LTI Adds Polymer Testing Capabilities

Laboratory Testing Inc. (LTI) has added more polymer testing capabilities to the
SEM/EDS and FTIR analyses previously available.

LTI can now provide information about the mechanical properties of plastics
and other polymers with the addition of tensile and hardness testing for these
materials. Tensile testing is performed on a 10,000 lb. Tinius Olsen tensile
machine capable of testing any polymeric material that can be formed or
machined into a specimen. Tensile testing involves applying a constant rate of
tensile load to a test sample up to the point of failure. The process creates a
stress/strain curve showing how the material reacts throughout the test
process. The data generated during the test is used to determine tensile
strength, yield strength and ductility.

The hardness of polymers is measured by the Shore Durometer Test at LTI, in
accordance with ASTM D2240. This method determines a material’s hardness
value or resistance to indentation by penetration of an indenter into the test
sample. Because the flexibility of polymers varies, LTI is equipped with various
indenters to use for testing different types of materials from elastomers to rigid
plastics.

According to Mike McVaugh, president of Laboratory Testing Inc., "plastic and
polymer testing was a natural expansion of services for our full-service metals
testing laboratory. We have been working closely with many industries that
require testing for both metals and polymers, and felt that this was a positive
next step in our commitment to be a 'one-stop' lab."

Additional information is available on the LTI website at
http://www.labtesting.com.

About Laboratory Testing Inc. - Laboratory Testing Inc. of Hatfield, PA is an
independent laboratory in business since 1984. The company specializes in
metals testing, material analysis, nondestructive testing, failure analysis,
calibration services, dimensional inspection, specimen machining and certified
reporting of results. The lab is PRI/Nadcap accredited in materials and
nondestructive testing and is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by A2LA in materials
testing and metrology. The accredited laboratory procedures also comply with
ISO 9001 and ISO 13485. Testing services include mechanical testing, chemical
analysis, metallurgical testing, corrosion analysis and nondestructive testing
such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, liquid penetrant
inspection, X-ray inspection, visual inspection and hydrostatic pressure testing.
Chemistry services are available for metals, powdered metals, ores, ferroalloys,
composites, ceramics and polymers. The company’s calibration division, LTI
Metrology, performs dimensional, pressure, force, torque, electrical,
temperature, mass and vacuum calibration services traceable to the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Field calibration, repairs, new
instruments and replacement parts are provided. Information on LTI services
and accreditations is available at www.labtesting.com.