Material & Product Performance

Automotive materials are tested for a wide range of original & resistance properties, which are assessed in a variety of ways.

Test Sample Preparation

We can produce standard test specimens by injection moulding of thermoplastics (ISO dumbells & flat ungrained plaques & tiles,) & compression moulding of Rubber compound. We also supply flat plaques for painting in order to assess coating performance, & can also remove suitable testpieces from a wide range of products.

Material Testing

Smithers Rapra have been testing polymer materials for as long as polymers have existed. In addition to general physical properties, we routinely assess a diverse range of functional & aesthetic qualities including the following:

• Light & UV or accelerated weathering by Xenon Arc & UV weatherometers.
• Chemical resistance covering everything from coolant to coffee.
• Odour, fogging & volatile emissions.
• Scratch, wear, abrasion, crocking, adhesion.
• Colour, gloss, light transmission (haze)
• Flammability