Accutek's Blog

Metal testing services grow despite rough economic times

IBISWorld has seen metal testing services grow during the past five years, despite recent economic conditions.

Meet the Team: Kellen Campbell

In this edition of Meet the Team, we introduce Metallurgical Laboratory Technician, Kellen Campbell

Automobile recall issued for corrosion testing purposes

Two car models have been recalled this month amid brake line corrosion concerns.

Testing of engines and small engine parts completed for Pratt & Whitney

Mechanical testing of jet engines for Pratt & Whitney is advancing in the firm's West Palm Beach facility.

Accutek Adds Composite Materials Testing to NADCAP Accreditation

Composite tension, compression, and shear testing are among the test methods included in Accutek's new AC7122/1 certification.

Accutek Weighs in on the Future of Testing

Accutek President John McCloy recently spoke with BONEZONE magazine regarding the current and future state of the testing industry.

Fatigue testing part of new Navy contract

Fatigue testing is part of the new Navy contact aimed at assessing airframe life of surveillance radars.

Consumers Union calls on FDA to review metal hip implants

The non-profit group, Consumer Union, has asked the FDA to probe metal hip implants for safety purposes.

Ryan Castells joins the Board of Directors of SPE Composites

Accutek's Ryan Castells joins an eilite group of Board Members from the Society of Plastics Engineers

Meet the Team: Rob Long

In this edition of Meet the Team, we introduce Marketing Assistant, Rob Long

Testing FAQs: Roller Chains

There are various methods and variables to consider when testing a roller chain system.

Medical Product Outsourcing Magazine and Accutek Discuss Contract Testing

John McCloy weighs in on trends in the outsourcing of medical device and wear testing.

Ensuring the Quality of Laser Welds

As with all welding processes, laser welding must be carefully controlled to ensure quality.

Accutek Shares Mechanical Testing Insights in a Recent DE Article

Accutek provides insights into the benefits of using an independent, accredited testing laboratory for your mechanical testing program.

The Tales of a Traveling CWI

Follow along with Accutek's newest CWI as he ventures to his first on-site inspection project.

Cool News in the Materials Testing World

The latest news and insights from the materials testing industry.

Meet the Team: Derek Julien

In this edition of Meet the Team, we introduce Laboratory Technician, Derek Julien.

Composite Testing added to Accutek’s ISO 17025 Scope

Accutek adds composite materials testing to our ISO 17025 scope of accreditation by A2LA.

Accutek Adds New Medical Device Test Methods to ISO 17025 Scope

Accutek is pleased to announce the increase of our ISO 17025 scope for medical device testing.

Replication Metallography: A Non-Destructive Solution

Replication metallography is often performed as an alternative evaluation method in instances where test samples may not be altered.

Material Validation Testing 101

Learn more about the various testing options available for material identification and validation.

Happy Holidays from Accutek Testing Laboratory

Accutek would like to wish our colleagues, clients, partners, families and friends a very happy holiday season!

So…You Want to do Abrasion Testing?

There are several methodologies that may be employed for abrasion testing, including: Taber, Pin-on-Disk, and custom abrasion solutions.

Meet the Team: Bob Hacker

The latest edition of "Meet the Team" introduces Senior Machinist Bob Hacker

A Decade of Excellence

This month, Accutek is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of John McCloy’s tenure as Accutek’s owner and president.

Accutek’s Role in the Growth of Composites

The exploding use of composites has created dramatic demand for increasing test capabilities

Expiring Test Budgets—Suggestions for Spending This Year

As the end of the year quickly approaches, Accutek provides three suggestions for creatively utilizing excess budget.

Meet the Team: John Mitchell

In the next edition of “Meet the Team”, we introduce Director of Sales, John Mitchell

Meet the Team: Greg McKnight

In the next installment of Accutek's "Meet the Team", we introduce Director of Engineering Greg McKnight

Our NADCAP Scope Has Expanded

Accutek has added several weld evaluation processes to our current NADCAP certification.

Accutek expands our A2LA Scope of Accreditation

Accutek adds a variety of mechanical, metallurgical, and weld test methods to our current ISO 17025 certification.

Reminder: Register Now for Accutek’s Inaugural “Lunch & Learn” in Dallas

Don’t forget to register for Accutek’s inaugural “Lunch & Learn” in Dallas this Thursday at 11:30am (CST).

Meet the Team: Ryan Castells

In the latest edition of “Meet the Team”, we introduce Senior Project Engineer Ryan Castells

3 Benefits of Performing a Failure Analysis

Believe it or not – failures aren’t all bad…find out what a thorough failure analysis can tell you.

UPDATE: ISO 14801 Dental Implant Testing

New information has come to light regarding samples sizes required for ISO 14801 testing.

Meet the Team: Brian Wood

In the first installment of “Meet an Accutek Team Member”, we introduce Laboratory Technician Brian Wood.

Accutek Turns up the Heat with our Autoclaving Capabilities

Are your medical devices prepared to withstand the intense heat of a pressure cooker?

Testing FAQs: How do I know what tests are needed for my 510(k)?

You need to test your medical device for a 510(k) FDA submission, but not sure what to do? Start here.

Testing FAQs: Does your test lab’s business model affect you?

When evaluating an independent testing laboratory partner, should the lab’s business model make a difference?

Meet Jeol…Accutek’s newest team member

Accutek is excited to introduce its newest addition to the testing laboratory: a Jeol SEM!

Metals 101: A Brief Overview of Structural Engineering Metals

Accutek’s Engineering Team offers insight into the five key metals used in structural engineering.

Register now for Accutek’s inaugural “Lunch & Learn”

Hear advice from experts at Accutek, SmithAmundsen and MCRA regarding how to avoid common pitfalls during spinal device submission.

Will composite materials in cars be the answer to increasing regulations?

Reflections from a panel discussion regarding the role composites will play in the future of automobiles.

Accutek is a Finalist - Once Again - for Best Places to Work in Cincinnati

Cincinnati Business Courier announces Accutek’s third consecutive year as a finalist in the small business category of Best Places to Work.

Accutek Has Expanded Wear Testing Capabilities

Do you have an upcoming wear testing project? Contact Accutek to learn more about our in-house wear testing capabilities.

Testing Exotic Metals Will Test Your Mettle

Insight into machining test specimens out of super alloys.

Testing FAQs: Why should I be concerned with wear debris?

It is extremely important to understand the characteristics and size of debris your IBFD is producing.

I have a porous coating. How do I test it?

Porous coatings are a vital component to medical devices, and require a battery of mechanical tests prior to introduction to the market.

Why so Many? Dental Implant Testing for ISO 14801.

Quantities for testing of dental implants are not the norm for medical implant testing.

Carbon fiber-reinforced composites: New niches & applications

While polymer composites are not a new technology, we have seen an increased demand for testing composites in a number of new applications.

How To: Surviving an Audit

Accutek QA guru, Kevin Conley, offers a few tips for not only enduring, but successfully completing, a quality audit.

Without materials, there is no engineering.

This is something I heard often when I was working on my Materials Science and Engineering degree, but what does it really mean?

My journey to becoming a CWI – Part 2

The conclusion to Nicholas’s story of the trials and tribulations in becoming a Certified Welding Inspector

My journey to becoming a CWI – Part 1

A young man’s story of the trials and tribulations in becoming a Certified Welding Inspector

Diversify or die – is it true for a test lab?

Four reasons why you should look for a testing laboratory that works with a variety of industries.

Test Fixturing 101

What’s more important than getting tests started quickly? Learn the answer now.

Monumental Networking Opportunities

Our team’s trip to Washington, DC included old friends and new connections

Testing FAQs: Why can’t you make this report say what I want it to say?

Three reasons why the integrity of final reports is critical in the mechanical testing world.

I have a unique product.  Can you test it for me?

You may need a custom test machine – which could be a long, expensive road to nowhere or a cost-effective shortcut to the info you need.

Department of Energy: Regional Small Business Summit

The Inaugural Regional Summit, held in Knoxville, TN, provided an opportunity to learn about contracting with the Department of Energy.

Welding From the Other Side of the Fence

How does working in a metallurgical lab change your perspective as a welder?

Why Become an Accredited Testing Laboratory?

Two key reasons testing laboratories such as Accutek spend so much time and capital on becoming, and staying, accredited.

A CWI’s Thoughts on Welding in Remote Alaska

Accutek’s resident CWI, Justin Riebesel, comments on a recent Welding Journal article about welding in arctic conditions.

Fatigue Failure: How can you tell?

A quick look at what causes fatigue and how to design against fatigue failure.

The Material Testing Equipment Market: Where It’s Been & Where It’s Headed

The material and mechanical testing equipment market has changed considerably over the last few years. Read on to learn about the evolution.

Tips for Machining Carbon Fiber

Many composite testing laboratories face the question of how to machine composite test specimens.

SAMPE 2012: Composites, Composites, Composites

Composites were in the spotlight at SAMPE 2012, one of the largest advanced materials and processes exhibitions in the world.

Why Do I Need Testing?

Whether testing is required by the government or you need to validate an FEA model, there are a number of reasons to perform testing.

Spineweek 2012

Accutek is attending Spineweek in Amsterdam this week.

Value Added At Accutek

Any laboratory can provide you with a report. So, what benefits will you get when you choose Accutek over other laboratories?

Testing FAQs: Can you provide data on predicate devices?

Often we will have a customer ask if Accutek can provide predicate data for the 510(k) submission process.

Accutek Attends May ASTM Committee Meetings

Thoughts and reflections from ASTM's semi-annual committee meeting for Fatigue & Fracture in Arizona.

Important Guidelines for ASTM F382 Bone Plate Testing

While bone plates are a common medical device, there are several things to keep in mind when designing your testing plan.

Why do I need a Certified Welding Inspector?

Think you don't need a Certified Weld Inspector? Think again - the right CWI can be an asset to your team.

Accutek is Expanding Our Testing Capabilities

Accutek is proud to announce the addition of six new test frames, increasing our testing capabilities and capacity.

National Space Symposium

The Edge of Innovation at the 28th Annual National Space Symposium

What is Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) Certification and do you have it?

Testing is time consuming and costly; so ensuring results will be accepted by the governing body in our clients' industries is important.

Breaks Are a Good Thing

Understanding How, Where, and Why your part broke can provide priceless insight on whether your product is ready for the market.

Welding and Qualification —The Basics

Here are some basic questions and tips to help guide you in the right direction for Welding & Qualification

Tips for the Successful Metallographic Preparation of CP Titanium

Accutek’s know-how has developed tips for better Commercially Pure titanium preparation in the metallographic lab.

Accutek Extends Congratulations to Professional Engineer Ryan Castells

Ryan Castells has earned his Professional Engineer’s License from the Ohio State Board of Engineers.

How do you suggest testing facet screws?

Developing a test plan for your own screw design can be confusing when researching existing screw systems.

How cool is it to work for a materials test lab?

Seeing a testing project from start to finish, and delivering our clients the essential data they need is definitely rewarding.

What goes into all this testing? It seems pricey.

Testing prices may, seem high, but the overhead of a test facility and time invested in performing complex tests is often underestimated.

Outsourcing vs. Insourcing

Why outsource metallurgical and mechanical testing projects? You know your product best, right? Yes, but it’s not quite that simple.

Testing FAQs: The Quantity Quandary

Examining the frequently asked question, "How many samples should I test?"

Where is my First Time Attendee Badge? – AAOS 2012

For the past 3 years I have heard the company buzz about Accutek’s “biggest” tradeshow of the year – the AAOS.

Accutek Testing Laboratory Awarded GSA/FaS Schedule

Accutek Testing Laboratory has been awarded a GSA/FaS schedule contract for Schedule 871-4, for Test and Evaluation Services.

Keep Your Test Protocols Simple

Whether planning a fatigue testing or simple analysis, check out OrthoTec’s article and Accutek’s thoughts on test protocol development.

Accutek Named a Finalist - Again - for Best Places to Work

Cincinnati Business Courier announces Accutek’s second consecutive year as a finalist in the small business category of Best Places to Work.

Adventures in China

Follow Accutek’s venture into China and the new world of medical device testing.

Roundtable Q&A: Testing & FDA Compliance

MDT Magazine offers insight into Testing & Compliance from Accutek President, John McCloy, and other top industry executives.

Importance of Mechanical Testing Throughout Product Lifecycle

Where do test requirements originate? Testing requirements are often established by government agencies.

Accutek to Present at AeroCon 2011

Greg McKnight and Justin Riebesel will present "Advances in Mechanical Testing" at AeroCon 2011 in Anaheim.

Bonus Design Hints for Medical Implant Designers

John McCloy offers expert insight into the mechanical aspect of medical implant design and manufacturing.

Accutek Testing Laboratory Named Finalist for Best Places to Work In Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Business Courier recently named Accutek Testing Laboratory as a finalist in their 8th Annual Best Places to Work Survey.

Dos and Don’ts of Mechanical Testing

Gain insight from Accutek President, John McCloy's recent contribution to the September issue of OrthoTec

Accutek Testing Laboratory Expands

Accutek Testing Laboratory is undergoing a more than $1.5 million project to purchase and renovate an existing facility in Fairfield, Ohio.

Accutek Introduces the ProAgility MC4 Medical Device Testing Machine

Accutek now offers the next generation in medical device testing machines: the ProAgility MC4, a 4-in-1 static and dynamic testing machine.

Accutek Testing Laboratory Announces New Capability

Introducing capabilities for contact pressure testing

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