ASTM Testing Services
Micom Laboratories is an ASTM-certified laboratory accredited by the A2LA for numerous ASTM testing methods. Our ASTM testing services include coating and surface testing such as ASTM B117 UV testing, polymer and material testing such as ASTM D638 tensile strength testing, and packaging testing such as ASTM D4169 Testing for Shipping Containers and Systems. ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards cover a wide range of test methods, practices, and material specifications. Many of these test methods are product or test-specific. Micom is pleased to offer its customers over 100 different ASTM tests. Contact us for additional information on our ASTM testing services or to discuss your ASTM testing specific needs.
What is ASTM Testing?
ASTM testing refers to the procedures and standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to assess the performance and quality of materials and products made of plastics, composites, rubber, metals, and more. These tests cover a wide range of industries from automotive and aerospace to electronics and medical devices, providing crucial benchmarks for safety, reliability, and compliance across all sectors.
ANSI vs ASTM
The difference between ANSI and ASTM lies in their scope and function. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) coordinates the American voluntary standards system and facilitates the development of standards. On the other hand, ASTM creates and publishes technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. In short, ANSI focuses on standardization processes, while ASTM develops specific standards.
ASTM Testing Services by Product and Test Category
Explore our comprehensive ASTM testing services with related ASTM methods, designed to ensure your products meet rigorous standards for safety, durability, and performance.
ASTM Coating and Surface Testing
- UV Testing – ASTM G155, ASTM G154, ASTM D7869
- Environmental Testing (climatic chamber testing)
- Taber Abrasion – ASTM D4060
- Pull-off strength of coatings ASTM D4541
- Gloss – ASTM D523
- Salt Spray – ASTM B117
- Scratch Resistance – ASTM D3363
- Adhesives – ASTM C297
- Mandrel Bend Test – ASTM D522
- Adhesion Tape Test – ASTM D3359
- Pencil Hardness – ASTM D3363
- Impact – ASTM D2794
- Falling Abrasive Resistance – ASTM D968
ASTM Polymers and Material Testing
- Tensile Strength – ASTM D638, ASTM D1623, ASTM D2990, ASTM D5574
- Compressive Strength – ASTM D695, ASTM D2990, ASTM D4762
- Flexural Strength – ASTM D790, ASTM D3043, ASTM D5616
- Foam – ASTM D3574
- Moisture Absorption – ASTM D570
- Particle Board Testing – ASTM D1037
- Specific Gravity – ASTM D792
- Climbing Peel for Adhesives – ASTM D1781
ASTM Packaging Testing
- Vibration – ASTM D999
- Random Vibrations – ASTM D4728
- Drop – ASTM D5276
- Compression – ASTM D642
- Incline Impact – ASTM D880
- Temperature & Humidity Cycling
- Practice on Shipping containers – ASTM D4169
- High Altitude – ASTM D6653
Navigating ASTM and Other Standards for Effective Material Testing
Some material testing services require broader approaches, frequently incorporating test methods or standards beyond ASTM. Take, for instance, ASTM G155, which outlines practices for accelerated exposure using Xenon Arc. While it guides on the procedure, it lacks specifics like irradiance levels, test duration, and criteria for passing or failing—such as changes in color, gloss, or haze. Hence, you can’t test to ASTM G155 unless you can fix all of the necessary operational parameters. These parameters are typically found in purchasing or technical specifications or within other standards that draw upon practices and test methods. If your specific application does not have such references, our experts will be happy to assist you in deciding which ones are appropriate to your project.
For example, let’s assume that you need to do a UV testing evaluation to validate a new coating you want to use on an outdoor terminal box.
A proper way to specify your testing using ASTM test methods might be:
- Test samples as per ASTM G155, Cycle 1 (there are many cycles that will give you different test results)
- 2,000 hours exposure
- Before and after exposure, measure the coating’s gloss at 60o, as per ASTM D523.
- Gloss difference shall not be more than 10 units
Whether you want to validate your products using ASTM tests or any other standard/specification, working your way through standards can be a tedious process. Our experts will be happy to assist you in preparing a test plan that works for you and gives you real answers.
Why Work With Our ASTM Testing Lab
As a specialist materials testing laboratory, we are proud to offer you our ASTM testing expertise to ensure that your products meet the highest standards of safety and performance. Choosing Micom for your ASTM testing means having access to:
- Unrivalled expertise: Our team has in-depth knowledge and years of experience, guaranteeing accurate and reliable test results. In particular, we specialize in ASTM tests specific to materials aging and packaging.
- Comprehensive, customized test plans: At Micom, we tailor our testing services beyond ASTM standards to meet your specific needs and complex product requirements.
- Customer-centric approach: Committed to providing exceptional, specialized value and service, we are known for building long-term partnerships with our customers.
- Fast turnaround and value-based pricing: We are committed to delivering your results quickly and at a cost that brings you significant value.
- Global compliance: We help your products meet the necessary international standards, facilitating worldwide distribution without the burden of in-house testing.
- ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation: Our accreditation guarantees that your products meet the most stringent quality and performance standards.
By partnering with Micom for your ASTM testing, you are assured of expert advice and relevant testing that will give you a strategic advantage in terms of your product’s competitiveness and reliability on the market.
Additional Material Testing Methods Related to ASTM Testing
Micom offers a wide range of testing services closely related to our ASTM testing services. To find out more about these specific tests, we invite you to consult the following resources packaging testing, corrosion testing, polymer testing and coating testing.
If you have any questions about our ASTM testing services, we invite you to contact our material testing laboratory today. It will be our pleasure to answer your questions and review your custom ASTM testing requirements.
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