The Most Diverse Sector for Quality Testing?

When it comes to numbers of materials and products being tested and the use of the widest range of tests, few sectors can compete with the medical sector, claims Martin Wheeler, sales and marketing director of Tinius Olsen / Hounsfield Test Equipment.

Tinius Olsen and its UK arm Hounsfield work with customers on everything from aerospace components to the corks for wine bottles. "But, for sheer diversity, the medical sector is hard to beat," says Martin. The materials tested with the company’s equipment range from metal alloys used in precision surgical equipment and the plastics used in breast implants, to sutures and even (not for the squeamish!) human skin to be used for grafting. The types of test can be equally exotic including, for example, bonding strength tests for bone grafted onto replacement joints.

"We deal with some unusual enquiries for testing from the medical sector," agrees Martin. "But our customers are highly professional, they want the highest quality standards and they’re a pleasure to work with to achieve the best results."