OUR PHILADELPHIA FACILITIES
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Philadelphia Laboratories
Philadelphia Capabilities
Our testing laboratories provide our consulting teams with a blend of cutting-edge and industry standard equipment to create custom testing solutions to validate performance, prove safety, and accelerate compliance. Our teams use advanced tools and nondestructive analysis to deliver comprehensive testing solutions and answer the toughest client questions in the most demanding and regulated industries. Our lab team specializes in testing medical materials and devices such as UHMWPE, PEEK, joint replacements, heart valves, stents, and tissue-engineered products.
- Standardized and custom mechanical testing, including method development, validation, and electro-mechanical testing
- Verification and validation programs
- Material tribology, device wear testing, and degradation analysis
- Functional testing and evaluation
- Accelerated aging and material degradation testing
- Structural and material analysis
- Finite element analysis (FEA) and material constitutive modeling
- Fracture, fatigue, and vibration analysis
- Rotating equipment evaluation
- Failure and root cause analysis
Our biomedical laboratory offers advanced biomaterials and medical device testing capabilities, helping clients evaluate medical materials and address their most critical product challenges. Ä¢¹½tv consultants assemble bespoke teams with expertise suited to every stage of your product's lifecycle, helping you thoroughly characterize materials, evaluate risks and performance, and investigate complex failures. Our Philadelphia lab features a biosafety level 2 with cold and frozen storage, dissection equipment, clinical and pre-clinical imaging modalities, and surgical suite, facilitating end-to-end evaluation of devices, instruments, and instructions for use.
- Medical device and biomaterial testing
- Biological safety testing, including animal model and cadaveric testing with IRB-reviewed protocols
- Medical plastics and metals characterization, including electrochemical and corrosion testing
- MRI safety and compatibility evaluations
- Tissue characterization
- Optical and surface microscopy, including optical microscopy, surface interferometry, and environmental SEM with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis
- Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
- Micro-computed tomography (microCT) evaluations
- Regional lab access for MRI, X-ray, CT, and microCT testing and evaluations
- Comprehensive evaluation of biomaterials and medical devices leveraging a range of advanced imaging and analytical techniques
Ä¢¹½tv's materials testing laboratory helps clients solve the materials and electrochemical challenges throughout the entire product lifecycle, from prototyping through product development to manufacturing scale-up, recalls, and end-of-product-life issues. Our expert teams assist manufacturers with analysis of all types of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, thin films, and nanomaterials. We perform a broad range of property characterization, such as transport, optical, electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties. We bring deep experience with device construction and teardown for products across industries.
- Materials characterization and analysis, including contaminant identification, dimensional analysis, and reliability testing
- Metallurgical sample preparation and examination
- Fractography and failure analysis, including recreation testing
- Chromatography techniques (GC-MS, LC-MS, GPC)
- Spectroscopy and microscopy (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, optical profilometry, and plasma focused ion beam)
- Electron backscatter diffraction
- X-ray imaging (2D and 3D)
- Mechanical testing, including custom fixture development, friction and tack testing, micro- and nanoindentation, toughness, impact, and adhesion testing
- Corrosion and battery cell cycling tests
- Failure and reliability testing, including adhesion, corrosion, and battery cell cycling
The experts in our human factors and user testing lab help clients analyze how people interact with products, environments, and systems. Our team of scientists and engineers conducts comprehensive studies that examine cognitive, perceptual, and physical factors influencing safety, ease of use, and overall product performance for items such as consumer products, medical devices, and software.
From the start of product development through postmarket evaluation, we offer unmatched scientific, industry, and regulatory expertise, applying rigorous methods and tailored testing solutions — including the development of custom testing protocols and analytical tools.- User experience (UX) testing and research with diverse populations, including real-world studies, surveys, focus groups, A/B testing, and observational research
- Design, interface, and total product experience evaluations, supported by heuristic analyses to enhance usability
- Assessment of cognitive processes — such as perception, attention, memory, and decision making — in product interactions
- Labeling, device instructions, and safety information comprehension testing to ensure user understanding
- Prototype testing of consumer products, including sensory testing and analysis
- Collection and analysis of biometric and clinical data to inform product usability and safety
- Risk assessment and compliance testing, including human factors risk assessments (HF-FMEA, URRA)
- Product performance and failure analysis to drive product improvement and risk mitigation
- Formative and summative validation study design and testing for regulatory submissions (e.g., FDA)
- Product liability analysis and risk mitigation strategies, including evaluation of design and labeling/instructions for use (IFU)
Ä¢¹½tv's rapid prototyping capabilities are designed to accelerate innovation and support agile development and response for clients across industries. Our team excels at optimizing and creating 3D models from scratch, leveraging large-bed resin printers, filament (PLA) printers, and hand scanners for sub-millimeter accuracy. This enables iterative, custom testing and bespoke scenarios, ensuring technically sound prototypes that are practical for real-world application.
Our Philadelphia lab specializes in producing high fidelity physical models as visual exhibits and demonstratives for high-stakes litigation — impactful, tangible assets ranging from biomedical devices to consumer products, scaled objects of industrial-scale and miniature components with complex geometries, and tools that demonstrate manufacturing processes — supporting clients across industries, attorneys, and expert witnesses.- Data acquisition and 3D scanning, including both ultraprecise and large-format methods
- 3D graphic, CAD modeling, and virtual scenario creation
- 3D printing technologies: fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA)
- Injection molding and CNC manufacturing
- Production of physical and cutaway models, including functional demonstratives for legal and testing purposes
- Agile part and product development supporting rapid innovation cycles
- Bespoke and iterative testing scenarios for novel products
- Performance, risk, and failure mechanism assessments
- Component and subsystem evaluations
- Custom test fixture and surrogate model design and production for testing
Ä¢¹½tv's analytical chemistry laboratory offers advanced, custom testing services, including spectrometry, extractables and leachables analysis, and contamination assessments. Our multidisciplinary teams support biocompatibility evaluations, material and process reviews, and ingredient change investigations that help clients understand real-world conditions that aren't captured by standard tests.
- Extractables and leachables consulting support
- Particle size and chemical characterization
- Contaminant identification and characterization
- Surface analysis and surface interferometry
- Optical and electron microscopy
- Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
- Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry
- Micro-computed tomography
- Test method validation and QA/QC support
- Failure analysis and root cause analysis, including forensic analysis
We take a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the design, function, performance, and usability of packaging systems across various industries, including life sciences, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, consumer products, and food and beverage. Our experts in biomechanics, thermal sciences, biomedical devices, mechanical, polymers and materials, and human factors conduct both standardized and custom testing on packaging systems, including sterile barrier, child restraint, food and beverage, palletized loads, hazardous materials, pressurized containers, consumer products, and pharmaceutical systems.
- Usability assessments, including surgical cadaver programs
- Package integrity, gap assessments, and seal strength testing
- Conditioning and accelerated aging
- Labeling assessments
- Failure analysis and fatigue testing
- Cardboard and handhole strength testing
- Vacuum decay, bubble, and leak testing
- Tensile, drop, and impact testing
- Simulations and modeling
- Seal strength and fatigue testing
Ä¢¹½tv's product performance experts in biomechanics, mechanical engineering, human factors, and biomedical engineering in our Philadelphia lab evaluate the mechanical performance of team sports equipment, personal exercise equipment, padding, water sports equipment, and snow sports equipment.
Our team both conducts standardized testing (ASTM) and develops and validates custom test methods to gauge the performance of high-tech sports equipment and athletic gear. Our scientists and engineers have partnered with the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), where we conduct the certification program used by sporting goods manufacturers for football glove and hand pads for amateur athletes and used as a guideline for the National Football League (NFL).- Product mechanical and biomechanical testing
- Custom test method development and validation
- Usability assessments
- Failure analysis
- In-field mechanical testing
- Simulations and modelling
- 3D visualization
- Testing for recall decisions and support
Our mechanical, biomechanics, and human factors experts routinely investigate the mechanical integrity and stability of consumer and commercial furniture, including desks, chairs, dressers, and shelving and racking systems. We leverage universal testing machines, fatigue machines, and impact testing systems to evaluate furniture using both standard methods (ASTM and ANSI/BIFMA) and custom test method setups.
- Impact testing
- Fatigue testing
- Durability, load bearing, and strength testing
- Failure analysis
- Simulations and modelling
- In-field mechanical testing
- 3D visualization
- Testing for recall decisions and support
On-Site Technologies
Micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanners
Optical microscopes
Surface interferometers
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer
Scanning electron microscope with dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDS)
Single and multi-axial mechanical testing and measurement systems
Machine shop
3D printer
Related Evaluations
Biomedical Evaluations
Create advanced medical devices and solutions by working with pioneers in the field.
Mechanical Evaluations
Understand your product's strengths and limitations with customized mechanical testing.
Materials Evaluations
Build a strong foundation for your products with specialized materials evaluations.
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Battery Evaluations
Gain confidence with our cutting-edge evaluations and consulting.
Inform Your UX Decisions With Science
Our Ä¢¹½tv user experience (UX) teams design safe, successful user experience rooted in a deep understanding of your audiences. While we can tackle virtually any UX challenge, we offer particular expertise in automotive products, consumer products, industrial equipment, and medical devices.
Scope of Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Our Philadelphia Laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 by A2LA () for a range of biomedical, biomaterials, biotribology, electrochemical, and spectroscopy tests and, as applicable, our services are compliant with 21 CFR Part 58 and U.S. FDA Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Our lab is accredited to perform the following tests:
Corrosion Susceptibility (ASTM F2129); Evaluation of Galvanic Corrosion (ASTM F3044); Potentiostatic and Potentiodynamic Anodic Polarization Measurements (ASTM G58); Fretting Corrosion of Modular Orthopedic Components (ASTM F1875)
Abrasive Conditioning (PL_SOP.004523); Spinal Implant Wear Rate (ASTM F2423, F3295, ISO 18192-1); Knee Implant Wear Rate (ISO 14243-1, -2, -3); Material Wear Rate (ASTM F732); Particle Analysis (ASTM F1877)
Mechanical Characterization of Cadaveric and Animal Tissue (PL SOP.001603, PL SOP.000533, PL SOP.0001163); MicroCT Imaging and Analysis (PL SOP.002863); Tissue Ball Burst Testing (PL SOP.002873)
Bone Screw Testing (ASTM F543); Static and Dynamic Characterization of Spinal Constructs (ASTM F1717); Mechanical Methods for Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices (ASTM F2077); Subsidence Testing (ASTM F2267); Mechanical Characterization of Total Disc Replacements (ASTM F2346); Push-out Testing (ASTM Draft Guide Dated Aug 29, 2000, PL SOP.0003573); Hip Rim Impingement (ASTM F2582); Total Hip Disassembly (ASTM F1820); Axial Disassembly Force of Taper Connections and Modular Prostheses (ASTM F2009); Breast Implant Fatigue (ISO 14607 Annex C); Condom Testing (ASTM D3492)
Accelerated Shelf Aging (ASTM F1980); Accelerated Aging (ASTM F2003)
Characterization of Retrieved Implants (PL SOP.002003; ASTM F561; ISO 12891); SEM and EDS (ASTM E1508, E766; PL SOP.002133); Surface Characterization Using a Zygo White Light Interferometer (PL SOP.000113. 5); Photomicrographs (ASTM E883; PL SOP.002643); Taper Measurement Using a Talyrond (ASTM F3129; PL SOP.003093); MicroCT Imaging and Analysis (PL SOP.002863)
Peripheral Stent Testing (MAPS) (ASTM F2942, ASTM F2477; PL SOP.003423); Heart Valve Pulse Duplication (ISO 5840-1, -2, -3); Heart Valve Durability (ISO 5840-1, -2, -3), Particle Counting (USP 788)
FTIR (ASTM E1252, E334; PL SOP.000813); Hydroperoxide Index (PL SOP.000643, 4; PL SOP.003473); Oxidation Index (ASTM F2102; PL SOP.003473); Trans-Vinylene Index (ASTM F2381; PL SOP.003473); UHMWPE Crystallinity Index (ASTM F2102; PL SOP.003473); PEEK Crystallinity Index (ASTM F2778; PL SOP.002563)
Tensile (ASTM D638, E8); Compression Modulus (ASTM D695, F451); IZOD Impact, Freeze Fracture (ASTM F648 (Annex A1), D256, PL SOP.004443); Poisson's Ratio Testing (PL SOP.000063); Small Punch (ASTM F2183; ASTM F2977); Fatigue Crack Propagation (ASTM E647); Nitinol Tensile Testing (ASTM F2516); Bending of Bone Cement (ISO 5833); Fatigue Life of Bone Cement (ASTM F2118); Coefficient of Friction (ASTM D1894); Density Using Helium Pycnometer (PL SOP.00244); Preparation of Metallographic Specimens (ASTM E31); Standard Practice for Microetching Metals and Alloys (ASTM E4071); Standard Test Method for Tension Testing of Calcium Phosphate and Metallic (ASTM F1147); Standard Test Method for Shear Testing of Calcium Phosphate Coatings and Metallic Coatings (ASTM F1044); Standard Test Method for Shear and Bending Fatigue of Calcium Phosphate and Metallic Medical and Composite Calcium Phosphate/Metallic Coatings (ASTM F1160); Stereological Evaluation of Porous Coatings on Medical Implants (ASTM F1854)
Dissolution Testing (PL SOP.003483,6; ASTM F1926); Solubility (PL SOP.003483,6)
- Ball Burst Testing (ASTM D6797)
Gauging (ISO 594/1, 4.1, 5.1); Liquid Leakage (ISO 80369-7; ISO 594/1, 4.2, 5.2; ISO 594/2, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3); Air Leakage (ISO 80369-7; ISO 594/1, 4.3, 5.3); Separation Force (ISO 80369-7; ISO 594/1, 4.4, 5.4; ISO 594/2, 4.3, 5.4); Stress Cracking (ISO 80369-7; ISO 594/1, 4.5, 5.5; ISO 594/2, 4.7, 5.8); Unscrewing Torque (ISO 80369-7; ISO 594/2, 4.4, 5.5); Ease of Assembly (ISO 594/2, 4.5, 5.6); Resistance to Overriding (ISO 80369-7; ISO 594/2, 4.6, 5.7)
Tensile Testing (ISO 10555-1 Annex B); Leak Testing (ISO 10555-1 Annex C); Gravity Flow (ISO 10555-1 Annex E); Burst Testing (ISO 10555-1 Annex F)
- Football Glove Testing (SFIA Specification FBG - V.001 - 2015); SFIA Specification FBG - V.002/3 — 2024)
ASTM F88
Artifacts (ASTM F2119); Induced Force and Displacement (Near and Far Field) (ASTM F2052, ASTM WK82200); Induced RF Heating7 (ASTM F2182); Induced Torque (ASTM F2213)
RF Heating7 (ISO 10974: Clause 8); Gradient Heating7 (ISO 10974: Clause 9); Vibration (ISO 10974: Clause 10); Induced Force (ISO 10974: Clause 11); Induced Torque (ISO 10974: Clause 12); RF Unintended Stimulation7 (ISO 10974: Clause 15); Gradient Unintended Stimulation7 (ISO 10974: Clause 13); Static Field Malfunction (ISO 10974: Clause 14); RF Malfunction7 (ISO 10974: Clause 15); Gradient Malfunction7 (ISO 10974: Clause 16); Combined Fields Malfunction (ISO 10974: Clause 17)
MRI Safety Labeling (ASTM F2503); MRI Modeling (PL SOP.00398)
Device Imaging; Radiopacity (ASTM F640)
Best-in-Class Facilities Meet World-Class Experts
Our multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers at Ä¢¹½tv facilities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia are uniquely positioned to provide rapid response, onsite inspections, bespoke testing, and unparalleled scientific analysis, data, and research.