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chemical analytics
Material determination on a plastic duck
The database comparison of the FT-IR spectrum clearly indicates soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC-P).
Plastics analysis for all industries
Plastics shape almost every industry — from automotive and medical technology to aerospace, electronics manufacturing, additive manufacturing and packaging. Accordingly diverse are the requirements for materials and components.
With our accredited testing methods, we support manufacturers, processors and quality managers in reliably characterizing polymer-based materials, understanding their behavior under real-world conditions and resolving product-specific questions. This provides a robust foundation for material selection, product development, process optimization and damage investigation—enabling well-informed decisions along the entire value chain.
Typical services
for the plastics industry
Material & Polymer Characterization
- Identification of polymers and blends
- Determination and quantification of material composition, incl. additives, plasticizers and fillers
- Determination of water content in plastics
- Analysis of thermal characteristics such as melting temperature, glass transition temperature and thermal decomposition behavior
Contaminations & Chemical Residues
- PFAS screening using sum parameters (TF, TOF)
- VOC and solvent analysis
- Testing for heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium)
- Testing for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Monitoring of particulate and chemical-filmic contamination
Component Safety & Failure Analysis
- Geometric dimensional inspection for accuracy and form deviations
- Non-destructive testing for porosity and inclusions
- Determination of fiber orientation and fiber volume fractions
- Damage analysis of cracks, breaks, delamination and other defects
Holistic quality assurance for the plastics industry
As versatile as the plastics industry itself, our interconnected testing and analysis methods cover the entire spectrum of polymer evaluation. As an accredited testing laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technology, we support you – from material testing to component qualification –in all matters relating to your materials and components:
Chemical Analysis
We examine polymer-based materials with regard to their thermal characteristics — including melting and glass transition temperatures, crystallinity and decomposition behavior. We determine material composition such as polymer and plasticizer content, additives, filler levels and residual mass. In addition, we analyze decomposition products and volatile components. Depending on the issue, the methods of choice are Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetry (TGA), FT-IR spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
Contamination Analysis
We inspect functional surfaces for contamination by organic and inorganic particles. Detected particles are assessed microscopically and spectroscopically — in terms of number, size classes, material classes and composition, as well as possible risks to component function.
Chemical-filmic residues from manufacturing or cleaning (e.g. oils, greases, solvents) can impair component performance even in minimal quantities. To characterize such contamination, we use methods such as test inks, fluorescence analysis, GC-FID, GC-MS, Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy, and gravimetric techniques.
Non-Destructive Component Testing
Industrial computed tomography enables non-destructive insights into the interior of plastic components - ideal for quality control and defect analysis. Applications include porosity and inclusion inspection, evaluation of fiber composites and foam structures, wall thickness measurement with color-coded 3D visualization and assembly verification.
The 3D volume can be captured at high resolution with detail recognition down to 7 µm.
Geometric Dimensional Inspection
For reliable product and process development, we perform high-precision tactile metrology — from individual features to full series inspections. We determine standard geometries, freeform surfaces and shape and position tolerances, conduct CAD-based nominal/actual comparisons and perform initial sampling (e.g. VDA, PPAP). We also provide component qualification with or without fixtures to simulate permissible deformation during assembly.
Damage Analysis
Mechanical loads, manufacturing defects or thermal influences can lead to component damage. We identify fractures, (micro)cracks, discoloration, material irregularities or processing defects and assess loading conditions, aging mechanisms and media resistance. On this basis, you receive a systematic evaluation of the root cause.
Added value at Quality Analysis
Speed
Thanks to our advanced measurement and analysis systems, you receive reliable results even at short notice - supporting fast development decisions, production approvals or failure investigations.
Variety of Analysis
Whether thermal, chemical, mechanical or geometric questions - we combine a wide range of testing and analytical methods, from DSC, TGA, FT-IR and GC-MS to microscopy, materialography, technical cleanliness verification and industrial computed tomography.
Analysis Systems
Our laboratories are equipped with high-resolution metrology and powerful analytical systems from leading manufacturers - ensuring reliable and reproducible evaluation of even complex components, materials and surfaces.
Accreditation
The accreditation of our inspection methods and measuring rooms according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 guarantees maximum certainty, objectivity and quality - from sampling to the final test report.
Accredited test laboratory
for plastics testing
With our DAkkS accreditation in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, we provide reliable quality, technical expertise and the highest level of safety for your plastics testing. You benefit from standards-compliant procedures, validated methods and internationally recognized results – a solid basis for confident quality decisions. As a reliable partner, we support you in analyzing plastic materials and components, including the detection or exclusion of critical substances such as PFAS or PAHs, identification of material-related defects and determination of damage root causes.
You can read more about the advantages our accreditation offers you here:
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Quality Analysis
the right partner
for plastics analytics
What can we analyze for you?
We would be pleased to advise you about the numerous possibilities and combined analytical methods. The goal: the best, most cost-effective and most efficient analysis of your material.