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Consumer Product Testing

New Federal legislation known as the CPSIA has set stringent limits on the hazardous materials allowed in children's products.

Fuel/Biodiesel Testing

We offer identification of contaminants in gasoline and diesel fuel as well as ASTM testing of biodiesel and ethanol-based fuels.

Transformer Oil Analysis

Electrical transformer oil is an indicator of the overall state of the transformer, testing can provide early detection of potential failure.

Electron Microscopy

Analysis of metal fragments or particulate matter by scanning electron microscope can greatly expedite problem solving.

Failure Analysis and Consulting

With varied experience both in product and aerospace R&D as well as litigation services, we can help you efficiently solve your problems.

Elemental and Molecular Analysis

Material identification is one of the most essential parts of what we do, using SEM/EDS, XRF, FTIR, and GC to identify your substance.
NEWS

This is the news archive. It contains all news stories which have been posted on the site since its inception.

May 5, 2009

We are pleased to add two types of formaldehyde analysis to our list of product testing services. Most formaldehyde people come in contact with is in their clothing, typically used for its anti-wrinkle properties. For individuals concerned with whether or not their children's clothing contains this dangerous material, we offer pass/fail testing that is quick and easy.

Those who wish to determine the exact level of formaldehyde my opt for our calibrated UV-VIS spectrophotometer method which will determine exactly how much is present in your fabric. Please see our Product Testing page for more information.

September 15, 2008

Thanks for visiting Lab/Cor Materials' new website. Pardon our dust while the kinks are being worked out, and if you can't find what you're looking for, remember that you may always contact us via phone.

Lab/Cor Materials is a new laboratory created to serve the northwest's materials testing needs. It was formed in June, 2008 as a new company separate from Lab/Cor, Inc, a lab more dedicated to environmental testing than materials analysis. Renovations are now complete at the 810 NW 45th Street building and the laboratory is fully operational. See the contact page for a map to our new location.

May 8, 2008
FTIR Toy
A toy being screened for Phthalates

Lab/Cor Materials is pleased to announce that we are now testing for Phthalates. Phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates) are a group of polymer additives which have been shown to cause a variety of health problems for people of all ages. High levels of phthalates can cause damage to the liver and genitals, and children are most susceptible. Small amounts of exposure have been shown to alter hormonal balances, so you may wish to know whether or not your child's toys contain this harmful substance. Beginning in 2009 the concentration of phthalates present in new items will be regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (HR 4040), recently signed into federal law.

Any rubbery or soft item is a possible carrier of phthalates. Toy manufacturers use the additive to make PVC (a normally hard plastic) soft, as in the case of many plastic insects, for example. The most popular type of phthalate is called Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or DEHP and it is found in everything from children's slippers to common reusable water bottles.

Screening for phthalates is extremely easy and quick. At Lab/Cor Materials, we can test almost anything you bring to us in a non-destructive manner, so you can keep using your phthalate-free items after testing. Testing is done with FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and will identify both the type of plastic and whither or not it contains phthalates in seconds.

Check our Product Testing page for more information.

January 21, 2008
Titrator
AQ-300 KF Titrator

Lab/Cor has purchased a Karl Fischer Coulometric Titrator for oil moisture analysis. This device allows for extremely sensitive and precise measurement of moisture in many types of oil. Lab/Cor staff have developed standardized methods for measurement of transformer oil and diesel fuels that will allow a high degree of repeatability.

Please contact us for more information.

January 20, 2008

PCB Analysis now available on fluorescent light ballasts and other products. We will extract the fluid from the capacitors, just bring in the entire ballast. See Analytical Services for more information.

January 2, 2008

Biodiesel analysis is now included in the list of services that Lab/Cor can provide. We will test to see if your product adheres to the latest ASTM standards using sophisticated and fast methods. Read more.

December 21, 2007

Lab/Cor was contracted by Senior Investigative reported Andrew Schneider of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer to do novel tests on the diacetyl content of various butter flavoring products. As a result of this front page article, many in the food service industry are reexamining their ingredients.

America's favorite breakfast is bacon and eggs -- and often it is cooked in a product that contains the same chemical that has damaged and destroyed the lungs of hundreds of popcorn and food-flavoring plant workers. Read more.