Contributed by Metalcraft's Product Development Engineer, Alex Skora
The crash test dummy is an icon of product testing that was especially popularized by public service announcements encouraging passengers to wear their seat belts. Crash dummies have evolved into sophisticated models of the passengers (humans -- and even dogs) that are used to best analyze automotive design and performance.
In the labeling and RFID industries, product design testing may not be quite so violent, though it can be just as important to our customers. Following are some typical tests we put our products through to ensure we are delivering the best product for your application:
- Abrasion tests - the product is attached to a wheel that spins under a rough surface to predict how well an image will withstand scratches and wear.
- High temperature tests - products are placed in a controlled oven at a range of temperatures to ensure adhesives, printed images, and base material can stand up to the heat.
- Chemical exposure tests - several chemical baths are prepared and the product is submerged for a given time. These chemicals represent a variety of cleaners and other liquids that may often be in contact with labels, tags, and RFID products.
- UV exposure tests - outdoor UV testing alongside simulated accelerated UV testing allows for an estimation of outdoor durability and lightfastness.
- RFID read distance tests - typically samples will be placed in an anechoic chamber while attached to various substrates.
Customers may also request a more customized test for a tricky application. When it is not possible for us to replicate test conditions, our customers or an external lab may perform independent tests.
In a way that parallels crash tests of vehicles, Metalcraft puts our labels, nameplates and RFID tags through some extreme conditions. These standardized tests are key in reassuring our customers that they are receiving the best product for their specific application.