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We’re proud to be a leading provider of complete life cycle risk management solutions. From ensuring asset safety and legal compliance with our thorough engineering inspections to driving operational efficiency with our specialist non-destructive testing services, (and much more in between), we’re proud of the long-lasting partnerships we have formed with our customers over the last 160 years, based on the value of our solutions.
Sector
Retail, Manufacturing
Location
West Midlands
Services
Salt Spray Testing
Product Testing
From artisinal craft to weather-resistant wonder
Project Overview
In recent years, hand-made door knockers gave surged in popularity, offering an aesthetic appeal to properties and allowing homeowners to express their individuality through various styles, colours and shapes.
However, it’s crucial that outdoor fixtures are resilient. To truly provide value for money, they must be weatherproof, corrosion-resistant, and durable enough to withstand the elements. This ensures that they remain not just a decoration, but a lasting investment for homeowners.
In 2019, BES Group (formerly Rotech Laboratories) collaborated with Dreamair Ltd, an online retailer specialising in home decor and personalised gifts. Their range includes hand-painted glass and china, all crafted in-house in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Challenge
Dreamair reached out to us as they had a new product of hand-crafted door knockers, available in both chrome and brass finishes, aiming to expand their current range of decor items.
As part of their commitment to quality and design, Dreamair wanted to ensure that these new door knockers are not only manufactured to the highest standards, conformed with British Standards for buildware, and are also finished with protective coatings that can withstand different weather conditions and resist corrosion.
The Solution
We advised Dreamair that Salt Spray Corrosion Resistance Testing would be the most suitable method to assess their products, in accordance with the standards BS EN ISO 9227:2012 and BS EN 1670:2007.
This type of testing is essential for simulating the effects of environmental corrosive conditions, such as exposure to rainwater, saltwater, and corrosive atmospheres, allowing us to evaluate the corrosion resistance of materials and surface coatings effectively.
During salt spray testing, an accelerated corrosive attack is produced in order to better predict how well the coating protects the metal. For a comprehensive analysis, we proposed subjecting Dreamair’s brass and chrome door knockers to a neutral 5% salt spray for durations of 48 and 96 hours, with thorough examinations at 24-hour intervals. This approach allows us to monitor corrosion progression and its impact on product functionality.
To ensure a detailed assessment, our test procedure includes taking photographs of the samples both before and after testing. This documentation aids in evaluating the condition of the samples with precision.
Dreamair submitted two samples to our laboratory for testing;
- Brass Heart Door Knocker
- Chrome Heart Door Knocker
The Results
- At 48 hours, the samples showed no evidence of breakdown or deterioration.
- At 96 hours, the samples still did not show any evidence of deterioration on the surface, and the function of the hinge continued to work satisfactory.
This meant that the samples submitted were satisfactory for the required standards of British Standard Specification, BS EN.1670:2007, Grade 3 requirements, making this test a successful validation of their quality and durability. This also gives Dreamair confidence in their product’s ability to withstand various weather conditions, enhancing their brand reputation and trust among customers.
Mair Williams, Owner of Dreamair, said:
“Door Knockers are a new venture for us and have added to our existing home decor ranges. It was important to us to ensure that they were manufactured to a high standard. BES Group explained the testing procedures and the whole process took just over a week with detailed reports confirming the grades the samples achieved – very good by the way! This is a great benefit for us going forward selling our door knockers.”
Key outcomes
Supported New Product Design
by assessing the quality of materials used and protective coatings for resistance to corrosion
Verified Standards Compliance
by testing to recognised British standards for buildware products and their resistance to corrosion
Strengthened Customer Trust
by demonstrating commitment to testing products for their durability and longevity before entering the market
Related services
Salt Spray Testing
Humidity Testing
Corrosion Testing
Product Testing
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