Failure analysis and special tests for plastic products

The SKZ Plastics Center has been a renowned partner for the plastics industry for more than 60 years. With its wide range of testing and analysis services, the SKZ makes a significant contribution to quality assurance and the promotion of innovation in the industry.

Last year, the expert knowledge on the topics of specialized testing methods and individual analyses was bundled in the newly founded “Special Services and Expert Reports” group in order to be able to respond even better to individual customer requirements. Special examinations are often required for damage analyses and expert reports in particular, as standard tests are not always sufficient. In such cases, the experts carry out readjustment tests in order to create realistic conditions for the evaluation of plastic parts. Customers benefit from the many years of experience and comprehensive know-how of the SKZ specialists.

Damage analysis of plastic products
The damage analysis usually begins with a telephone or written inquiry, followed by an initial inspection of the damaged and reference parts submitted. Based on the information provided – such as material specifications, conditions of use and frequency of damage – an individual offer is prepared. In more complex cases, preliminary discussions can take place on site at the SKZ.

The subsequent investigation is carried out in accordance with VDI guideline 3822 "Failure analysis – Damage to thermoplastic products". SKZ’s expertise in this field is underlined by the involvement of its specialists in the preparation of this guideline. The SKZ’s neutral and well-founded approach is also recognized and appreciated by courts.

Once the inspections have been completed, customers receive a detailed test report or expert opinion, which is supplemented by comprehensive image documentation. Follow-up discussions and further investigations can be carried out on request.

Spectroscopy and physical-chemical testing
In addition to damage analysis, the SKZ offers extensive testing services for material characterization. Spectroscopy provides in-depth insights into the molecular structure of plastics and is used to identify foreign materials, impurities or material defects. It is used in research and development as well as in quality assurance and damage analysis.

In addition, the SKZ has a broad portfolio of physical-chemical test methods, including
– Chemical resistance e.g. DIN EN ISO 175
– Dehydrochlorination (DHC) e.g. DIN 53381-1, DIN EN ISO 182-2, DIN EN ISO 182-3
– Dichloromethane test (DCMT) e.g. DIN EN ISO 9852
– Density e.g. DIN EN ISO 1183-1, DIN EN ISO 1183-3, ASTM D 792
– Extraction/plasticizer content e.g. DIN EN ISO 176, DIN EN ISO 6427, ISO 1407 a. DIN EN ISO 176, DIN EN ISO 6427, ISO 1407
– Fiber and filler or ash content a. DIN EN ISO 3451-1, -4 and -5, DIN EN ISO 1172
– Fogging behavior a. DIN 75201
– Odor behavior a. VDA 270
– Hardness a. DIN ISO 48-2 and -4, DIN ISO 7619-1 and -2, DIN EN ISO 868, EN 1107-2, DIN EN 59, DIN EN ISO 2039-1
– Carbon black content a.o. ISO 6964, ASTM D 1603, DIN EN ISO 11358-1
– Salt spray test a.o. DIN EN ISO 9227
– Stress cracking resistance a.o. DIN EN ISO 22088-3, ISO 16770
– Degree of cross-linking a.o. DIN 16892, DIN EN ISO 10147
– Heat distortion temperature (HDT, Vicat) DIN EN ISO 75-1, -2, -3, DIN EN ISO 306
– Thermal conductivity using the laser flash method (LFA)

These methods are used in various industries, including the automotive, medical technology, construction and packaging industries.

Further information on SKZ services in the field of testing.

The SKZ is climate protection company and a member of the Zuse Association. This is an association of independent, industry-related research institutions that pursue the goal of improving the performance and competitiveness of industry, especially SMEs, through innovation and networking.