Q: | Can Architectural Testing test my product?
|
A: | The Materials Laboratory is equipped to perform over 750 different ASTM, industry and international standards. The answer to this question is likely to be yes. Please contact us for a proposal that is suited specifically to your needs.
|
Back to Top |
 |
Q: | Can all Architectural Testing locations do this testing?
|
A: | Architectural Testing's York, PA facility is the primary location of materials testing, however, on a case by case basis, our other labs can be equipped to perform certain types of tests. Others, such as high strength compression and tension and accelerated weathering can only be performed in York. Please contact us to determine whether your testing needs can be met at one of our other locations.
|
Back to Top |
|
Q: | Can testing be performed in my lab at the plant or R&D site?
|
A: | It is possible for testing to be performed at a manufacturer's location or at their R&D site, however, Architectural Testing will require that you demonstrate compliance with the same accreditation requirements as ATI in regards to calibration of equipment, qualification of employees, QA programs and security of data. In most cases, the best route is to have products evaluated at Architectural Testing. This will eliminate the perception of bias if testing is performed at your location.
|
Back to Top |
|
Q: | How do I find out which standards apply to my product?
|
A: | Most requirements come from Building Code requirements, Architect Specifications and inquiries from your customers. However, Architectural Testing has extensive contacts throughout the construction industry including on-staff Professional Engineers who monitor the latest changes in building codes and regional requirements for products and through dialogue between you and Architectural Testing regarding product end-use and composition, we can offer the most up-to-date list of applicable tests.
|
Back to Top |
|
Q: | What is the best method to accelerate the aging of my product?
|
A: | Unfortunately, there is no single method that purely generates realistic aging effects in the laboratory. However, Architectural Testing is equipped with various test chambers that combine two or more of the three primary elements of weathering (temperature, moisture and Ultra-Violet radiation) in order to cause aging of products. The most commonly utilized methods are ASTM G153 (formerly known as ASTM G23) and ASTM G155 (formerly known as ASTM G26). The use of these two methods dominates the accelerated weathering standards list.
|
Back to Top |
|
Q: | How long does an accelerated weathering test equate to in real time?
|
A: | The short answer to this is that there is no answer. Unfortunately, nature is not predictable and due to various climate differences around the globe, there is no magic formula for determining how long your product will last if we age it in the lab for a set amount of time. The closest correlation that can be developed is one where a sample of the product has been exposed to the outdoor elements for a known period of time and is compared to the results developed in the lab. However, the correlation is only good for that product in the geographic location and time period where the outdoor sample was exposed.
|
Back to Top |
|
Q: | Can Architectural Testing conduct Fire testing?
|
A: | The Materials Laboratory is equipped to perform the small scale tests such as ASTM D635, D1929 and D2843. For larger scale testing, please contact Architectural Testing for a custom quotation.
|
Back to Top |
|
Q: | How quickly can Architectural Testing begin testing for my product?
|
A: | Testing can typically be scheduled within 2 to 3 weeks of ATI receiving authorization and the samples. Final reports will be sent within 2 weeks of our receipt of all required information, including product drawings as necessary. A draft report may be available prior to the 2 weeks on a case by case basis.
|
Back to Top |
|
Q: | Does Architectural Testing have to sample the products for my testing needs?
|
A: | Not always, but here are the stipulations of when ATI is required to perform independent sampling:
If the product is a component that has been listed in AAMA's Verified Component Directory at any time in the past, the program dictates that an AAMA Approved Agent (Architectural Testing) randomly select all test samples.
If the data is to be used for submittal to any other certification or reviewer, ATI must sample the products for testing.
|
Back to Top |
|
Q: | What does Architectural Testing need from me in order to get my testing done?
|
A: | Please contact us through our Getting Started link on this site. If you are not sure which area is best suited to your product, simply fill out the one that seems right and we'll take it from there by getting you in touch with the appropriate individual(s).
|
Back to Top |
|