Test Products in ISU Labs

Part of developing any product or piece of equipment involves checking to see if an item can really do what a company expects it to do. The design and material are carefully chosen, but how can anyone be sure it will work?

CIRAS regularly assists Iowa companies with a wide variety of product testing needs – whether companies are seeking to confirm the capabilities of a new innovation or making certain that problems with a prior version of their particular product have been fixed. CIRAS experts can help a company evaluate testing needs, develop a testing plan, and get the testing completed. Then, we’ll help the business understand and properly use the results.

The majority of testing projects done by CIRAS involve applying forces to a company’s product or part and measuring the deflection caused by the applied force. This type of testing can help the business:

• Verify product performance
• Improve safety, performance, and reliability
• Validate product life and durability
• Avoid making inaccurate or improper marketing claims

Before any testing takes place, CIRAS experts can guide the company through creation of a testing plan. This will help determine:

• What questions about the product need to be answered?
• What are the variables that can affect the product’s performance and impact market acceptance?
• What testing data is needed to help answer those questions?

To seek guidance about product testing or to schedule a no-cost assessment, contact your Regional CIRAS Strategic Advisor or Project Manager John Roberts.

CIRAS provides several related services, including:

• Materials
• Nondestructive Evaluation
• Product/Process Design
• Finite Element Analysis
• Laser Scanning