A materials test is a procedure for determining the properties of a material. Materials tests are typically very lengthy procedures that involve a detailed assessment with the goal of learning as much about the material as possible. Materials testing is required by law in many parts of the world for new products that are about to hit the market, and it is also done on older products on a regular basis.
Material testing usually begins with determining the material’s basic properties. The material is also stressed to determine if it is flammable, what conditions can make it dangerous, how much weight it can bear, and whether it can withstand caustic chemicals. Materials testing entails a thorough examination of a material’s physical and chemical properties, including everything from its composition to its ability to conduct electricity.
Due to the fact that many countries have extensive safety standards that govern products sold to consumers, a materials test also includes testing to determine whether or not a product complies with those standards. A child’s toy, for example, might be tested to see if it’s a choking hazard or to see if the plastic it’s made of offgases, releasing harmful chemicals that could harm a child. Materials tests also include evaluations of paints, coatings, and all components to look for potentially dangerous items.
This type of testing is done in a highly controlled lab that adheres to strict guidelines. Standards set by governing bodies such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) are usually followed by labs, ensuring that tests in any lab are equally rigorous and repeatable. Electrical testing, plastics testing, and other materials testing procedures are typically specialized in laboratories.
A materials test can be carried out for quality assurance as well as for safety. Products that have been cleared for sale can be retested to ensure that they are still of the same high quality and to look for signs of adulteration or alterations that could make them dangerous. Calibration during a materials test to confirm that instruments are measuring things correctly, and tests to confirm that the manufacturing process is truly standardized, ensuring that every product is the same, are examples of quality assurance activities.