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| PACKAGING TEST |
2010/06/28 |
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| TEST OF RESISTANCE TO PERFORATION / DART TEST |
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| Dart test aims to determine the energy required to damage by impact films and plastic sheets under the effect of a projectile in free fall under given conditions. This energy is expressed by the mass of the projectile dropped from a specified height and breaking 50% of the samples tested.
Two test methods are used depending on the impact resistance of plastic sheets or films tested
This test is performed according to test methods:
• NFENISO 7765-1 (NF EN ISO7765-1) : Plastics films and sheeting – Determination of impact resistance by the free-falling dart method – Part 1 : Staircase method
• ASTM D1709 (ASTM D 1709) : Standard Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method |
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| PACKAGING TEST |
2010/06/23 |
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| SLIDING - DETERMINATION OF FRICTION COEFFICIENTS |
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| SERCOVAM laboratory can assess the sliding of materials such as plastic, paper, cardboard ... by measuring the coefficient of static friction or dynamic of sheet, sliding on themselves or other materials.
The frictions are checked according to the following test methods :
• NF EN ISO 8295 (NFENISO8295 - NF T 54-112, NFT 54-112) : Plastics - Sheets - Determination of the slippage - Measuring of the friction coefficients
• NF Q03-082 (NFQ03-082): Paper and board - Paper, board, corrugated board and their components - Determination of the coefficient of static friction and estimation of the coefficient of dynamic friction (Dynamometer method)
• NF Q03-083 (NFQ03-083) : Paper and board - Paper, board, corrugated board and their components - Determination of the coefficient of static fricti... |
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| RAIL INDUSTRY TESTS |
2010/06/23 |
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| FIBRE REINFORCED THERMOSETTING PLASTICS |
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| Sercovam test laboratories validate material characteristics, mechanical and cosmetic parameters of thermosetting plastics used for the railway industry. These tests are performed in accordance with French and international norms defined by the main protagonists of this line of business. The test program essentially leans on the standard NFF01-281 Railway rolling stock – Fibre reinforced thermoseting plastics.
This norm classifies plastic parts depending on its use, its positioning and its exposure to the user and the environmental conditions. According to the category of the part defined, several quality requirements must be checked through tests such as those described in the following norms and test methods : NF T51-113, NF T30-015 (ISO 9352), NF T30-049, NF T51-058, NF T57-105 (IS... |
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| RAIL INDUSTRY TESTS |
2010/06/23 |
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| LAMINATED GLASS AND TOUGHENED SAFETY-GLASS PANELS |
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| SERCOVAM test laboratory perform most of characterization tests required for glass and glass panels decsribed inside the technical SNCF specification ST-M 059 and french norms NFF31-250 on laminated glass and NFF31-129 toughened safety-glass panels.
Some of these tests described in these standards refer to tests also defined in norms usually practised for the building sector like the standard NF EN 1036.
Our laboratories perform mechanical tests like shock tests, climatic ageings, or solar simulation done for the laminated glasses. |
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| SUMMER 2010 DISCOUNTS |
2010/06/01 |
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| From June 1rst to July 31rst 2010*, take advantage of sectorial discounts |
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| Get a discount on orders from June 1rst and July 31rst 2010 on these test fields : Vibration, Ultraviolets, Pressure, Gas Corrosion (samples and order received before July 31rst 2010). *May be combined with 5% discount on RENAULT tests, and may not be combined with specific prices. Subjected to feasibility. |
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| ODOR AND VOC TESTS |
2010/05/20 |
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| ODOR TEST AND VOC ON PARTS - 1m3 TEST CHAMBER |
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| The materials in our environment (home, transports ,...) are source of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and of odour which are impacting the quality of indoor air.
SERCOVAM can perform emissions testing of parts using a 1m3 test chamber which meets the requirements of standards like ISO 16000-6, ISO 16000-3, VDA276-1 ....
The compounds emitted by the whole pieces are collected by sampling the air in the chamber and analyzed by liquid or gas chromatography for the VOC, and by the sensory panel SERCOVAM for the smell.
Automotive manufacturers have developed test methods to assess emissions from parts of the vehicle interior (seats, carpets, dashboard, door panel, headliner ...) Renault D493027 (VOCs D49 3027), D493046 (D49 Odor 3046) and D493085 (D49 aldehydes and ketones 3... |
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| RAIL INDUSTRY TESTS |
2010/04/27 |
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| SHOCK AND VIBRATION TESTS |
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| The international standard ISO EN 61373 (IEC 61373 and NF F01-373) Shock and vibration tests defines parameters to validate equipment, parts or compounds used in the rail industry which can be subjected to vibration or shock during their use. The procedures and test conditions for testing shock and bump are specified in standards ISO Environmental testing IEC 60068-2-27 (Test Ea) and ISO IEC 60068-2-29 (Test Eb); the test conditions for vibration tests are described in ISO IEC 60068-2-64 (Test Fh) or ISO IEC 60068-2-6 (Test Fc) Vibration (sinusoidal), among others.
The SERCOVAM vibration lab equipment pool includes 7 vibration electrodynamics’ shakers, capacity up to 36 kN and can be coupled with tables to perform random and sinusoidal signals according to three axes (x, y, z). These vi... |
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| BURNING BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS |
2010/03/22 |
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| GLOW WIRE TEST |
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| The glow wire test is intended to assess the fire hazard of a material under the effect of heat stress that can be produced from sources of heat or glowing elements.
The material under test is brought into contact under a given pressure, with a glow wire heated to high temperatures: depending on the test method, characteristics of inflammation, burning time, time of perforation are reported.
The major test methods are : CEI 60695-2-10 (NF EN 60695-11-10) : Glow-wire apparatus and common test procedure ; CEI 60695-2-11(NF EN 60695-2-11) : Glow-wire flammability test method for end-products; CEI 60695-2-12 (NF EN 60695-2-12) Glow-wire flammability index (GWFI) test method for materials; CEI 60695-2-13 (NF EN 60695-2-13) Glow-wire ignition temperature (GWIT) test method for materials ; REN... |
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| Wear tests / Abrasion tests |
2010/02/23 |
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| ABREX ABRASION |
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| The ABREX abrasion, originally designed for cell phone industry, is now used for all electrical and electronic equipments (buttons, switches, controls …) whose prints could be erased under a repeated action of fingers and other hand parts. The ABREX test device, unlike Crockmeter for example, allows determining the resistance of printings and markings on curved surfaces or parts.
Accelerated wear is produced by the friction of the ABREX artificial finger through a normalized fabric, dry or wet with a fluid, fabric which is itself in contact with the tested specimen. The applied force and the number of impacts or of cycles depend from the product specification.
This ABREX device is in compliance with : NF-EN60068-2-70 (NF EN 60068-2-70) or IEC 68-2-70 (IEC 68-2-70) Environmental testing ... |
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| PACKAGING TESTS |
2010/01/22 |
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| TRANSPORT TEST - VIBRATION |
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| Transport creates many constraints that can significantly alter your products if their packaging does not provide optimum protection. If your products travel in France or are destined for export, SERCOVAM ‘s laboratories perform tests for transport simulations to guarantee this protection during a distribution channel in France or export according to national and international norms: NF H00-060 (France), Specifications ISTA and ASTM D4169 (American area and international).
This vibrator, in accordance with ASTM D999 and NF EN ISO 2247, is able to recreate the vibrations caused during a transport by road, air and sea, to determine if the packaging plays its protective role perfectly, especially when it comes to sensitive products (sterile products, implants ...) or fragile products (bott... |
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| Urgent ? Ask for an Express Test, without extra charge ! |
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| In the modern industrial world of increasingly demanding lead times, it is important to be able to depend on a partner company which is quick to respond, reliable and efficient.
If your test needs to be performed urgently, and you know when the specimens or parts will become available, take advantage of SERCOVAM’s innovative new service: EXPRESS TESTS.*
To speed things up even more we deliver a summary test report that speaks plainly of what you need to know: the result. The quality of the test carried out by SERCOVAM is not compromised in any way.
To find out more about this new service, call us on +33.5.57.97.02.33 |
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| LEATHER GOODS - LUGGAGE |
2009/11/05 |
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| ROLLING ENDURANCE |
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| SERCOVAM perform several endurance and mechanical stress to qualify the durability and strength of luggage products and suit-cases Our laboratories focus in particular to verify the thickness of baggage, seam resistances, carrying handles and various handling organs resistance, openings and zippers endurance based on the standard NF H48-003 (10/75) – Hand baggage – Specification and tests.
Endurance tests on complete products are performed by rolling the baggage on a Sercovam rollerbench which can qualify the wheel’s resistance to abrasion of conventional bags and trolleys. This test is done with speed parameters between 3 and 10 km/h on surfaces with various abrasive grains depending on customer needs. |
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| MECHANICAL TESTS |
2009/10/26 |
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| Instrumented impact test / Multiaxial impact test |
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| SERCOVAM is equipped with all the equipment needed to perform the standard mechanical tests including a falling weight impact tester.
The instrumented impact test allows to determine the breaking energy and the behaviour to shocks by puncture of materials under test. Tests are mainly performed according to ISO 6603-2 (ISO6603-2) or ISO 7765-2 (ISO7765-2), at ambient, cold or hot temperature (from -70 to + 150 °C). With an adaptation of the strikers, the tests can be performed following ASTM D3763, GM 9904P, GM W14797, GM W14867, GM N10083, PSA B62 0300, BMW GS 97006-2, GS 97045-2, VW TL 526 39, SAAB STD 3772, STD 3775, STD 3803, … |
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| Exposure to sunlight (without UV) |
2009/09/22 |
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| 84 m3 SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE CHAMBER |
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| Sercovam increase the number of insulation test chambers. The Cestas laboratory already owned two test chambers for high temperatures tests methods, equipped with infrared or halogen heat lamps (cabin size 14m3 and 27 m3) for insulation test without UV ageing. ; a new test chamber, around 84m3, which enable a multi-points regulation, thanks to 6 infrared heat lamps panel able to perform more than 47000 W , will be used to perform specific thermal behaviour in our laboratory in Etupes, near Sochaux.
With those 3 tests devices, we are now able to perform insulation resistance without UV on all kind of automobile parts, (fixed on unit, on ½ car’s unit, complete car unit), as bumpers, side skirt expenders, pillars ,dash board, or all interior panels ….
Those tests are performed ac... |
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| PACKAGING TESTING |
2009/09/16 |
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| TEST OF PERMEABILITY TO WATER OF PACKAGING |
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| Plastics let the gas diffuse through themselves. This characteristic is essential to choose packaging or building insulation materials and to ensure the protection of a product.
Sercovam’s qualified team carries out permeability and characterization materials tests to evaluate the diffusion level through packaging as films, sheets or containers according to ISO 2528: Sheet materials - Determination of water vapour transmission rate – Dish Method and ASTM E96: Standard test methods for water vapour transmission of materials or for the validation tests by the U.S. Pharmacopeia USP Chapter 671 of the containers of pharmaceutical products.
The principle of these methods can also be applied to sealing materials such as adhesives, under-roof screens or other building products according to NF E... |
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| TESTS ON PACKAGING |
2009/09/14 |
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| STORAGE SIMULATION |
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| SERCOVAM simulates approximate conditions of warehouse storage following thermal conditions according to transport and environmental test norms:
• NF EN ISO 2233: Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads -Conditioning for testing
• ASTM D4332: Conditioning containers, packages, or packaging - Components for testing
SERCOVAM test laboratories have more than 100 climatic rooms, up to volume 30 m3, allowing to test both the packs of small capacity and pallets.
Moreover, SERCOVAM has corrosion rooms to simulate a storage in a container during maritime transport according to NFENISO 9227: Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres - Salt spray tests, and condensation rooms to simulate extreme conditions of moisture according to ISO 6270-2: Determination of resistance t... |
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| Volatile Organic Compounds |
2009/09/02 |
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| VOC determination: increasing demand… |
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| The increasing demand for this type of test, particularly in the automotive sector, has incited SERCOVAM to increase the measuring capacities of its materials analysis laboratory. SERCOVAM own now 3 GC (gas chromatography) devices and a HPLC analytical chain.
The VOC emission evaluation can be done directly on the material or by sampling a part, according to following test methods : VDA 277, VDA 275, VDA 278, RLT D423109, PSA D105495, PSA D405535, RLT D403004, VW PV3925, Volvo 1027.2714 or TOYOTA TSM0508G …..
For big parts sampling can be done in an emission room, according to the following test methods: VDA 276-1, RLT D493027 mixed per example with RLT D493046, VOLVO VCS10272769, NF EN ISO 16000-6 …
SERCOVAM obtains technical validation from the car makers, and participate actively t... |
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| VIBRATION TESTS |
2009/09/02 |
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| RESISTANCE TO VIBRATION TESTS |
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| Vibration tests are designed to simulate a harshness test environment (in operating or transporting) to strain numerous kind of parts, from every industry sector.
SERCOVAM has seven electrodynamic shakers that drive the vibrating signal defined by norms like ASTM D999, NF EN ISO 13355, ASTM D4728, RENAULT 3602802 VI/0* conditions, or in customers’ specifications.
SERCOVAM has unidirectional shakers, shakers with table so that the part is positioned as in the vehicle, and shakers topped by climatic chambers, which adds the thermal constraint to the vibration test.
Here are the technical characteristics :
- Force : from 10 to 36 kN
- Frequency range : 10 to 2000 Hz
- Displacement : 1 or 2 inches
- Temperatures : from -40 to +140 °C
- Signal types : sinusoidal vibration, random vi... |
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| CYCLED PRESSURE |
2009/06/17 |
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| NEW FLUID CYCLED PRESSURE TEST BENCH |
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| The SERCOVAM’s Cycled Pressure test laboratory has just been reinforced with a new Fluid Cycled Pressure test bench to validate parts from cooling system (pipes, fittings, radiators, heat exchangers, jars, etc.).
These characteristics confirm the competence of SERCOVAM in the hydraulic sector by carrying out tests requested by specifications for injection ramps (B222820 § 9.2 (B22 2820)), air conditioning / aerothermals (B273620 (B27 3620)), heating radiators (3202014 § 4.26 - 32 020 14) or rubber fittings for cooling circuits (B315530 - B15 5330) by its performances of pressure (until 10 bars), varieties of signal types (triangle, trapezoid and sine), flow (until 6000L / h), internal temperature (until 140 ° C) or external temperature (until 180 ° C) and possible osci... |
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| CYCLED PRESSURE |
2009/06/17 |
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| FLUID AND AIR CYCLED PRESSURE LABORATORY |
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| Thanks to an important number of test devices, the SERCOVAM’s Cycled Pressure test laboratory is able to meet needs in fluids circulation tests required in many industrial sectors, including automotive and aeronautical’s.
With 4 test benches of cycled pressure, thermal shock liquid / liquid, fluid pulse, static pressure, SERCOVAM owns a wide range of devices allowing to check the mechanical resistance of:
- On the one hand, components from fuel systems (pipes, ramps), from oil systems (heat exchangers, jars), from cooling systems (jars, radiators) by circulating oil or glycol until 145 ° C, a pressure until 10 bars and a flow until 6000 l / h (or 30 bars in pulse without flow, e.g. RLT 3404816 (34 04 816), PSA B315240 (B31 5240)), controlled and coupled to external climatic atmo... |
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| RAIL INDUSTRY TESTS |
2009/06/17 |
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| JOINTING STICKING (NFF01-811) |
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| The French standard NF F01-811 Railway rolling stock – Jointing Sticking describe several tests methods used to check functional characteristics of jointing sticking and help to define the technical choice and how to carry out the glue effectuation. This standard is especially defined for the railway industry.
Sercovam test laboratories validate these properties, like mechanical characteristics of the customers sticking assemblies solutions :
- Adhesives – Determination of tensile lap-shear strength of rigid-to-rigid bonded assemblies according to NF EN EN1465 ou ISO4587 (T76-107)
- Adhesives – Test methods for fatigue properties of strctural adhesives in tensile shear according to ISO9664 (T76-111)
- Adhesives – Determination of peel resistance of high-strength adhesive bonds – Flo... |
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| RAIL INDUSTRY TESTS |
2009/05/26 |
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| RUBBER FOOR COVERINGS |
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| The French standard NF F31-812 Railway rolling stock – Rubber floor coverings describe several test methods required to validate floor covering especially for the railway industry.
Sercovam test laboratories validate the intrinsic properties of rubber materials, like mechanical characteristics according to ISO 37 or NF T46-002 (Determination of tensile stress-strain properties), NF T46-007 (Determination of tear strength) or ISO48 or NF T46-003 (IRHD hardness).
the resistance to ozone cracking (ISO1431-1 or NF T46-019) is also one of the main rubber property tested by Sercovam.
Our U.V. Laboratory use a large park of weather-o-meter test devices using xenon arc lamps complying with the artificial U.V. light ageing parameters described in the test method ISO4892-2.
The determination ... |
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| RAIL INDUSTRY TESTS |
2009/05/25 |
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| TEXTILE TESTS |
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| SERCOVAM test laboratories test and validate textile and fabrics products especially for the railway industry according to French and international standards (NF, EN, ISO or DIN).
These tests can be associated to the SNCF technical specification ST051. It describes mechanical properties tests on fibres, wires, fabrics, rubber or plastics coated textiles according to several test methods (ISO4674-2, ISO13934-1). Furthermore, we can perform specific fabric tests like resistance to wear (M.I.E. resistance), rubbing and friction tests (ISO105-X12, ISO105-D02), fluid resistance (ISO105-E01, ISO105-E04 and ISO105-E07), Colour fastness to artificial light test (ISO105-B02 and ISO105-B04)…
Sensorial characteristics of fabrics becomes one of the main criterion to choose a product. The olfactor... |
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| LABORATOIRE CORROSION : CORROSION 4 GAZ |
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| Les laboratoires de corrosion de SERCOVAM, équipés de plus de 25 appareils, offrent la possibilité de pratiquer l’ensemble des méthodes d’essais de tous les secteurs industriels. Pour les essais de corrosions gazeuses ou corrosions dites atmosphérique, le laboratoire dispose de 3 chambres permettant de réaliser des essais de corrosion par gaz polluants tels que les gaz SO2, H2S, NO2 et Cl2. Les essais de type 2 gaz, essais 3 gaz et les essais 4 gaz sont notamment appliqués dans l’ensemble des secteurs industriels pour les pièces électroniques, électriques, électrotechniques et ces équivalents dans le secteur automobile. Les principales méthodes sont :
- selon la méthode EN/CEI 68-2-60 (D... |
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| TESTS ON FOOD PACKAGING |
2009/05/04 |
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| SENSORIAL ANALYSES ON PACKAGING |
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| SERCOVAM offers customers sensory analysis to verify that packaging doesn’t alter organoleptic properties of food and to control raw materials used in packaging. The olfactory characteristics (own smell emitted by the packaging material) and the transmission of taste for food packaging are evaluated according to international standard NF ISO 13302 (Sensory analysis. Methods for assessing modifications to the flavour of foodstuffs due to packaging) with the COFRAC panel of 12 experts trained daily.
At the conclusion of this analysis, a search for specific constituents, typically involved in the alteration of the sensory properties of food products, can be achieved if an odour or taste is strongly perceptible, as the search for :
• VOC,
• Aldehydes,
• Heavy metals
• Residual solvents ... |
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| TESTS ON FOOD PACKAGING, INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING, LUXURY PACKAGING, MEDICAL PACKAGING |
2009/05/04 |
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| MECHANICAL RESISTANCE |
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| The mechanical laboratory carries out tests to evaluate strength of materials in packaging to reveal any defects over time. Many tests may be offered including:
• Tensile strenght, pelability…
• Compression
• Charpy / Izod Impact according to NF EN ISO 179-2: Plastics - Determination of Charpy impact strenght - Part 1 : Non-instrumented impact test.
The following checks can be performed:
• Friction coefficients (slide film) according to NF T54-122: Plastics - Sheets - Determination of the slippage - Measuring of the friction coefficients
• The tensile strength (in temperature) according to ISO 527: Plastics - Determination of tensile properties
• Perforation Resistance according to NF XP T54-198 : Plastics - Industrial polymer-based films and sheets - Mono and multilayered films f... |
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| TESTS ON INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING |
2009/05/04 |
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| BULK BAG VALIDATION |
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| SERCOVAM carries out the validation of flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) for non dangerous goods according to ISO 21898 :
• UV resistance according to ASTM G154 : Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials (ASTMG154),
• Tensile strength according to NFENISO 13934-1 : Textiles — Tensile properties of fabrics — Part 1 : Determination of maximum force and elongation at maximum force using the strip method (NFENISO13934-1),
• Permeability tests on the internal bag according to ISO 2528 : Sheet materials - Determination of water vapour transmission rate - Dish method (ISO2528)
These tests verify bulk bag resistance during UV exposure with humidity and specific temperatures. |
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| TESTS ON FOOD PACKAGING, COSMETIC AND WINE&SPIRITS PACKAGING, INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING, MEDICAL PACKAGING |
2009/05/04 |
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| AGEINGS |
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| SERCOVAM provides several solutions against to insure that packagings protect perfectly products,:
• Physical risks: heat, cold, UV. …
• Chemical risks: humidity, corrosion…
Climatic
Climatic ageing laboratory has more than 100 automatic climatic rooms performing dry or wet heat and cold temperatures (1 to 30 m3) according to NFENISO 9142: Adhesives - Guide for the selection of ageing test normal conditions of stuck assemblies in laboratory and CEI 60068-2: Environmental tests.
UV ageing
The UV ageing laboratory has more than 27 devices. Several exposure conditions can be simulated on packagings during their using. The appearance (colour, gloss, duskiness …) change or damages more important such as cracks, blistering appear will be assessed at the end of UV exposure according to ISO... |
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| TESTS ON FOOD PACKAGING, COSMETIC AND WINE&SPIRITS PACKAGING, INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING, MEDICAL PACKAGING |
2009/05/04 |
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| APPEARANCE TESTS |
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| The appearance test laboratory carries out several test methods to check and validate the packaging appearance resistance (for example: printing inks durability, characterization of labels and marking (yellowing evaluation), checking of the specifications of adhesive tapes for shipping box …):
• Friction (using of Crockmeter), wear with fabric contact, cardboard contact, leather contact…
• TABER abrasion: ASTM D968 : Abrasion resistance of organic coating by falling abrasive
• Fluid compatibility (stress-cracking)
• Staining (alkaline and acid sweat, greasy, water…)
• Light transmittance / Trouble (Haze): ASTM D1003: Haze and luminous transmittance of transparent plastics
• Gloss / Color / Grey scale: ISO 7724-2: Paints and varnishes - Colorimetry - Part 2: Colour measurement
• Tr... |
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| TESTS ON FOOD PACKAGING, INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING |
2009/05/04 |
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| PERMEABILITY / TIGHTNESS |
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| Plastics have the ability to let the gas spread. This characteristic is essential to choose packaging materials and to guarantee the preservation of foodstuffs.
Sercovam’s qualified team carries out permeability and characterization materials tests to evaluate diffusion through packagings according to ISO 2528: Sheet materials - Determination of water vapour transmission rate – Dish Method and ASTM E96: Standard test methods for water vapour transmission of materials.
In addition, defects of sealing bags or sealed packages ...(appearing in weather and transport) are characterized:
• Airtightness under vacuum room according to ASTM D6653: Standard Test Methods for Determining the Effects of High Altitude on Packaging Systems by Vacuum Method,
• Tightness by leak detector
• Airtight... |
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| TESTS ON FOOD PACKAGING, COSMETIC PACKAGING |
2009/05/04 |
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| CHEMICAL ANALYSIS |
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| SERCOVAM carries out a lot of chemical analysis to control raw materials used in packagings:
• Analysis and identification of raw materials by FTIR coupled with thickness measurements by gravimetry
• Thermal analysis on material or sealing layer according to ISO 11357-2: Plastics – Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) – Part 2: Determination of glass transition temperature and ISO 11357-3: Plastics - Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) – Part 3: Determination of temperature and enthalpy of melting and cristallization,
• Melt Flow Index according to ISO 1133 : Plastics - Determination of the melt mass-flow and the melt volume-flow rate of thermoplastics,
• Ash according to ISO 3451-1: Plastics - Determination of ash. |
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| RAIL INDUSTRY TESTS |
2009/04/22 |
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| PAINT COATINGS VALIDATION |
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| SERCOVAM test laboratories validate paint coatings and varnishes developed for the railway industry according to the French standard NF F19-201 Railway rolling stock – paint materials and marks – general instructions and test methods. All of the appearance and mechanical characteristics of a paint coating applied on a metal plaque will be checked and measured by our specialists : cross-cut or pull-off tests (ISO2409 an ISO4624), cupping test (ISO1520), cylindrical and conical mandrel bend Test ( (ISO1519 et ISO6860), Rapid-deformation (impact resistance) tests - Part 1: Falling-weight test, large-area indenter (ISO6272), Chipping resistance, Corrosion test (ISO9227), thermal-shock ageing, resistance to humidity, as well as several kinds of UV ageing in Q-UV device (ISO11507), in Weatherom... |
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| Tests implants dentaires et rachidiens |
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| SERCOVAM conçoit des équipements de tests dédiés aux implants dentaires et rachidiens. Mais le champ d'intervention du centre d'essais ne se limite pas à cette application : le développement de certains sports (VTT, Roller....) a conduit ces dernières années à une augmentation des lésions ligamentaires, notamment sur le genou. Les cas les plus graves conduisent parfois au remplacement des ligaments croisés postérieurs ou antérieurs par des substituts synthétiques à base de polymères. Si différents ligaments artificiels existent depuis de nombreuses années sur le marché, l'implantation dans des conditions de fiabilité satisfaisantes demeu... |
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| Test on painted parts |
2009/04/14 |
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| Gravel Shot Blasting |
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| Le test de gravillonnage (mono-impact ou multi-impact) a pour but de déterminer le comportement d'un revêtement de peinture vis-à-vis de dégâts tels que ceux occasionnés par des projectiles de faible masse mais projetés à grandes vitesse (gravillon sur route notamment).
Cette résistance est évaluée par la dimension des écaillages produits par la projection de gravillons sur l'éprouvette d'essai, ainsi que par le niveau auquel se produit le décollement (particulièrement lors d’impact à la tôle).
Ce test peut également s’appliquer pour des pièces électroniques, mais aussi pour des échangeurs ou radiateurs montés sur véh... |
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| Test on painted parts |
2009/04/14 |
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| Resistance to the action of mechanical car-wash brushes |
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| The resistance of a coating (paint, varnish, ink, leather, wood, plastic, rubber) may be characterized by the action of rotating brushes with synthetic bristles. The sample is continuously sprayed with a mixture of detergent, water and abrasive powder (alumina type) and is struck with brushes similar to those used in car-wash devices. After several cycles, the evaluation of surface damage is done by measuring the loss of brightness.
Test methods : PSA D245359 – CDC PSA B155050 – RLT D245359 (self homologation RENAULT D24 5359) |
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| Do you know the French Corporate Tax Credit for Research Expenses (CIR)? |
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| Most of the R&D expenses you spend with SERCOVAM can be declared for the French “R&D Tax Credit” (Crédit Impôt Recherche – CIR).
You can find more info on "CIR" at: http://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/cid20358/le-credit-d-impot-recherche-cir.html
Download our CIR agreement by the link below or ask for it at : contact@sercovam.com
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| TESTS ON PACKAGING |
2009/03/31 |
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| TESTS ON PACKAGING FOR MEDICAL WASTE |
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| With experience on medical sector, SERCOVAM carries out services to test and to validate packaging for medical waste according to test methods:
• NF X30-500: Packaging for medicinal care waste – Boxes and small collectors for perforating waste – Specifications and tests (NF X 30 500),
• NF X30-505: Packaging for medical care waste — Health care waste — Draft standard relative to plastic barrels and jerrycans for health care waste and infections risks (NF X 30 505).
SERCOVAM laboratories can perform all the tests (pre-conditioning NFENISO22233: Conditioning for testing, thickness measurement, perforation test, drop test according to NFEN22248: Vertical impact test by dropping, lifting test and leak test with water) in full compliance with norms and standards. |
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| Test on packaging |
2009/03/30 |
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| Transport tests |
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| With 20 years of experience in high technology sectors, SERCOVAM tests and validates shipping packaging according to international standards. Indeed, the test program ASTM D4169 is practicable in vibration and mechanical laboratories. This transport test simulates storage, handling and environmental constraints that packaging undergo during air, maritime or ground transport in all over the world.
SERCOVAM carries out the test methods such as drop and shock test, vibration test, compressive resistance, vacuum method for determining the effects of high altitude … according to standards (Conditioning containers, packages, or packaging - Components for testing), ASTM D999 (Vibration testing of shipping containers), ASTM D6653 (Determining the effect of high altitude on packaging systems by... |
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| Tests on Packaging & Domestic Products |
2009/03/13 |
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| Tests NF H00-320 and NF H00-321 on moisture absorbers |
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| SERCOVAM can valid technical characteristics and performance of moisture absorbers sold in supermarkets, for domestic use, and desiccant bags used in the packaging industry and transport.
The adsorption capacity, the regeneration of the desiccant and dehydrating products are tested according to the two standards NF H00-320 and NF H00-321, which define the specifications and tests devoted to these products.
SERCOVAM laboratories can also check the emission of dust through the strainers of desiccant bags, the mechanical resistance of retention trays, or the loss of odour intensity on scented products. |
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| TESTS ON MEDICAL PACKAGINGS |
2009/03/12 |
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| TESTS ON ISOTHERMAL PACKAGINGS |
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| SERCOVAM laboratories own more than one hundred automatic climatic rooms (1 to 30 m3) performing dry or wet, heat and cold temperature for the pharmaceutical industry, in order to validate isothermal containers or refrigerating containers for health products, according to NF S99-700.
This thermal performance qualification method allows to simulate extreme weather conditions during vaccine products transportation for example. An accurate control of internal temperatures of packaging (2°C to 8°C) is carried out to guaranty a cold chain whatever the external conditions are.
A complementary drop test according to ASTM D5276 (Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall) or ISO 2248 (Packaging - Shipping Complete and Filled Packaging - Vertical impact test b... |
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| Automotive testing |
2009/03/10 |
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| Dissipation of electrostatic charges / Resistance to dust |
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| Any owner of a motor vehicle has already made the unpleasant experience of the dust that accumulates on the plastics of the passenger cell ...
Research teams of automakers are actively working on this issue, which can lead, in terms of perceived quality, to negative customer feedback.
Among them, a team from PSA Peugeot - Citroën has developed a test method (ref. PSA D45 5210) to measure, in laboratory, the ability of plastic to dissipate electrostatic charges, ie "not to retain the dust" (or even its "resistance to dust").
SERCOVAM, attentive to the evolution of testing methods, has invested in the corresponding test bench and won, after audit and cross-testing, approval of PSA on the D455210 method “Plastic - Dissipation of electrostatic charges”.
Contact... |
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| Tests on markings - Resistance tests |
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| SERCOVAM can implement many specific test protocols to allow its customers to validate marking inks used on packagings from cosmetic, wine & products, medical sectors… including the following tests:
· Marking resistance to UV according to NF Q64-022 standard: reproducing a sun exposure test in “window display” or in car
· Abrasion resistance according to NF EN ISO 5470-1: simulating rubbing during a shipping
· Rubbing resistance according to NF EN ISO 105-X12: fading tests
· Marking resistance to climatic ageings allowing to determine:
o Marking resistance during shipping or storage phases according to NF EN ISO 9142
o Resistance of adhesive labels in hot and humid atmosphere (e.g.... |
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| New European regulation REACH |
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| The launch of the new European regulation REACH has led SERCOVAM to increase its capacity to measure ; its Materials Analysis Laboratory is equipped with two GC / MS, of a chain of gas chromatography, HPLC , IRTF, DSC, TMA, ... to meet the needs of manufacturers. These allow the search for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), the determination of formaldehyde, aldehydes and ketones, and heavy metals for example (although these examples are neither exhaustive nor restrictive), according to the test methods or requirements of purchasers of the guidelines, and following the requirements of the Directive. |
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| Validation Of Medical Packagings |
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| SERCOVAM carries out validation of medical devices’ packagings as blister packs, bags… according to ISO 11607 to satisfy the requirements of the European pharmacopeia. Tests of sealing resistance according to NF EN 868-5, tests of integrity according to ASTM F1929 and tests of peeling allow validate the conformity of a sterile barrier packaging.
Moreover, SERCOVAM’s laboratories own more than 100 climatic chambers to carry out accelerated ageing tests of sterile medical device packages according to ASTM F1980.
On the other hand, SERCOVAM’s physical-chemical laboratory performs permeability tests to determine transmission rate of water vapour or saturated vapour of certain fluids according to ISO 2528 or American pharmacopeia (USP) on pillboxes, films or other packagings.
A know-how... |
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| Consumer Goods |
2008/11/12 |
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| Household Appliances-Electronics: The appearance tests |
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| SERCOVAM carries out behaviour tests on painted coating for electric household appliance, computers and multi-media industries according to ECCA test methods (European Coil Coating Association) and their equivalents updated according to international standards NF EN 13523.
Thickness measurements of coating, peeling tests, salt spray resistance, behaviour in water immersion, fluorescent UV ageing or water condensation tests are performed as soon as possible and with the best guaranteed quality according to your requirements. However, in the huge family of appearance tests on the painted coatings, enamelled sheets or vitrified enamels, there are also resistance to solvents, scratch and abrasion resistance (Taber), stability of colours in wet sulphur dioxide atmosphere, etc. |
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| Sensorial analysis |
2008/09/11 |
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| Olfactory sensorial analysis |
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| SERCOVAM's Sensorial Analysis (olfactory and tactile) laboratory features a climate-controlled evaluation room that contains eight rating booths (see photo) and an independent preparation room.
The sensorial evaluation, commonly called odour test, is determined by at least five trained and qualified testers whose performance and abilities are regularly checked.
The testing considers two criteria: evaluation of the odour intensity and identification of the type of odour. The evaluations are performed on materials or parts, contained in jars or bags.
SERCOVAM performs most of the odour test methods specified by the major manufacturers (Renault D493001 or Renault D493046, PSA D105517 , Volkswagen PV3900, DaimlerChrysler DBL5471, Ford BO 131-01, GM GME 60276 ,Toyota TS M0505G, Honda, N... |
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| Produits de grande consommation (P.G.C.) |
2008/07/22 |
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| Meubles – Objets de décoration |
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| SERCOVAM développe l’activité de ses laboratoires vers la validation des équipements de la maison. Les plus grandes enseignes du secteur de l’ameublement, de la déco et vaisselle font appel à ses services pour éprouver la résistance et la qualité de leurs produits à l’épreuve du temps.
L’ensemble des essais de la spécification NF XP-D60-050 - Essais des finitions sur ameublement est réalisé dans les meilleurs délais, mais également les tenues et durabilités mécaniques du mobilier et les résistances aux UV des étoffes d’ameublement.
Les tenues à la corrosion (ISO 9227) des couverts, ustensiles de cuisines divers et objets décoratifs mé... |
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| Renewing of RENAULT self-agreement |
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| SERCOVAM has just obtained the renewal of the RENAULT self-agreement that covers the principal tests methods practiced by its laboratories.
Audits and cross-tests have been managed by the RENAULT DIMAT and DICAP teams, on these tests methods:
1428 Shot blasting
D111054 Suppleness of a piece by impression of a hemispherical punch beads, protective strips, armrests. Various trimming
D111157 Adhesives - Flat peeling
D111502 Creep resistance by indentation
D111503 Suppleness of a piece by impression of a hemispherical punch beads, protective strips, armrests. Various trimming
D141055 Materials and organic coatings - Wear due to friction
D151343 Visual comparison of colours in light chamber
D155083 Colour point - Spectrocolorimeter
D171736 Colorimetry
D213092 Paints and similar pr... |
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| Appearance tests – Abrasion tester |
2008/05/09 |
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| Cylinder abrasion test |
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| The cylinder abrasion tester makes it possible to validate the wear resistance of flexible vulcanized and plastic rubbers, such as plasticized polychlorids of vinyl or thermoplastic polyurethans through the use of a certified abrasive paper on a rotating drum with a standard test cycle.
This device is largely used in fields as wide-ranging as the validations of automotive parts (PSA and Renault D44 1119) but also for the footwear and leather industry, working in compliance with the international methods ISO 4649, DIN 53516 or ASTM D5963. |
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| Appearance test – Textile rubbing |
2008/05/06 |
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| GAKUSHIN rubbing tester |
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| SERCOVAM’s Appearance Tests Laboratory has been outfitted with a new GAKUSHIN rubbing test device with 4 tracks, so that it can perform a larger range of tests dedicated to the fabric behaviour, and especially towards the Asian car manufacturers.
The investment of this new test facility will contribute to increase the capacity of SERCOVAM in textile materials validation.
The automotive suppliers working with manufacturers such as TOYOTA, NISSAN, MAZDA or HONDA will be interested in knowing that SERCOVAM is now able to validate their materials according to the specifications and methods JIS L0823 (section 3.2.), Mazda MY MN405, Nissan M0155 (Section 16), M0154 (Section 18.4.), Toyota TSH1544G, TSH1513G. |
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| Dust-tightness |
2008/04/21 |
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| Dust Chambers (Talc, Portland Cement, Arizona Dust) |
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| SERCOVAM can test the dust-tightness of your products with other dusts than the talcum power described in the ISO-CEI 60529, with the two new 2m3 chambers of its IP tests/fluids laboratory.
One of them is dedicated to test the products with Portland cement, according to DIN 40050 – Part 9, and the other one is used with Arizona dust, according to ISO 12103-1 part A2.
During these tests, the products can be electrically connected or vacuum pressurized.
A cycling system can alternate spraying phases, or can command a constant pulverisation of the dust. |
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| Touchless Dimensional Measurement |
2008/04/21 |
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| Speed and Accuracy for the measurement of your products |
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| SERCOVAM owns a touchless metrology system SMARTSCOPE ZIP 300 that combines hardware performance, optical capability, and ease-of-use to satisfy the most complex applications.
Specifications :
• Measuring table in anodized hardened aluminum and retractable glass
• Load capacity 25 kg
• Self-calibrated zoom (40x – 200x) for an amazing image quality
• Powerful calculation software
Measurement capacity (XYZ): 300 x 300 x 200 mm
Accuracy :
• XY : E =(2.0 + 6L/1000) µm ( L= Measured length)
• Z : E =(4.0 + 6L/1000) µm( L= Measured length) with optics and autofocus |
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| New ECC1 and four-gas devices |
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| SERCOVAM's corrosion laboratories contain more than twenty corrosion testing instruments and chambers and can perform all the test methods specified in the automotive and aeronautical sectors.
Two new chambers were commissioned recently to let us perform the Renault cycled corrosion test, ECC1 (D17 2028 - approved by RENAULT) and a second four-gas corrosion chamber (H2S/SO2/NO2/Cl2) has been brought into service, notably to perform test method EN/IEC 68-2-60. The constant increase in the capacities of our corrosion laboratory means that the specifications required by most manufacturers can be accomodated, for the validation both of materials and of complete parts. |
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| Climatic tests |
2007/06/20 |
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| Large-volume climatic chambers |
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| Since 2003, the SERCOVAM laboratories at Etupes (in eastern France) have quadrupled the floor area dedicated to large-volume climatic chambers.
The capacity range (3 to 30 m3) and high performance of these chambers makes it possible to test complex and larger vehicle components, exposed simultaneously to extreme thermal cycles coupled with validation and functional endurance testing, both mechanical and electrical. SERCOVAM currently operates more than 10 large-volume chambers and continues to invest in its pool of equipment. |
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| Painted and chrome-plated passenger cell parts |
2007/04/25 |
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| Volkswagen requirements specs TL226 and TL528 |
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| Volkswagen requirements specifications TL226 and TL528 specify the validation requirements for painted or chrome-plated passenger-cell parts.
The principal tests performed on your parts in the context of these specifications are material validations (Fogging, Odour, VOC, Formaldehyde, Combustibility), as well as a certain number of climatic and UV tests which differ slightly if your part is intended for a VW or Audi project. Completion of the validation process for your part may require a rubbing, abrasion and staining test. More rarely, a corrosion test is specified, especially if the part is chrome-plated. |
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| Accelerated cycled corrosion (TCAC) PSA D13 5486 |
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| TCAC tests evaluate the resistance to corrosion of bare metals or of metals coated in different ways, such as zinc-plated, treated by electrophoresis or painted.
For the last few months, a corrosion chamber has been dedicated to performing this test method. The result is rapid delivery of TCAC test results. |
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| Four test benches |
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| SERCOVAM has four test benches to study fogging (the phenomenon whereby volatile products given off by passenger cell materials condense on windows, and particularly on the windscreen and rear window).
Using this equipment, SERCOVAM can quickly produce sets of results for customers that are characterised by measurement such as the brightness, gravimetric analysis, light transmission and haze. This testing complies with the international standards and the test methods specified by the main car manufacturers : DIN 75201, RENAULT & PSA D45 1727 approved by RENAULT), VOLKSWAGEN PV3015 & PV3920, NISSAN M0161 & M7108, TOYOTA TS M0503G, HONDA HESD6508, VOLVO STD 1027.2711 & 1027.2719, SAAB STD 1082, SAE J1756, GM GME60326 & GME9305P, FORD BO116-03, etc. |
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| Sine-wave with noise |
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| SERCOVAM's vibration laboratory is now equipped with sine wave with noise software that can, for example, simluate the rotation of the blades of a helicopter or of an aircraft engine. By combining random noise with flat or scanned sine-wave bands, this test simulates the irregularities in noise produced by a rotor or gear system.
The noise produced complies with the standards issued by the US Defense Department, MIL STD 810 or STD 202. |
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| Paint film thickness |
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| This test method, for which RENAULT has delivered self-approval to SERCOVAM, involves determining the thickness of a single- or multi-layer coating to the nearest micron.
A cross-section through the test sample is embedded in a resin.
Measurements are then made using a microscope fitted with a digital camera to produce precise images of the coats or films.
Compliance with standard NF T 30-123 (method A) guarantees the validity of this examination. It is one of the requirements specified by RENAULT for paint coatings on external plastic bodywork parts. |
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| Appearance tests |
2007/04/25 |
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| Martindale abrasion |
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| Circular test samples are rubbed using a standard abrasive material with a specified pressure applied. The motion of the rubber follows a cyclical planar pattern called a Lissajous figure (the resultant of two simple harmonic movements, perpendicular to each other).
The resistance to abrasion is estimated based on the number of cycles to failure, on the loss of mass of the test samples, or, for a fabric, on the piling tendency.
SERCOVAM has two of these instruments, which ensure compliance with the international standards (EN ISO 12947, EN ISO 12945) and with the specific test methods developed by car manufactuers (RENAULT, PSA, VOLVO, etc.). |
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| Design and manufacture of test benches |
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| SERCOVAM's design office analyses your specific needs, adapts its test benches to your requirements and proposes the complete design and manufacture package that will ensure the successful execution of your te |
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| Validation plan |
2007/04/25 |
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| SERCOVAM assistance with your validation programmes |
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| SERCOVAM's Sales department offers a unique service: assistance in preparing and executing the validation programmes for your products, for any manufacturer.
Customers who consult SERCOVAM about a complete validation programme are accompanied by one of our experts through the various stages of the procedure, with advice given about how to present and deliver the results to the manufacturer.
For any further information about this service, contact your technical-sales correspondent (for your country) on +33 5 57 97 02 33. |
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| Analysis of plastics |
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| The Analytical Chemistry laboratory can characterise plastics using the most popular testing methods :
FTIR, DSC, TGA, GC, MS, MFI, Density, Ash content, etc. |
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| New COFRAC accreditations |
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| The Fogging and Sensorial Analysis laboratories have been accredited by the COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee).
Accredited test methods: French and international manufacturers (RENAULT, PSA, VW, VDA, DIN, etc.)
Extras offered by SERCOVAM:
• regular monitoring of the performance of the panel of testers
• ultra-conditioned room to ensure that the measurements of the fogging deposits are as accurate as possible
• manufacturer homologationl
… and not forgetting UV photo-agening, that has been accredited by the COFRAC since 2004 |
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| Accelerated ozone ageing |
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| Accelerated ozone ageing of rubber-based or elastomer-based parts.
Test methods performed:
RENAULT and PSA D47 1100 |
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| Inflammability |
2007/04/25 |
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| Horizontal combustibiliy |
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| Our laboratories are equipped with horizontal combustibility devices that measure the burning rate of a material, by recording the time required for a flame to spread between two marks made on the test sample.
Test methods: FMVSS, RENAULT, PSA, etc. |
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