Damage Analysis and Expert Reports
Product-related services are increasingly becoming
a key differentiator in international competition.
Damage Analysis and Expert Reports
Product-related services are increasingly becoming
a key differentiator in international competition.
Tracking Down the Error
For over 30 years, the SKZ has been conducting damage analyses and preparing expert reports.
These damage analyses are performed on almost all types of plastic products.
The expert reports provide a comprehensive assessment of the cause of the defect, taking into account the plastic material, the processing method, the product design, and the environmental influences during use. The SKZ expert reports are prepared in accordance with VDI Guideline 3822 “Damage Analysis,” in the development of which the SKZ played a significant role. However, even without any existing damage, plastic parts can be compared, examined, and evaluated (e.g., initial samples, condition assessment, etc.).
Below, you will find an overview of our various specialist groups.
We look forward to receiving your inquiry.
We prepare expert opinions and damage analyses for various groups of stakeholders, including the following:
Plastics processors
Users of plastic products
Expert firms
Insurance companies
Courts
Material Development and Testing
- Damage analysis using scanning electron microscopy
- Elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
- Damage analysis using light and polarized light microscopy
- Determination of polymer degradation by measuring
the shear viscosity function using high-pressure capillary rheology - Determination of polymer degradation by measuring the molecular weight distribution
using gel permeation chromatography
Joining
- Ensuring the quality of plastic welding work and monitoring welding conditions (protection from the elements, storage, job site conditions)
- Verifying that welding work is performed in accordance with standards (e.g., DVS 2207)
- Inspection of semi-finished products and materials, as well as assessment of weld quality
- Inspection of machines, tools, and accessories
- Monitoring of documentation (welding logs, test reports, etc.)
The scope of application includes, in particular:
- Tank and equipment fabrication
- Pipeline construction
- Lining
- Civil engineering, hydraulic engineering, and tunnel construction
- Sealing and waterproofing systems made of thermoplastics
Adhesives and Surface Technology
- Consulting, process selection, and feasibility studies on surface pretreatment methods to improve adhesion for adhesives, coatings, or inks
- Consulting and selection of adhesives based on industrial requirements—neutral and independent
- Aging tests on bonded joints
- Practical recreation of bonded failure cases
- Qualified bonding experts certified by DVS/EWF (EAE and EAS)
Compounding and Extrusion
- Material testing to determine properties such as viscosity and MFR
- Generation of SEM images for the analysis of fracture surfaces
- Replication, analysis, and optimization of the compounding and extrusion processes
- Product optimization under the influence of production processes
Quality and Life Cycle
- Analysis of Gas and Water Vapor Permeability
- Spectroscopic Material and Aging Analysis
- Damage Analysis Using Computed Tomography
- Non-Destructive Damage Analysis
- Service Life Prediction
- Consulting on Digitalization
- EPD Tool
Component Testing
- Weathering Tests
- Condition Assessment of Pipes (in Service)
- Testing/Evaluation of Welded Joints
- Microscopy (e.g., fracture surface analysis, microstructural evaluation via thin sections, etc.)
- Accredited testing laboratory in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025
- VDI Guideline 3822 “Damage Analysis”
Component Properties
- Practical simulation of load scenarios and analysis of fracture behavior
- Investigation of aging processes and their effects on component properties
- Analysis of crack formation and internal stresses in plastic components
Injection Molding
- Manufacturing of standard and custom test specimens and components
- Material and tool sampling, including DOE
- On-site consulting/process optimization
- Simulation of injection-molded components—rheological, thermal, shrinkage, and warpage—(Moldex3D, Sigmasoft)
- Production and adhesion testing of multi-component composites (including storage, weathering, etc.)
- Expertise: Foaming, coloration, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, thermosets, LSR, simulation …
- Consulting, root cause analysis for quality/process issues, design evaluation, material research …
Crosslinked materials
- GFRP/CFRP damage analyses, primarily via SEM analysis of drill cuttings
- Elastomer embrittlement, resilience
- Assessment of thermoset aging and weathering effects
- TPE failure analysis
Sustainability and the Circular Economy
- Preparation of expert reports on the circularity of plastic products
- Consulting on regulatory issues related to sustainability and the circular economy
- EU Microplastics Regulation
- Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive
- Sustainability reporting (CSRD / ESRS / VSME)
- Corporate communications on sustainability topics (green claims, EmpCo Directive)
- Ecodesign Regulation
- EU Taxonomy
Dispersion | Paints & Coatings
- Powder Coatings (Application + Analysis)
- Liquid Coatings (Formulation Adjustment + Application + Analysis)
- Inkjet inks (formulation adjustment + application + analysis)
Analytical methods:
- Rheology (including UV), powder rheology, high-frequency rheology (inkjet inks)
- Abrasion (Taber)
- Material properties (DSC, TGA-IR)
VDI Guideline 3822 “Damage Analysis”
The VDI Guideline 3822 is a key guide for the damage analysis of technical products. This guideline is published by the Association of German Engineers (VDI) and serves as a standard for the systematic and scientific investigation of damage in order to determine its causes. The guideline is intended for engineers, appraisers, and experts involved in the damage assessment of components, materials, and systems. The SKZ played a key role in the development of this guideline.
Purpose of VDI 3822
The main objective of VDI 3822 is to provide a structured approach for analyzing damage. It describes detailed methods for investigating damage to materials and products in various technical fields. The focus is on precise root cause analysis in order to prevent future damage and implement improvements in product development and production.
Contents and Areas of Application
VDI Guideline 3822 covers various methods for damage investigation, including metallographic analysis, fracture mechanics, mechanical testing, and chemical analysis. It provides guidance on proper sampling, documentation, and evaluation of the causes of damage. The guideline applies to various industries and sectors.
Significance for the Industry
The application of VDI 3822 ensures that companies can systematically analyze failures and make well-informed decisions regarding failure prevention. This leads to increased safety, cost reduction through early fault detection, and improved product quality.
By complying with this guideline, companies can also provide legally compliant documentation, which is particularly important in the event of a failure.
The VDI Guideline 3822 is an indispensable tool for ensuring a high level of reliability and safety in engineering and for identifying and eliminating potential sources of damage.
SKZ locations
97076 Würzburg
Telefon: +49 931 4104-0
E-Mail: info@skz.de
Route berechnen
97082 Würzburg
Telefon: +49 931 4104-123
E-Mail: training@skz.de
Route berechnen
Köthener Str. 33a
06118 Halle (Saale)
Telefon: +49 345 53045-0
E-Mail: halle@skz.de
Route berechnen
Rauher Grund 9
72160 Horb am Neckar
Telefon: +49 7451 62457-0
E-Mail: horb@skz.de
Route berechnen
Woltorfer Str. 77, Halle G
31224 Peine
Telefon: +49 5171 48935
E-Mail: peine@skz.de
Route berechnen
Weißenbacher Str. 86
95100 Selb
Telefon: +49 9287 99880-0
E-Mail: ezd@skz.de
Route berechnen
Via Buonarotti 175
20900 Monza, Italy
Telefon: +39 039 281561
E-Mail: info@prochema.it
Route berechnen
Str. Iancu Jianu, nr. 26
500178 Braşov, Romania
Telefon: +40 268 412 559
E-Mail: office@plastics-bavaria.ro
Route berechnen
Muntazah Complex (Exit - 25)
Jebel Ali Village - Dubai (VAE)
Telefon: +971 4 8845001
E-Mail: info@skz-me.com
Route berechnen
Ul. Kwiatkowskiego 5a
52-407 Breslau, Poland
Telefon: +48 71 35 84 000
E-Mail: dopak@dopak.pl
Route berechnen
Ikitelli OSB Demirciler Sanayi Sitesi, E2 Blok No:420
34490 Başakşehir İstanbul | Turkey
Telefon: +902126718170
E-Mail: info@polmakplastik.com
Route berechnen
SKZ – Das Kunststoff-Zentrum
Friedrich-Bergius-Ring 22
97076 Würzburg
Telefon: +49 931 4104-0
E-Mail: info@skz.de