What is mechanical safety testing?
Mechanical safety testing is a specific type of safety evaluation that involves the assessment of the mechanical aspects of a product, and the conditions under which a mechanical failure could pose a potential safety risk to users.
Mechanical safety risks are as diverse as the number and types of mechanical products available, making the task of identifying and evaluating such risks a complex process for manufacturers, importers and retailers.
Why are mechanical safety tests important?
Mechanical safety testing is required for many categories of products sold or imported into the European Union (EU), the US and other major markets. Mechanical failures can result in user injuries and even death, potentially exposing manufacturers, importers and retailers to costly legal action and the loss of brand reputation.
A mechanical safety test, therefore, provides access to global markets, protects users, and preserve a manufacturer’s reputation in a competitive market.
TÜV SÜD are global mechanical safety testing experts
TÜV SÜD offers mechanical safety testing services that address the full range of mechanical risks associated with most types of consumer and industrial products. Our expert engineers are up to date with latest regulatory changes in different jurisdictions and can support you with compliance, as well as provide advice on how to reduce mechanical risk.
We can deliver our testing and inspection services globally with quick turnaround times and personalised service. Our quality control programmes can be customised for the specific testing needs of clients.
The TÜV SÜD certification mark is accepted globally by retailers and consumers as evidence of compliance with all applicable product safety requirements and standards.
TÜV SÜD offers all types of mechanical testing
Depending on a product’s purpose and target audience, we provide different types of mechanical testing as appropriate:
- Mechanical safety tests – Involves an evaluation and testing of a product’s shape and design, and whether sharp edges or points can result in user injury. Mechanical safety testing could also include an assessment of a product’s potential to squeeze, pinch or entrap fingers, toes and other appendages during anticipated use.
- Structural tests – Structural testing evaluates a product’s overall strength and durability under normal use conditions. Structural testing may assess other product characteristics, such as load-bearing capacity, depending on the specific type of product being evaluated.
- Component tests – Mechanical safety testing can also involve the testing of safety critical components, such as screws and hinges that are used in a final product.
- Mechanical Safety for Medical Devices – Performance and safety testing of e.g. orthopedic implants, such as compression, torsion, range of motion/constraint, fatigue and wear testing. A wide range of real-world conditions can be simulated, to evaluate the mechanical and material properties of devices using the latest ASTM and ISO methods and standards. Contact us for more information.