How long will my analysis take?

The leadtime for your work will depend on the exact nature of your problem and the amount of analysis required. In general we aim to have a written response to you within 10 working days. In urgent cases we can respond quicker but this will need to be discussed with us at the time of making the request.

How much will it cost?

It is not possible to give general costs as every analysis and customer requirements are slightly different. We will always provide you with a quotation for the required work before commencing any analysis. We often try to provide you with a step wise, systematic approach to any analysis so that you can control any costs and get the answers that you require with the minimum expenditure. We generally quote on a job basis rather than a daily basis but you can hire us by the day or half day if it suits your requirements.

Do you charge for initial consultations?

We dont charge for initial consultations and will always confirm any pricing in writing. If we need to travel to your site at your request we may need to charge for travel miles. Our current rates for this are Inland Revenue rates of £0.40/mile.

Can we see your facilities?

Customers are always welcome to inspect our facilities or drop by for discussions about their problems. If you have materials that you are unsure about then please bring them along and we can discuss any issues in detail.

Will I get an answer or just results that I dont understand?

We always try to provide you with a root cause, conclusions, solutions or recommendations regarding your problem. As a customer we realise that you want the solution rather than just the results. Many labs often provide complex analysis and results that mean nothing to their customers. Often they are not prepared to make a definitive suggestion. We know how frustrating this can be and will always try to give you a difinitive statement. We are used to standing up in court and standing by our opinions!

Can you conduct research work for me?

Yes we carry out a lot of research programmes for companies that either dont have the in house expertise or the time to conduct the work themselves. We act as an independent research group or we can collaborate with customers in house teams. We have worked for a number of large multi nationals to develop their new products, test their prototypes to destruction or select new materials at the design stage. Programmes of work can be small or large.

Do you do on site visits or inspections?

Yes. Formal visits or inspections are chargeable on the basis of the work required. We visit sites both in the UK and Internationally.

What's the best way to get samples to you?

Most clients will send samples by TNT or similar courier. However, in the case of dangerous materials it is the clients responsibility to insure that they comply with the relevant transport and packaging regulations. Ask us if you need advice. You are also welcome to drop samples in person. Equally we can take samples at your site as part of inspection work. Please note that very large or heavy samples need to be agreed first. We have a general limit of 450Kgs on most samples.

Will I get my samples back?

Failure analysis samples will generally be retained for a period of 3 months unless you specify otherwise or they are involved in a litigation case. At the end of this period we will scrap them. Most other samples are returned to you on completion of the work or for your own observation or testing.

Will my samples be destroyed in testing?

We use a combination of non destructive test methods (NDT) and destructive. We will normally tell you when you sample will be destroyed in testing. Most mechanical testing, metallographic preparation and SEM analysis will require destruction of your sample but failed regions can be retained. Let us know if you need to keep your product in tact.

Whats the difference between "Expert Witness" and "Single Joint Expert"?

An expert witness is usually employed by one party in a court case. Whilst they may be employed and paid for by the plaintiff or defendent their primary responsibility is to the court and the law.

A single joint expert can be employed by both parties to review the evidence and cast opinion for both parties. Once again their primary responsibility is to the court rather than any party. However, in this case the costs are divided equally among both parties. In the case of single joint expert all communication must go to both parties and be recieved by both parties at the same time. Individual discussions are not permitted.

Are there any materials that you dont deal with?

Generally we have expertise across the whole range of materials from metals and ceramics to plastics and rubbers. However, we are not capable of handling any radioactive materials, human biological specimens or highly toxic substances.

Do I get a report or test certificate on completion of my work?

Most of our work is backed by a full technical report. This is normally sent to you as a PDF document in draft format for your approval or any additions. Once you are happy with the report we will issue it as a final version. We do not send hard copies as standard as most clients do not require this. However, in court cases or police work signed hard copies will be provided upon request. Individual test certificates can also be supplied as part of specific test work.

How long do you hold my files for?

We generally hold most files for a minimum period of 5 years and can quickly access this information by your job reference number. After this period information is archived but can still be retrieved should the need arise.

Who owns the information in my report?

All information that we provide is copyrighted as Materials Technology Ltd until such time that your bill is paid in full. On settlement of the clients bill in full the ownership of the information rests with the client

Will you discuss my information with anyone else?

All of our clients information is confidential and will not be dicussed with third parties unless previously approved by the client. We are willing to sign confidentiality agreements or can supply you with a copy of our standard non disclosure agreements.