PRODUCT TESTING: Functionality, Durability, Safety & Quality
Regulations on product testing are in place to ensure the functionality, durability, safety, and quality of the product. Specifications for product testing can be created internally and are also set by a governing body, depending on the product. For example, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification is required in the US for all electronic products that transmit at 9 kHz or higher.
Let’s talk about standards: All required standards, certifications, and compliance regulations should be followed, but it is also a good idea for manufacturers to create and implement internal standards. When setting high standards for production, you can be sure that high quality, safe products are created. Consumer safety and satisfaction means positive reviews and enhanced revenue.
Functionality
The end product is only as good as the sum of all its parts. Meaning, once each piece is fitted together to create the whole, if it does not pass testing (doesn’t function properly), none of it is good. The entire system needs to be tested, not simply individual parts on their own.
This is where internal and engineering guidelines are helpful; within those guidelines, the goal of the finished product is determined, to which comparison testing can be completed.
Durability
Can your product endure harsh weather conditions? How about high pressure, stress, high heat, or other conditions that might take a toll on or degrade materials? During the testing process, real-life conditions are replicated to determine whether the product can withstand a particular set of conditions, for example salt water. Afterwhich, a subset of questions may be asked: how long can this material withstand the condition or stress, and what happens to the material during the breakdown, corrosion, or degradation?
Defects
Ensuring a product is durable, before it reaches the market, is paramount. Doing so means both your customers and your company’s reputation are safe. We know, the absolute last things you want are malfunctions, injuries, or unhappy customers. In some cases, serious injuries can be caused if product testing is overlooked or defects are not taken into account and corrected.
Quality
One of the most important aspects of product testing is for quality assurance and making certain that all specifications are being met and regulations are being followed before distribution. This is particularly important for products to be used within the medical industry.
IIA’s Team of experts will guide you every step of the way, and you will receive unmatched responsiveness with an unusually quick turnaround time.
Industrial Inspection & Analysis is the go-to expert for product durability testing but also for other lab tests as well, including Lead Testing, Soluble Heavy Metals, chemical, environmental, and mechanical testing.
We have specialty labs certified in CPSIA Test Methods, and we are RoHS Compliant and certified by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
