Services

Spectrographic Analysis (SANAS accredited)

Our laboratory has a modern Optical Emission Spectrograph capable of analysing five bases.

1) Ferrous metals including low alloys, high alloys and cast irons.

2) Copper Based Alloys

3) Aluminium Based Alloys

4) Zinc Based Alloys

5) Nickel alloys

The laboratory has a wide range of Internationally Certified Standards, across all the bases which are used as a cross reference to all analysis.  The spectrograph is capable of analysing moderately sized samples, as well as smaller samples with a cross section of 8mm. The laboratory is equipped to spectrographically analyse wire samples down to a diameter of 2.0mm.  This method of analysis allows for very little damage to a component, which is beneficial when a machined component needs to be analysed and cannot be destroyed or damaged.

Wet Chemical Analysis

The laboratory has a modern Induction Coupled Plasma (ICP) instrument. The ICP is capable of accurately analysing in both the PPM (Parts Per Million) and the high percentage concentration levels.  The laboratory has a wide range of internationally Certified Standards, across all the bases which are used as cross reference to all analysis.

Our capabilities include, but are not restricted to, all ferrous and non-ferrous materials, water and non-flammable liquid samples, as well as ore samples.  We are equipped to handle ore/rock samples, which can be crushed and pulverised on site in order to prepare them for wet chemical analysis.

We have worked in conjunction with research laboratories in the new field of RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous substances), or SOC’s (Substances Of Concern) analysis, and are capable of doing this analysis on metals, plastics and certain other materials.

Mechanical Testing

SANAS accredited for Tensile testing of materials.

The laboratory has three tensile machines,

1000 Newton

100 Kilonewton (10 ton)

600 Kilonewton (60 ton)

The testing of metallic samples is done in accordance with SANS 6892-1: 2010 ISO 6892-1:2009 and ASTM E8.

We have the capability of testing wire, flat and round tensile test pieces as well as tube / pipe samples to a maximum outside diameter of 38mm.

The 1000 Newton instrument allows for the testing of certain rubbers, plastics and the more delicate materials.

A highly experienced machine shop is used to prepare sample test pieces to precision dimensions as required.

The Charpy Impact tester is calibration and testing is in accordance with both the SANS 0148-1:2007 and the British specification BS EN 10045-1.

The laboratory has a Galileo Hardness Tester for testing to the Rockwell scales, with Standard Testing Blocks for both the ‘B’ and ‘C’ Scales and a Vickers Hardness Tester.  We also have the capability of doing rubber hardness testing to International Rubber Hardness Degrees as well as Shore A and D.

Dezincification Resistance of Brass (ISO 6509) (SANAS accredited)

This is a test performed on brass water fittings components. The laboratory works closely with market leaders and a South African control body with this test method.

X-Ray Fluorescence analysis

Broadening the laboratories chemical analysis capabilities is the XRF. Used for the analysis of minerals, rocks, ores, slags and fertilizers. We are well equipped with a variety of local and international reference standards and by working with our ICP we have also build up a range of customer specific in-house reference samples.

The laboratory has all the facilities needed for sample preparation, from crushing and pulverising samples to industrial drying cupboards for moisture content.

Other major services offered

The laboratory is also equipped with an FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectrometer), used for the identification and comparison of rubbers, plastics and certain organic materials.

Alongside ICP and XRF analysis, it is also important to be able to analyse for Carbon, Sulphur and for certain grades of material Nitrogen, Hydrogen and Oxygen. This analysis is done on our combustion instruments.

Additional Laboratory Capabilities

The following is a list of the most common tests performed by the laboratory. Should you require any information regarding one of these tests or would like to enquire about any other test that does not appear on this list, please contact us.