Phoenix launches specialist materials testing lab

Phoenix Calibration and Services specialises in materials testing technology, providing global corporate customers a complete range of quality services and solutions to their problems.

Managing director Vicki Wilkes said: "Our success is based on extensive knowledge, collaboration with the hydraulics and materials industries, and on an ambitious and innovative attitude.

The company at The Wallows Industrial Estate, Fens Pool Avenue, has a wealth of experience in every aspect of materials testing technology and has high quality specialist test machines for a diverse range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and geotechnical research.

"With the launch of the new materials testing laboratory Phoenix offers a complete end to end service; from bespoke design, manufacture and installation of machines and control systems, to ongoing support, refurbishment and repurposing of existing equipment.

"The specialist in-house, sub-contract, materials testing lab allows us to collaborate fully with our customers, offering ongoing development of testing techniques and technologies to suit their requirements, as well as added capacity for sub-contracting overflow or bespoke work," explained Mrs Wilkes.

Phoenix held an open day on February 25 to show off the new lab with staff on hand to discuss the requirements of customers.

To reinforce the focus that Phoenix puts on staying at the cutting edge of materials technology, the launch of the test laboratory coincided with the award of a 3 year knowledge transfer partnership with Sheffield University looking to develop a range of high temperature testing capabilities up to 1600C.

"This unique development will allow us to support customers who are producing the next generation of super materials to carry out full mechanical testing and service simulation for application approval.

"Not only do we design and build new equipment we can repair, refurbish and even repurpose existing machines, offering services which include resealing of leaky actuators, replacement of failed fixtures, design of special purpose fixtures, environmental chambers and additional actuators on an existing frame," said Mrs Wilkes.

She said the addition of a new control system, hydraulic power pack or specialist accessories can allow the life of an existing good quality frame to be extended for decades at a fraction of the cost of a complete new system.

When customers need to expand existing facilities, or relocate to new premises Phoenix can offer a turnkey service including design and installation of a ring main, de-commissioning at the current location, specialist transportation and re-commissioning and UKAS calibration at the new site.

Phoenix design and build stand alone hydraulic power units with flow rates running from 10 lpm up to entire ring mains running at hundreds of litres per minute.

Phoenix combines the responsiveness of a specialist commercial business with expertise gained through long term collaborations with customers from leading UK Universities (University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Strathclyde (AFRC), Swansea University (SMaRT , Astute), University of Birmingham, Cranfield University) and global corporate customers.