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The process of discovering the design of an object by studying its structure and function is known as reverse engineering. It often involves careful disassembly and analysis, with the intent to understand how it works, why it works, and the materials of construction.
Reverse engineering may be performed for a variety of useful purposes. It could be that the product is obsolete and the original design records are long gone. Or it might be to assess a competitor’s product to determine if there is a possible patent infringement, or to help ensure that a new offering steers clear of possible infringement. In the construction industry, it might be to gain an understanding of methods and materials to assess the integrity of historic structures.
In any of these cases, the materials hold clues vital to understanding the design. Knowing which specific materials are used and how they behave can help engineers understand how the product works, and predict its ultimate capability. The M&P Lab can be a valuable resource to help answer these important questions on virtually any type of material. Various chemical analysis methods can be used to identify the specific composition of elements, whether organic or inorganic. Thermal analysis can characterize the temperature-dependent behavior of many polymer-based non-metallic materials. Mechanical properties can be obtained from a complete range of mechanical tests that can be performed under various modes and environmental conditions. Microstructure evaluation of the material can also provide critical insight into the design. And finally, electrical testing can determine the short-term and long-term dielectric properties of insulating materials. All of these tests can be performed under one roof, by one team of experts. This provides our clients with a unique opportunity to benefit from the interchange among our scientists, metallurgists and engineers of varying backgrounds and disciplines, which often leads to insights not otherwise possible. Whatever the material or application, The M&P Lab helps you see the whole picture. |
