Occasions can arise where products degrade unexpectedly fast in service due to subcomponent break down attacked by the operational environment. This can result in premature failure of the product in service, damage to a products reputation or replacement / consequential damage costs. Thus, it is desirable to establish the compatibility of the product materials with the micro-environment, inside or outside the product, in which they operate.

These issues can be highlighted by the customer as a result of risk analysis (FMEA) during the design stage of a product for a particular application or by early life failures in the field. Alternatively a product’s quality reputation may suffer if the degradation effects cause unacceptably short product shelf life or if lifetimes are relatively short with respect to downstream manufacturing and logistics delivery times to the point of use.

The laboratory can offer a bespoke product testing service combining the controlled simulation of chemical and environmental conditions under normal or accelerated temperatures together with the chemical and physical characterisation of the material both before and after the study, as well as appropriate advice on design modification to alleviate or improve the situation.

Please contact Tim Lee, Dr. Steve Jenkins or Mike Ellicott to confidentially discuss your requirements with our staff and find out how LPD Lab Services can help you.