Destructive Testing
Mechanical Testing Services
Get fast, accurate insights into metal performance with our UKAS-accredited Mechanical Testing for safety, quality, and compliance.
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A snapshot of our Mechanical Testing Services
Our Mechanical Testing Services deliver the critical insights you need to make confident, informed decisions about your metals. By assessing key mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact resistance, and hardness of metals, we help you understand how metals perform under real-world conditions.
Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, our UKAS-approved Mechanical Testing services help you meet compliance requirements, enhance product quality, and confidently validate new designs. Wherever you are in your development or production process, we’re here to support you with precision, speed, and expertise.
Tensile Testing
Determine how your metals perform under tension and stress.
Hardness Testing
Assess your metals' surface strength and resistance to deformation.
Impact Testing
Measure metal toughness and resistance to sudden forces.
Fastener Testing
Ensure the strength, reliability, and safety of your fasteners.
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Mechanical Testing at BES Group
Explore all sub-services- Efficient sample preparation
- Local and nationwide services
- A century of Testing expertise
- Accredited Mechanical Tests
- Key benefits
- Sample Collection Service
We understand that proper sample preparation is critical to achieving accurate and reliable mechanical test results.
Our in-house machine shop saves you the hassle of preparing your metals, ensuring they’re ready for testing to the highest standards. Our dedicated facility is fully equipped to handle a range of preparation services, including:
- Cutting and Shaping: Precision cutting and shaping to meet the exact dimensions and specifications required for each test.
- Surface Finishing: Tailored surface treatments, such as polishing or grinding, to meet the specific requirements of each test.
With our in-house preparation, we ensure a seamless, efficient process from start to finish, maintaining consistency and quality control throughout.
Whether it’s Tensile Testing, Hardness Testing, or Impact Testing, we guarantee your samples are perfectly prepared for accurate, dependable results.
Based in the heart of the West Midlands, our UKAS-accredited Mechanical Testing laboratory combines technical excellence with customer-focused flexibility.
We understand that time is critical, which is why we offer:
- Premium same-day or next-day testing: Rapid turnaround to keep your projects on schedule
- Local collection service: Convenient, hassle-free sample pickup for nearby businesses
- Nationwide sample submissions: Easily send your metals to us from anywhere in the UK
- Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017: Trusted, reliable, and compliant testing solutions
We deliver fast, accurate results with service and support you can rely on from start to finish, no matter where you’re located.
At BES Group, we’ve been trusted by UK manufacturers since 1918, delivering accurate and reliable mechanical testing of metals that supports product quality, safety, and compliance.
With over a century of expertise, our Destructive Testing laboratory has built a strong reputation for precision, reliability, and industry-leading service, all supported by extensive knowledge of metals, manufacturing, and standards.
Our team of expert technologists specialise in Mechanical Testing, Chemical Analysis and Metallurgical Testing for a range of industries and components.
With over 100 years of experience, we’re proud to be a trusted partner to the industries that power the UK, delivering accurate, reliable test data that keeps your business moving.
At BES Group, we offer a range of Mechanical Testing Services to industry standards.
Our Mechanical Testing methods are carried out using specialist testing equipment and performed under controlled conditions, delivering trustworthy and impartial data to support your quality assurance.
View our UKAS Schedule of Accreditation.
Our Key Mechanical Services Include:
- Tensile Testing: BS EN ISO 6892-1:2019 Methods A & B, BS EN 2002-1:2005, ASTM E8/E8M-24, ASTM A370-24, ASTM B557/B557M-15(2023)
- Elevated Temperature Tensile Testing: BS EN ISO 6892-2:2018 Method A, ASTM E21-20
- Brinell Hardness Testing: BS EN ISO 6506-1:2014, ASTM E10:23
- Rockwell Hardness Testing: BS EN ISO 6508-1:2023, ASTM E18-24
- Vickers Hardness Testing: BS EN ISO 6507-1:2023, ASTM E92-23
- Microhardness Testing: BS EN ISO 4545-1:2023, ASTM E384-22
- Izod Impact Testing: BS 131:Part 1:1961(2015)
- Charpy Impact Testing: BS EN ISO 148-1:2016, ASTM A370-24, ASTM E23-24, ASTM A923:2023 Method B
Ensures metal performance
Confirms that metals meet required strength, durability, and deformation criteria under real-world loads.
Improves quality control
Detects defects or inconsistencies in metals, helping maintain consistent product standards.
Enables metal selection
Provides data to compare different metals and select the most suitable one for a given application.
Meets regulatory and industry standards
Demonstrates compliance with specifications such as ASTM, ISO, or EN standards required in many industries.
Reduces cost and risk
Prevents costly failures or recalls by identifying weaknesses early in the design or production process.
UK Mainland Next-Day Collection
Our new initiative provides a simple, convenient solution for transporting your samples to our laboratory. For just £30 (exc VAT), you can access a professional courier service designed to streamline your testing projects.
How the service works:
-
Book with Ease: Simply request the collection service when arranging your testing.
-
Documentation Provided: We will supply the UPS shipping label and a unique reference code.
-
Site Collection: UPS will collect the shipment directly from your site on the next business day.
Service Specifications:
-
Next business day collection as standard.
-
Applicable to samples up to 25 kg in weight.
-
Maximum parcel dimensions of 80 × 60 × 60 cm.
-
Includes one standard parcel per booking.
Whether you choose to use your own courier or our new UPS partner collection service, we ensure your samples are received safely at the Rotech Laboratory for immediate analysis.
-
Efficient sample preparation
We understand that proper sample preparation is critical to achieving accurate and reliable mechanical test results.
Our in-house machine shop saves you the hassle of preparing your metals, ensuring they’re ready for testing to the highest standards. Our dedicated facility is fully equipped to handle a range of preparation services, including:
- Cutting and Shaping: Precision cutting and shaping to meet the exact dimensions and specifications required for each test.
- Surface Finishing: Tailored surface treatments, such as polishing or grinding, to meet the specific requirements of each test.
With our in-house preparation, we ensure a seamless, efficient process from start to finish, maintaining consistency and quality control throughout.
Whether it’s Tensile Testing, Hardness Testing, or Impact Testing, we guarantee your samples are perfectly prepared for accurate, dependable results.
-
Local and nationwide services
Based in the heart of the West Midlands, our UKAS-accredited Mechanical Testing laboratory combines technical excellence with customer-focused flexibility.
We understand that time is critical, which is why we offer:
- Premium same-day or next-day testing: Rapid turnaround to keep your projects on schedule
- Local collection service: Convenient, hassle-free sample pickup for nearby businesses
- Nationwide sample submissions: Easily send your metals to us from anywhere in the UK
- Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017: Trusted, reliable, and compliant testing solutions
We deliver fast, accurate results with service and support you can rely on from start to finish, no matter where you’re located.
-
A century of Testing expertise
At BES Group, we’ve been trusted by UK manufacturers since 1918, delivering accurate and reliable mechanical testing of metals that supports product quality, safety, and compliance.
With over a century of expertise, our Destructive Testing laboratory has built a strong reputation for precision, reliability, and industry-leading service, all supported by extensive knowledge of metals, manufacturing, and standards.
Our team of expert technologists specialise in Mechanical Testing, Chemical Analysis and Metallurgical Testing for a range of industries and components.
With over 100 years of experience, we’re proud to be a trusted partner to the industries that power the UK, delivering accurate, reliable test data that keeps your business moving.
-
Accredited Mechanical Tests
At BES Group, we offer a range of Mechanical Testing Services to industry standards.
Our Mechanical Testing methods are carried out using specialist testing equipment and performed under controlled conditions, delivering trustworthy and impartial data to support your quality assurance.
View our UKAS Schedule of Accreditation.
Our Key Mechanical Services Include:
- Tensile Testing: BS EN ISO 6892-1:2019 Methods A & B, BS EN 2002-1:2005, ASTM E8/E8M-24, ASTM A370-24, ASTM B557/B557M-15(2023)
- Elevated Temperature Tensile Testing: BS EN ISO 6892-2:2018 Method A, ASTM E21-20
- Brinell Hardness Testing: BS EN ISO 6506-1:2014, ASTM E10:23
- Rockwell Hardness Testing: BS EN ISO 6508-1:2023, ASTM E18-24
- Vickers Hardness Testing: BS EN ISO 6507-1:2023, ASTM E92-23
- Microhardness Testing: BS EN ISO 4545-1:2023, ASTM E384-22
- Izod Impact Testing: BS 131:Part 1:1961(2015)
- Charpy Impact Testing: BS EN ISO 148-1:2016, ASTM A370-24, ASTM E23-24, ASTM A923:2023 Method B
-
Key benefits
Ensures metal performance
Confirms that metals meet required strength, durability, and deformation criteria under real-world loads.
Improves quality control
Detects defects or inconsistencies in metals, helping maintain consistent product standards.
Enables metal selection
Provides data to compare different metals and select the most suitable one for a given application.
Meets regulatory and industry standards
Demonstrates compliance with specifications such as ASTM, ISO, or EN standards required in many industries.
Reduces cost and risk
Prevents costly failures or recalls by identifying weaknesses early in the design or production process.
-
Sample Collection Service
UK Mainland Next-Day Collection
Our new initiative provides a simple, convenient solution for transporting your samples to our laboratory. For just £30 (exc VAT), you can access a professional courier service designed to streamline your testing projects.
How the service works:
-
Book with Ease: Simply request the collection service when arranging your testing.
-
Documentation Provided: We will supply the UPS shipping label and a unique reference code.
-
Site Collection: UPS will collect the shipment directly from your site on the next business day.
Service Specifications:
-
Next business day collection as standard.
-
Applicable to samples up to 25 kg in weight.
-
Maximum parcel dimensions of 80 × 60 × 60 cm.
-
Includes one standard parcel per booking.
Whether you choose to use your own courier or our new UPS partner collection service, we ensure your samples are received safely at the Rotech Laboratory for immediate analysis.
-
Frequently asked questions
What sample size do you require for Mechanical Testing?
Sample size requirements vary depending on the type of test and the applicable standards. However, our general guidance is:
- Tensile Testing: Minimum 13 mm square or diameter × 53 mm in length
- Flat/Sheet Material Testing: Ideally 10 mm wide × 70 mm long
These are typical dimensions, but we may be able to accommodate smaller samples on a case-by-case basis.
Not sure if your sample is suitable? Get in touch — our team will be happy to advise.
What is the turnaround time for Mechanical Testing?
Standard turnaround for Mechanical Testing is 3–5 working days from sample receipt. For urgent needs, we offer same-day and next-day premium services, for expedited results at an additional cost.
Can you test small quantities of one-off samples?
Yes, we can accommodate smaller quantities or one-off samples. Whether you have a single sample or a limited batch, we are flexible and can tailor our Mechanical Testing service to meet your needs.
What types of metals can be tested with Mechanical Testing?
We can test a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including:
- Carbon & Alloy Steels
- Stainless Steels
- Cast Iron
- Aluminium & Alloys
- Copper Alloys (e.g. brass, bronze)
- Nickel, Titanium & Superalloys
- Magnesium, Zinc & more
If you’re unsure whether your metal is suitable, just contact us — we’re happy to help.
How do I prepare my sample for Mechanical Testing?
You don’t have to — we can do it for you. Our in-house machine shop can cut, shape, and finish your metal samples to the correct specifications, saving you time and ensuring they’re prepared to the highest standards.
Sample preparation involves selecting the correct metal, cutting it to the required dimensions, ensuring it’s free from defects, and sometimes applying specific surface treatments to simulate real-world conditions. The preparation method depends on the specific test being conducted.
Already have prepared samples? We can test those too. If you’re unsure what’s needed, just get in touch and we’ll guide you through it.
Are there any Mechanical Tests that you don’t offer?
Unfortunately, we do not currently offer the following Mechanical Tests.
- Fatigue testing (cyclic loading)
- Creep testing
- Vibration or Shock Testing
These tests require specialised equipment and conditions that are currently outside of our scope of testing capabilities.
What industries use Mechanical Testing?
Mechanical testing of metals is critical across many industries to ensure performance, durability, and safety in demanding applications.
Key industries include:
- Automotive: Tests metal components like chassis, suspension, and engine parts for strength.
- Aerospace: Evaluates high-strength, lightweight metals (e.g., titanium, aluminium alloys) for stress, and performance under extreme temperatures.
- Construction & Civil Engineering: Assesses structural metals (steel beams, rebar) for load-bearing capacity, ductility, and failure resistance.
- Manufacturing & heavy equipment: Tests tool steels and industrial alloys for wear, impact resistance, and mechanical integrity in moving parts and machinery.
- Energy & Power (Oil, Gas, Nuclear): Subjects metals to high-pressure, high-temperature, and fatigue tests—especially pipeline steels and turbine alloys.
- Rail, Marine & Transport: Evaluates metals for fatigue, corrosion resistance, and structural integrity in rail tracks, ship hulls, and heavy vehicles.
Why is Mechanical Testing important?
Mechanical Testing is critical to understanding how metals perform under real-world conditions, and to ensuring they’re fit for purpose.
Whether it’s a fastener, a structural component, or a safety-critical part, knowing how a metal behaves under stress, strain, impact, or fatigue is essential for safe and reliable design.
By measuring key mechanical properties of materials like strength, hardness, ductility, toughness, and elasticity, these tests provide vital data to help:
- Ensure product quality and consistency
- Verify compliance with industry standards and specifications
- Optimise metal selection and design for performance and durability
- Investigate failures and prevent future issues through root cause analysis
Do you need Mechanical Testing?
Send us your requirements
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