Unser Prüflabor

Professional Elastomer Testing

The Importance of Elastomer Testing

“Every beginning is difficult” says the known proverb. This is also true about the use of elastomers in novel applications. Nevertheless, because of our long experience in the testing technology and in the practical use of elastomers, we can help you with mastering these difficulties. Of course, we can also support you in your daily questions and problems with rubber, since this fascinating material is dishing up again and again new puzzles. It is in the formation phase where it is important to know in detail the material that is being used. For that, the material testing has developed in the last decades to an indispensable tool. Existing testing methods are being constantly improved and some of the new highly diagnostic have been added over the last years.

Fields of Application

From Automotive Industry to Chemical Industry

We conduct a majority of our material tests for the automotive industry but we have customers from all industries such as heating and sanitary engineering, hydraulic and pneumatic industries, power plant and nuclear technology or chemical and process engineering.

For customers from the automotive supply industry we test elastomer materials and seals according to specific in-house standards of the respective final customer (e.g. VW, Daimler, or BMW) but we also test in accordance with standards that are independent from companies (e.g. ISO/DIS 3601 part 5, ECE R110 respectively ECE R67, DIN EN 549, DIN EN 681 and 682). As we are an accredited test laboratory our test results are accepted by most companies, in some cases we are even recommended or made compulsory to their suppliers. Then the material release by the final customer takes place based on our test results. We are able to help our customers cross-sectorally through appropriate qualification tests that their elastomer parts are qualified in accordance with the current status of technology and application.

Qualifications

Proven Professionalism

OPR Group GmbH was first accredited by the DAkks in 2002. Since then, we have been listed on the DAkks website and continuously maintain, monitor and renew this accreditation for our laboratory. The DAkks accreditation certifies that we have the technical expertise to correctly and validly carry out the analyses and tests we offer on elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers and plastics. We are a recognised test centre for many OEMs and, thanks to our many years of experience, we are a reliable partner when it comes to valid test results. Our laboratory digitisation in 2024 will make the testing processes even more reliable. We are also accredited by the BAM (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing) for nuclear tasks. The O-Ring Prüflabor Richter is also authorised as a DVGW test centre. It includes tests from the gas (DIN EN 549, DIN EN 682, technical rule VP 406) and water sector (DIN EN 681 and technical rule W 534-10.3 elastomers). Another area deals with incoming goods inspections. More and more companies are relying on our technical and testing expertise to carry out reliable and meaningful tests with reliable results on supplied elastomer components. Gaps in the incoming goods inspection of elastomer seals and components pose major risks in terms of warranty and product liability. Especially for components in demanding or innovative applications, it is advisable to rely on our experience. We work with you to develop test plans that are precisely tailored to your needs. This enables you to avoid errors at an early stage within a manageable and predictable cost framework and ensure a high level of quality in your production right from the start.

Our Testing Methods

Overall we offer a wide range of testing services for users, manufactures and technological trading.

  • Incoming goods inspection and testing (hardness, density, dimensional checks, form and surface inspections, compression set, screening inspection)
  • Physical material tests (hardness, tensile tests, tear strength, rebound resilience, measurement of friction force)
  • Ageing tests (storage tests in glass, artificial ageing, ozone tests, compression set, tension set, compressive stress relaxation)
  • Low temperature tests (compression set at low temperatures, TR10-tests, DSC-cold temperature standard)
  • Analytical material testing (Thermogravimetry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, FTIR-analysis)
  • Electrical properties (volume and surface resistivity)

More Information about the Testing Methods

Further down on this page you will find a series of articles in which test procedures are explained simply for the practitioner. You can find more in-depth and even more scientifically based information under the heading SPECIALISED TESTING PROCEDURES. We look forward to receiving your enquiry so that we can make you an appropriate offer. Click here to contact us concerning elastomer tests.

We look forward to receiving your enquiry so that we can make you an appropriate offer.

Click here to contact us concerning elastomer tests.