Preventing Product Breakdown Through Mechanical Testing
When it comes to establishing your company's reputation on the open market, being able to produce a product that will withstand the test of time can be beneficial. The materials that you use to construct a product play an important role in determining the product's durability over time, so careful thought must be given during the material-selection process. Investing in mechanical testing can be a simple and effective way to identify the materials best suited to keep your product intact over time.
Here are three tips that you can use to ensure you are able to prevent product breakdown through mechanical testing in the future.
1. Start with a stress analysis.
In order to minimize the time and costs associated with mechanical testing processes, it can be helpful to identify the areas in which your product is most susceptible to damage. Starting the mechanical testing process with a stress analysis allows you to easily identify stress points.
A stress analysis is a mathematical model that helps to estimate the total amount of load per unit each part of your product will face. Areas that are subject to higher loads per unit can undergo mechanical testing to determine the material that will help prevent product breakdown over time.
2. Complete a static tension test.
One mechanical testing procedure that you must subject potential product materials to is a static tension test. If any of the components used to create your end product will be pulled apart, this tension can cause the material used during construction to stretch and weaken.
Using a machine that can simulate specified tension loads will allow you to see how each of the materials you are considering for your product's design are able to withstand the application of tension. This information will allow you to select the right material to extend the life of your product.
3. Complete a compression test.
In addition to determining if a potential material can withstand tension, you should also take the time to ensure that the same material can withstand compression as well. When too much weight is placed on either side of a material, the material begins to compress. This can result in cracking or the formation of stress fractures that weaken the structural integrity of the material.
By completing a compression test, you will be able to see which of the materials you are thinking of using to create your product are best suited to withstand the potential compression pressures your product will face during use.
Investing in mechanical testing for your product materials will allow you to select the right material to use in manufacturing. Product breakdown can be eliminated, providing your customers with a more positive experience.