Solution Testing & Validation

The TR10-value is the temperature at which a specimen that was stretched by 25% or 50% at room temperature, then recovers by 10% after gradually de-freezing it from a temperature below its glass transition point. Furthermore, this test shows the progressive defrosting behavior and the temperature dependent elasticity of the rubber material. For this reason, the TR-10 test is one of the most informative cold tests for O-rings and many other sealing applications.

Before releasing a finished, newly developed and value-adding product, durability needs to be ensured. Angst+Pfister uses linear and angular actuators, which can be combined to conduct multi-axis durability tests or can be used individually for different purposes. The linear actuators have a maximum 50kN force, while the angular actuators offer a 545Nm torque with ±45° rotation capability. Since the accuracy between field tests and laboratory tests is quite important, our actuators are also capable to run a Road Load Data (RLD) to more precisely verify the laboratory results. This test can be carried out under temperature conditions anywhere between RT and +200°C.

At Angst+Pfister, we utilize advanced testing methods to ensure the quality and durability of surface treatments and coatings for our components. These methods verify cleanliness, bonding performance, and resistance to environmental factors.

Surface Cleanliness Testing

• Sand Blasting: Assesses surface cleanliness and smoothness by applying sand particles under controlled conditions. The method is used to verify the removal of dirt, rust, and imperfections while ensuring a surface suitable for optimal bonding.
   
• Degreasing Validation: Our degreasing line, with ten pools dedicated to cleaning and preparation, ensures surfaces are free of oil, dirt, and residues. Tests confirm that these conditions are met to support effective bonding.

Coating Performance Testing

• Phosphating Process Control: Includes 17 stages that ensure surfaces are free of contaminants, adequately treated for increased bonding area, and resistant to corrosion. Testing verifies uniformity and effectiveness of the phosphate layer, crucial for subsequent applications.
   
• Zinc Coating Durability Testing: Consists of 15 process steps designed to evaluate coating quality. Coating thickness is tested to meet the required 8–12 microns, with 10 microns achieving up to 250 hours of salt spray resistance. White or yellow passivation options (Cr+3) are tested for specific performance characteristics.

Bonding strength tests serve as a performance indicator for surface preparations and vulcanization processes. After the vulcanization has completed, the rubber-metal components then move to our quality lab for a destructive bonding test. For a proper process quality, a complete rubber to rubber tear should occur.

Angst+Pfister owns automation machines to measure the conductivity of buttons which are used in combi-boiler machines. In the automation, electrical resistance limits are identified. If the values are outside the set limits, the machine is automatically cutting the parts. This process therefore prevents customers from receiving parts of insufficient quality.

Creep is a characteristic common to elastomer elements. It is an increase in elastic deflection, caused by a load and the resulting strain in the elastomer. In practice, the increase in elastic deflection caused by creep in isolating elements is, in most cases, negligible. For specific applications we perform creep tests. Creep measurements carried out on test pieces are valid for years and, considering the linear pattern of creep curves, make it possible to extract measurements over time. The additional elastic deflection caused by creep is the same in the first 24 hours as it is in the following 20 years.