1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
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  4. Testing services Materials
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Testing services Materials

We provide for all your materials testing needs with classic standardised tests, as well as supporting you in the development and optimisation of new material technologies and processes.

Range of services

We conduct standardised tests and development tests for solid wood and wood-based materials. All orders are carried out by qualified specialists from the relevant field and are treated confidentially.

Most of the testing performed is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS), accreditation number: STS 317. The SAS is a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). This means that the tests accredited by us are recognised internationally.

We offer the following tests:

  • Determination of moisture content – kiln-drying method (SN EN 13183-1, SIA 164.525) 
  • Determination of density (DIN 52182) 
  • Bending test (DIN 52186) 
  • Tensile strength (DIN 52188)
  • Determination of the pH value
  • Determination of the type of wood
  • Determination of modulus of elasticity in bending and bending strength (SN EN 310, SIA 164.067) 
  • Chipboard and fibreboard – Determination of tensile strength perpendicular to the plane of the board (SN EN 319, SIA 164.075) 
  • Determination of moisture content (SN EN 322, SIA 164.078) 
  • Determination of density (SN EN 323, SIA 164.080) 
  • Determination of the dimensions of test pieces (SN EN 325, SIA 164.054) 
  • Sampling, cutting and inspection (SN EN 326-1, SIA 164.054) 
  • Compression strength (DIN 52 376)
  • Determination of formaldehyde release by the chamber method (SN EN 717-1, SIA 265.403) 
  • Determination of formaldehyde emission by the gas analysis method (SN EN 717-2, SIA 164.083, ISO 12460-3) 

In addition, experts with extensive know-how are available for consultations, expert opinions and expert reports.

Infrastructure

We are able to provide services and carry out development tasks with a high degree of proficiency using the following:

Lab equipment:

  • Laboratory press for the production of wood-based materials
  • Sieve device for the sifting of wood chips
  • UV/VIS and FT-IR spectrometers
  • Microscope for digital image capture

Testing machines:

  • Universal testing machines for pressure, tensile, shear and bending tests (force range 0–250 kN)
  • Tempering chamber for the universal testing machine (-80° C to +250° C)

Testing equipment:

  • Air-conditioned testing lab
  • A range of climatic chambers and rooms
  • Special software for recording and evaluating measurements
  • Sylvatest to determine properties using ultrasound

Contact

I would be happy to provide you with further information and look forward to hearing from you:

Prof. Dr. Heiko Thömen

  • Fachgruppenleiter
  • +41 32 344 03 31
  • Show e-mail

Further information

Institute for Building Materials and Biobased Products IBBM