In our capacity as a provider of precision testing solutions, we have the opportunity to partner with companies that are truly shaping the future. Among these, Biomason, Inc. stands out. They have developed a completely new, biologically-driven method for creating building materials.
To succeed, their brilliant concept required unimpeachable performance data. When Biomason needed absolute certainty that their creations could withstand the harshest real-world conditions, they turned to their solutions partner, Qualitest. We knew the definitive technology for this challenge was engineered by our partners at Schleibinger. This is the story of how that three-way collaboration—Biomason's innovation, world-class German engineering, and Qualitest's guidance—created a model for success.
The Client: Biomason, Inc.
To fully appreciate the significance of this partnership, it is essential to understand how different Biomason's entire operation is.
For more than a century, cement production has been defined by high-temperature processes with significant environmental costs. Biomason engineered a better way forward. Using microorganisms, they have developed a process to grow their own proprietary cement materials at ambient temperatures, a method inspired by nature.
Their initial market entries include a line of premium precast elements that allow architects to specify sustainable materials without compromising on their creative vision.
The Challenge: Validating Durability
From our decades of experience, we know that while a new concept can generate interest, lasting success is built on proven performance.
In the construction business, material failure has serious consequences. Biomason had to prove to a discerning market that their sustainable materials could survive the same punishing conditions as conventional concrete. The critical test for this is the freeze-thaw cycle, a relentless process that can compromise a material's internal structure.
For a new company introducing a premium product, even a single failure could erode market confidence. They required cold, hard data to validate their claims of durability.
The Solution: In-House Certainty
Rather than contend with the delays of third-party labs, Biomason made a strategic decision to bring this mission-critical testing capability in-house.
Guided by their partners at Qualitest, they integrated the Slabtester directly into their workflow. This move gave them direct control over this critical quality function. This represented a commitment to a faster, more certain path to innovation.
With the Slabtester on site, their scientific team could formulate a new mixture and obtain clear, actionable performance data in a remarkably short timeframe. This created an efficient feedback loop—formulate, test, analyze, repeat—that dramatically accelerated their development cycle. The system became a core component of their innovation process, allowing them to refine their product with speed and confidence.
The Partnership Advantage
When a fast-growing company makes a significant investment, they are investing in both the technology and the partners who support it. The success of this solution was built on a foundation of unique strengths.
- World-Class Engineering: The Slabtester is built with solid, stainless-steel components for one primary reason: to perform its function consistently and dependably. This precision German engineering ensures minimal downtime and the reliable data that innovators like Biomason depend on.
- Expert Guidance and Support: As the solutions partner, Qualitest's role was to understand Biomason's unique challenge and recommend the best possible tool. Our expertise ensured they selected a system whose adherence to key international EN and DIN standards would act as a passport to global markets.
- A Platform for Future Growth: The system is not a single-purpose tool. Its inherent flexibility—a key aspect of its design—gives Biomason the capability to test the architectural tiles of today and the other unique precast elements of tomorrow. The partnership provided an investment for the company they are determined to become.
The Result: A Repeat Investment
For us, the clearest indicator of a successful partnership is a repeat purchase.
When a client as scientifically rigorous as Biomason decided to invest in a second Slabtester from Qualitest in less than three years, it spoke volumes. This was a calculated business decision that affirmed the value of the entire solution: the undeniable quality of the engineering by Schleibinger, and the dedicated guidance and support provided by Qualitest.
The second unit was an investment in greater capacity and deeper certainty as their operations expanded, sending a clear signal that for Biomason, quality assurance is a core, scaling function of the business.
Conclusion: Build on a Foundation of Proof
Biomason’s story offers a powerful lesson: visionary ideas must be supported by an unshakable foundation of trust. That trust is built with rigorous, repeatable, and standardized testing from world-class equipment, facilitated by an expert partner.
Contact Qualitest to show you how the right testing technology and partnership can accelerate your innovation. If you are ready to build your business on a foundation of certainty, we are ready to assist.
Synthomer, Inc., a prominent player in high-performance polymers and ingredients, sought to improve the durability and consistency of their products under extreme environmental conditions. To achieve this goal, they turned to Qualitest/Schleibinger and our state-of-the-art Slab Tester and Freeze Thaw Tester.
This success story highlights how Qualitest’s advanced testing technologies helped Synthomer, Inc. meet stringent testing requirements and ensure the reliability of their products.
Customer Background and Challenge
Located in Akron, OH, Synthomer, Inc. specializes in high-performance polymers used in a wide range of applications including adhesives, coatings, and healthcare products. As a global supplier, Synthomer is dedicated to maintaining high standards of product quality and performance.
To address the need for rigorous testing of materials like concrete, natural stones, and tile adhesives, Synthomer required a reliable solution to simulate freezing and thawing cycles. Meeting international standards such as EN 1340, EN 1339, EN 1338, EN 1367-1, EN ISO 12390-9, and DIN V 18004 was important for ensuring product performance and compliance.
Slab Tester and Freeze Thaw Tester - The Optimal Solution for Synthomer, Inc.
Qualitest/Schleibinger’s Slab Tester and Freeze Thaw Tester provided Synthomer with the perfect solution. Here’s how our equipment met their needs:
Compliance with Industry Standards
The Slab Tester and Freeze Thaw Tester adhere to some international standards, including:
- EN 1340: Concrete kerb units - Requirements and test methods
- EN 1339: Concrete paving flags - Requirements and test methods
- EN 1338: Concrete paving blocks - Requirements and test methods
- EN 1367-1: Resistance to freezing and thawing of aggregates
- DIN V 18004: Testing methods for aggregates
- EN 12371: Frost resistance of natural stones
Advanced Testing Features
Key features of our testing equipment tailored to Synthomer's needs include:
1. Durable Construction
Made of stainless steel for long-lasting performance, ensuring reliability and durability in rigorous testing environments.
2. Comprehensive Setup
Equipped with 4 shelves, an electronic controller, and an optional data logger with internet connectivity, providing Synthomer with detailed data collection and remote monitoring capabilities.
3. Flooding and Water Circulation Option
Synthomer selected this feature to achieve maximum results and suitability for their specific requirements. This mechanism allows for precise freezing and thawing cycles, simulating real-world conditions, which is critical for testing their high-performance polymers and ingredients.
4. User-Defined Programs
Allows customization of up to 8 temperature profiles, enabling Synthomer to conduct varied testing scenarios tailored to specific material properties and performance needs.
5. Temperature Range
Operates from -30°C to +40°C, covering a broad spectrum of test conditions to ensure comprehensive evaluation of material durability and consistency under extreme environmental conditions.
Results and Implementation
Utilizing Qualitest’s Slab Tester and Freeze Thaw Tester with Flooding and Water Circulation, Synthomer achieved several key outcomes:
1. Compliance and Regulatory Assurance
The equipment enabled Synthomer to meet a wide range of industry standards, ensuring their materials adhered to essential performance requirements.
2. Enhanced Product Quality and Reliability
Accurate testing results helped Synthomer refine their materials, leading to improved product formulations that are more durable and reliable.
3. Streamlined Testing Process
User-friendly features such as clear digital displays, automatic timers, and precise temperature control made testing more efficient and consistent.
4. Strengthened Reputation
Qualitest’s advanced testing technology helped Synthomer reinforce their commitment to quality and regulatory compliance, enhancing their reputation and boosting customer confidence.
Synthomer, Inc. continues to lead in innovation and product excellence, supported by Qualitest’s advanced testing solutions. Our equipment played a crucial role in helping Synthomer meet their testing needs, ensure compliance, and improve product performance.
To explore our range of Slab Tester and Freeze Thaw Tester equipment, please visit our website. For more information or to discuss your testing requirements, please contact us today.
International Elastomer Conference is the premier place where customers, suppliers of materials, equipment, tools and services, and educators come together. This event is the one place, one time of year, where you find the best of the best of our industry all under one roof.
It provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, observations, regulatory reforms and emerging scientific technologies, as well as learning, networking, seeing current customers and making new ones. This conference takes place every October. It is held in Cleveland, OH on the odd numbered years and travels to different locations on the even numbered years.
Location: 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Date: October 11-13, 2016
Expo Hours:
- Tuesday, 10/11 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 10/12 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, 10/13 - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Qualitest is pleased to be in attendance. Our booth number is 946.
Come and visit us at the conference! - Limited 20 Free Badges.
You can use this access code 2705IEC and register online at www.rubber.org/register by 10/7/2016.
