Standard Mechanics
Shaping the Future of Engineering with Transformative Mechanical Testing

Standard Mechanics is reshaping the landscape of mechanical testing. Fueled by an ambition to connect scientific research of materials with real-world applications, it stands out as a one-stop shop that offers dynamic testing capabilities, providing valuable strain rate sensitivity information for various materials.

Whether testing materials at standard quasi-static rates, high strain rates, or somewhere in between, the firm’s extensive approach ensures a thorough understanding of material behavior in application. This gives businesses of all sizes access to critical mechanical testing data.

“We provide material modelers and design engineers with precise mechanical strength and property data tested under real-world application conditions,” says Trey Leonard, CEO of Standard Mechanics.

The field of mechanical testing, especially in high-strain rate testing, was once dominated by a select few organizations that catered to large projects and prestigious research labs. This left many small to mid-sized companies needing crucial data about material behavior under different, real-world conditions.

Standard Mechanics, however, has democratized this vital service. Leveraging cutting-edge testing capabilities and a team of industry experts, it enables businesses to conduct comprehensive analysis across multiple strain rates, gaining significant insights into the deformation and reaction of various materials.

Beyond this, the firm offers an all-inclusive testing experience. Whether clients require certification for their materials, tension and strain rate sensitivity testing, or formability testing, they can find it all under one roof. Even for unique or non-standardized tests, Standard Mechanics can create custom fixtures and use equipment to perform the necessary testing. These factors ensure that companies seeking material certification or specific mechanical testing needs can rely on the firm’s expertise for accurate and precise results.

Putting the ‘Special’ in Specialized Mechanical Testing

Standard Mechanics possesses extensive capabilities, ranging from tensile and compression testing to formability testing. However, its distinction lies in its ability to address clients’ most predominant challenges in dynamic testing, especially in achieving intermediate strain rate tests.

These tests, which fall within the range of 50 to 500 strains per second, have proven difficult and often require expensive resources. Typically, equipment that conducts these tests cannot achieve higher rates, such as 500 to 2,000 strains per second. This is where Standard Mechanics steps in as one of the few companies with the potential to provide large-scale, high-throughput testing across the entire range of testing speeds.

The firm is also developing cutting-edge technologies to push the boundaries further by enabling testing at even lower strain rates.

Another essential aspect of Standard Mechanics is its commitment to being versatile and meeting clients’ diverse testing needs through custom testing services. It adopts a data-first approach, encouraging clients to present their desired data points. After consulting with the client, the firm designs experiments, develops fixtures, selects appropriate equipment, and creates testing matrices to quantify and qualify the mechanical properties of materials accurately. It possesses the capacity and resources to efficiently address any mechanical testing challenge, whether with elevated and subzero temperature environments, multi-axial strain monitoring, or high load testing.

"Our company is dedicated to supporting startups and small companies by offering certified testing labs to help qualify their materials, making the process efficient and cost-effective,” says Leonard.

Beyond its testing capabilities, the firm also offers professional services that solidify its position as a dependable partner. Its expertise in dynamic component design has significantly improved end-user experiences, from enhancing fuel economy and crash safety in automobiles to optimizing battery life in power tools.

Standard Mechanics further provides Hopkinson (Kolsky) bar training, equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills to use this critical testing method effectively. The firm’s proficiency in failure analysis enables it to investigate material characteristics and identify root causes of failures, delivering actionable insights using state-of-the-art imaging techniques and advanced modeling. It also provides expert witnessing services that offer on-site measurements, custom mechanical testing, and courtroom testimony to support legal cases.

The Dynamic Force Behind Standard Mechanics

Standard Mechanics’ team comprises engineers and researchers with a multifaceted background and expertise. They possess an in-depth experience in dynamic testing, with a particular emphasis on PhD-level experimental studies, allowing them to conduct advanced research and develop cutting-edge technologies. Their innovative approaches have even led to patented designs, proving their dedication to pushing the field’s frontiers.

The team actively engages in various professional communities, such as the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM), where they hold leadership positions and contribute to solving real-world problems through practical and experimental methods.

From Challenges to Solutions: Breaking Barriers, Delivering Excellence

Numerous businesses have successfully navigated their mechanical testing journey with Standard Mechanics as their trusted partner, assured of comprehensive and tailored solutions that drive success.

One such instance involved a steel sheet manufacturer needing to understand the durability of their products to qualify for production to a new customer. Despite not specializing in fatigue testing, the firm’s reputation for excellence in formability and high strain rate testing prompted the manufacturer to seek its assistance. The Standard Mechanics team recognized the urgency, swiftly acquired the necessary equipment, and conducted thorough research to quantify the fatigue life of the steel coils. The results were delivered within the client’s deadline, enabling them to qualify their material and become a certified vendor for their customer.

In another compelling case, a company developing personal protective equipment (PPE) encountered unexpected failures while testing their prototype hard hats at extreme temperatures. Recognizing the disparity between their material-based tests and real-world applications, they sought Standard Mechanics’ expert guidance. Through collaborative efforts, the company conducted dynamic testing on the hard hat’s foam insert, simulating the conditions it would face during real-life occurrences. This led to the precise characterization of material properties at higher speeds and colder temperatures, revealing unexpected strength and exceeding initial expectations. Armed with this crucial data, the client could modify their design and meet the qualification requirements for the hard hat. The data-driven approach provided by Standard Mechanics saved valuable time and resources and ensured the final product's effectiveness and safety.

Leading the Way in Mechanical Testing

Listening to its customers has been instrumental in shaping Standard Mechanics' growth trajectory. The company is constantly developing new testing techniques to address emerging customer demands. This proactive approach ensures it remains adaptable and responsive, enabling it to provide the critical data that customers require.

Standard Mechanics plans to expand its operations and broaden its client base by taking on more projects and fostering new partnerships. An exciting milestone on the horizon is the creation of the first American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard for dynamic testing—a testament to the firm’s pioneering spirit and dedication to advancing industry practices. This standard is set to transform the testing landscape, ensuring that materials can be accurately qualified and certified to dynamic testing standards.

The company is also focused on becoming a certified testing lab. It recognizes the importance of supporting smaller companies and provides them access to accredited testing facilities that can help them qualify and cost-effectively certify their materials.

Standard Mechanics is not just a mechanical testing powerhouse; it is a catalyst for progress and a key player in shaping the future of engineering. By expanding its reach, standardizing dynamic testing practices, and empowering businesses of all sizes, the firm will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the mechanical testing landscape.