1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
  3. Research + Consulting services
  4. Range of services
  5. Surface finishing testing services
See table of contents See table of contents

Surface finishing testing services

Our services range from classic standardised tests to the development and optimisation of processes for wood and surface treatment.

Range of services

Our services range from classic standardised tests to the development and optimisation of processes for wood and surface treatment. 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:

  • Resistance to chemicals (DIN 68861-1, SN EN 12720)
  • Resistance to scratching (DIN 68861-4)
  • Resistance to dry heat (DIN 68861-7)
  • Resistance to humid heat (DIN 68861-8)
  • Non-volatile matter content (EN ISO 3251)
  • Flow time (ISO 2431)
  • Density (DIN 53217)
  • Opacity
  • Run-off and flow properties
  • Determination of resistance to indentation – Test method (Brinell) (SN EN 1534, SIA 265.612)
  • Pull-off test for adhesion (SN EN ISO 4624)
  • Cross-cut test (EN ISO 2409)
  • Stackability (EN ISO 4622)
  • Conical mandrel bend test (DIN EN ISO 6860)
  • Coating thickness measurement
  • Colour and gloss measurements
  • Classification and selection (SN EN 927-1)
  • Performance requirements (SN EN 927-2)
  • Outdoor weathering (SN EN 927-3)
  • Assessment of water permeability (SN EN 927-5)
  • Artificial weathering of wood coatings with fluorescent UV lamps and water (SN EN 927-6)
  • Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Fluorescent UV lamps (SN EN ISO 4892-1, SN EN ISO 4892-3)

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:

  • Extensive facilities for the application of fluid coating systems (moulding, rolling, injecting, powder-coating)
  • Recirculating air, IR and UV drying units
  • Outdoor exposure rig and accelerated weathering apparatus
  • Various climatic chambers
  • A range of autoclaves from 25 to 250L
  • Sterile workplaces for biological analysis
  • A range of light microscopes, an electron microscope (incl. EDX system) and atomic force microscope
  • Microtomes and grinding machines
  • Surfaces testing laboratory
  • Materials testing laboratory
  • Microscopy laboratory

Contact

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

Prof. Dr. Thomas Volkmer

  • Fachgruppenleiter
  • +41 32 344 03 46
  • Show e-mail

Further information

Institute for Building Materials and Biobased Products IBBM