Laboratory Services

Established for over forty years, the AP Braking laboratory has evolved to keep ahead of the ever developing needs of the organization and of the automobile industry in general. It can boast considerable experience in the fields of :-

Metal finishingPlating, painting, conversion coating
Non-metallicsRubber, plastic, friction materials, adhesives
FluidsBrake fluids, oils, greases

For more information on our Laboratory Services, please send an email to Mike Jones, or telephone us on 01926 473697.

The laboratory boasts a wide array of both destructive and non-destructive testing equipment.


As would be expected of a leading hydraulic brake manufacturer, our understanding of hydraulic brake fluid is exceptional. The laboratory can offer investigative analysis testing to ISO, BS and DOT requirements employing a variety of procedures including:-

Other available techniques include:-

Microscopic examinationPhotomicrography, polarised-light microscopy using WILD M3Z stereoscopic zoom, METALLUX 3 and LEITZ WETZLER inverted microscopes.
Ozone testingStatic testing using a HAMPDEN P3-C6 cabinet calibrated to ISO 1431-3
Cold testing
GEHMEN cold test to BS903 Part A13
Freezers programmable to 40ºC
Impact testingAVERY DENISON 6709U impact tester with maximum capacity of 15 joules.
Elevated temperature testingA variety of programmable furnaces and ovens ranging from 70ºC to 1100ºC
Some pre-programmed grades:
SteelsBS3111, 637M17, 431S29, 655M13, 635M15, 665M17, 655M13, 70KD, SAE8620, SAE4037, SAE302, FR10, 815M17, 080M50, 080A42, 045M10, 605A37, 302S31, 817M40, 708M40, 070M55, 080M30, 080M15, 080M40, 040A10, 220M07, 230M07 etc.
AluminiumDTD424, 2618-HF16, 6082-HE30,2014A-HE15,1050A, LM4, LM6, LM24, LM25, AA6262 etc.
BrassCZ106-7030, CZ122, CZ121-3PB,CZ121-4PB, CZ114-HT, CZ109-6040
Hollow cathode lampsAluminium, Boron, Barium, Beryllium, Calcium, Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Molybdenum, Magnesium, Lead, Tin, Lithium, Vanadium, Zinc, Nickel etc.
MetalTensile, compression, push-out load, etc.
RubberTensile, tear (crescent, angle, trouser), etc.
PlasticTensile, flexural, etc.
RubberPolymer type, quality control, etc
PlasticPolymer type, modifier content, etc
TechniquesDiffusion, ATR, Specular Reflectance, MIR
RubberProcess oil, polymer, carbon black, and filler content, etc
PlasticPolymer and filler content, melting point, etc.
GreaseOil and filler content, drop point
Friction MaterialCharacterisation, polymer binder and filler content, etc
Charpy, Izod and Impact Tensile tests on Plastics Materials
Water content of brake fluids, anti-freeze and other automotive fluids
Water content between 0.01% and 100% is possible.
WILD M3Z stereoscopic zoom microscope with digital imaging facility.
Viscometers allowing kinematic viscosity measurements from 1.5cSt to 15000cSt are available.

For more information on our Laboratory Services, please send an email to Mike Jones, or telephone us on 01926 473697.

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Thursday 28th October 2004 14:00 PM