurance. This is critical for parts that face fluctuating loads.
Results are displayed in S-N diagrams, indicating the number of cycles to failure at varying stress levels.
3. Fracture Mechanics Testing
Fracture mechanics testing assesses a material’s tendency to fracture under stress, especially around pre-existing cracks.
It allows evaluation of:
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Fracture toughness
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Brittle fracture behavior
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Grain size
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Case depth analysis
4. Compressive Testing
This test measures how a material behaves under crushing or compressive loads. It is particularly important in component manufacturing, where parts undergo significant compressive forces.
5. Creep Testing
Creep testing (or stress-relaxation testing) evaluates how materials deform under a constant load at elevated temperatures over time. It is crucial for:
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Springs
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Soldered joints
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Heat-affected components
The creep rate is recorded and plotted to analyze performance degradation over time.
Tests to Measure Mechanical Properties
Beyond strength, materials must also be tested for properties such as hardness, stiffness, and corrosion resistance.
Hardness Testing
Used to measure a material’s resistance to indentation or deformation. Common methods include:
Brinell Hardness Test
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Uses a steel ball indenter
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Measures indentation diameter
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Produces Brinell Hardness Number (BHN)
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Ideal for bulk metal and rough surfaces
Vickers Hardness Test
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Uses a diamond indenter
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More accurate for thin materials
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Independent of surface roughness
Corrosion Resistance Testing
Tests a material’s durability in corrosive environments (saline, chemical, or moisture exposure).
Common tests include:
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Salt Spray Testing – Simulates corrosion by exposing metals to a saltwater fog
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CASS Testing – Accelerated corrosion testing for aluminum and chrome plating
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Immersion Corrosion Testing – Immerses the material in aggressive fluids to assess corrosion and weight loss
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Non-Destructive Testing evaluates material properties without causing damage.
Popular NDT Methods:
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Acoustic Emission Testing – Detects active cracks via ultrasonic pulses
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Electromagnetic Testing – Uses electric/magnetic fields to detect flaws, measure thickness, and identify inconsistencies
These tests are vital for structural integrity, especially in components that cannot be physically cut or damaged during evaluation.
Internal and External Audits
- Internal Audit
An internal review of processes, materials, and components to ensure they meet standards before production begins. If materials fail internal testing, alternatives must be found—requiring time, cost, and resources.
- External Audit
An independent organization (like TUV Austria) conducts a compliance audit to evaluate whether the final product meets international standards.
Skipping mechanical testing before audits may lead to non-conformities and loss of certification.
Risks of Avoiding Mechanical Testing
Increased Cost
Using substandard materials can lead to rework, product failures, and inefficient processes—ultimately raising production costs.
Product Failure
A failure in the field can lead to:
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Safety risks
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Legal liabilities
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Brand reputation damage
Possibility of Future Failures
Failure analysis helps identify root causes of a breakdown and enables manufacturers to prevent similar issues in future product cycles.
Who Needs Mechanical Testing Services?
Manufacturers
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Prevent product failure
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Reduce production costs
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Maintain reputation
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Ensure compliance with ISO and other global standards
Material Dealers
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Verify materials meet international specifications
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Build credibility with manufacturers and clients
Customers & Clients
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Ensure the materials used are tested at pre-, mid-, and post-production stages
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Guarantee long-lasting, safe, and high-quality products
Conclusion
Mechanical Testing Services are essential for determining the quality, safety, and suitability of materials used in manufacturing and design. These services provide vital insights that help reduce risk, enhance reliability, and ensure compliance.
If you are looking for a product made from verified, high-performance materials, partner with TUV Austria Bureau of Inspection & Certification. We use cutting-edge technology and international testing standards to help you build products that reflect quality, reliability, and global compliance.
Related Services Offered by TUV Austria Pakistan
In addition to Mechanical Testing Services, we provide: