A proprietary method for Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE) testing with Excellent Performance rating

2024-02-22

Inter-laboratory tests conducted by DRRR GmbH (Deutsches Referenzbüro für Ringversuche und Referenzmaterialien) have resulted in Leartiker being awarded an excellent rating in its ISO 11359 Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE) tests.

The coefficient of linear thermal expansion is a material property that characterises the ability of a plastic to expand when the temperature increases, a vitally important factor in the design of components.

The technology centre that specialises in Polymers Technology has developed a proprietary characterisation method in its advanced mechanical testing laboratory that yields results that do not depend on the expansion coefficients of external components such as fasteners or supports. Leartiker thus ensures that these external components have no impact on the property being analysed.

Inter-laboratory exercises

Inter-laboratory exercises are analytical quality verifications that are carried out in external laboratories. Over 80 laboratories from the sector take part in these exercises using a single sample that is analysed by a large number of participants who work under similar conditions. For this purpose, it is essential to have inter-laboratory exercise providers that are certified by a competent body to provide sufficient assurance with regard to the preparation of testing patterns and the statistical processing of the data that is obtained.

At Leartiker we receive inter-laboratory services from the German company DRRR - Deutsches Referenzbüro für Ringversuche und Referenzmaterialien GmbH (German Reference Office for Proficiency testing and Reference materials), which provides proficiency and reference material testing services that are ISO/IEC 17043 certified.

Excellent Performance in the characterisation of advanced materials 

Having taken part in these test exercises, measurements and comparisons were made that confirmed the reliability of the tests and the high analytical standard of Leartiker. These results offer a great degree of technical assurance for the technology centre's researchers and customers.

This new certification is the latest addition to the wide range of advanced materials characterised by Leartiker, including quasi-static characterisation in different stress states, characterisation at different strain rates up to 200s-1 and the ability to test the sub-components needed to validate material cards for simulations.

Other inter-laboratory exercises resulting in an "Excellent Performance” rating:

• Tensile test according to ISO 527 1-2 at room temperature
• Tensile test according to ISO 527 1-2 at - 30ºC
• Tensile test according to ISO 527 1-2 at 80ºC
• Injection of specimens and testing according to ISO 178
• Tensile testing on rubber specimens according to ISO 37