SKZ is the first officially certified partner laboratory of ZwickRoell
The long-standing collaboration with the leading testing technology manufacturer is being taken to a new level and further expanded with state-of-the-art technology. With the innovative CRB test and the LTM testing machine, SKZ is setting new standards in plastics testing—precise, sustainable, and forward-looking.
Carmen Arieta-Wild and Clemens Frenzel (both left) from ZwickRoell present SKZ employees with the award plaque (photo: Luca Hoffmannbeck, SKZ)
As part of the ZwickRoell Roadshow 2025, the impressive show truck stopped in Würzburg – a special moment for the SKZ. It brought with it a special award: the SKZ was officially named ZwickRoell's first partner laboratory.
For many years, SKZ has relied on ZwickRoell's reliable testing and measurement technology. The partnership now agreed takes this successful collaboration to a new level. As a certified partner laboratory, SKZ uses a wide range of state-of-the-art systems from the renowned manufacturer – for precise, reliable, and traceable test results in the interests of future-oriented quality assurance.
Shaping the future of plastics testing together
“This award is not only confirmation of our long-standing partnership, but also an incentive to actively shape the future of plastics testing together,” says Dr. Marcus Heindl, Head of the Testing Laboratory, adding: “A big thank you to ZwickRoell for the trust they have placed in us – we look forward to many more joint projects.”
CRB test: New standards in PE testing
An outstanding example of the close technical cooperation is the development of a joint case study on the Cracked Round Bar (CRB) test according to ISO 18489.
While previous methods such as the Full Notch Creep Test (FNCT) or the Pennsylvania Edge Notch Tensile Test (PENT) were considered industry standards, they have several disadvantages in practice. These classic methods are often time-consuming, environmentally questionable—especially when critical chemicals are used—and not always sufficiently informative for modern PE 100-RC materials.
The CRB test, on the other hand, offers a number of clear advantages:
It is internationally standardized according to ISO 18489, delivers significantly faster results, does not require the use of wetting agents, and enables much more precise statements to be made about the actual material performance under real-life conditions.
SKZ is one of the first laboratories in Germany to be officially accredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) to perform the CRB test – another milestone on the road to the highest quality and reliability in plastics testing.
Why SKZ relies on the LTM testing machine from ZwickRoell
The CRB test is already being successfully performed at SKZ using ZwickRoell's LTM electrodynamic testing machine. The decision to use this system was based on several compelling reasons:
The LTM testing machine is fully electrodynamic, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic components. It enables high-frequency testing with minimal maintenance. Thanks to its closed design, no additional climate chamber is required, which significantly simplifies operation.
Another advantage is its intuitive usability: Control is via ZwickRoell's powerful testXpert® software, which works on a plug-and-play basis, enabling quick commissioning and efficient process flows.
Conclusion: Efficient, sustainable, future-proof
With the CRB test and innovative LTM testing technology, SKZ is setting new standards in plastics testing—efficient, sustainable, and technologically state-of-the-art. The partnership with ZwickRoell is a strong sign of innovation in action and underscores SKZ's commitment to actively shaping quality standards in the industry as a leading center of excellence.
