UK-based testing, inspection and certification services provider the Element Materials Technology Group (Element) has announced that it will expand its cryogenic testing capacities at its Milan laboratory. By investing in new fatigue testing frames, Element will strengthen its position in both aerospace and the energy sector by offering testing for hydrogen industry applications. 

Integrated with a specialised gas control system, the new frames are also capable of testing to 4 kelvins in liquid helium and 77 kelvins in a nitrogen environment, meeting the growth in demand for low and very low temperature mechanical testing. 

Element intends for its expansion to offer faster turnaround times and allow ‘significant’ cost reduction, particularly in helium consumptions. 

“By expanding these services in Milan we can now offer customers a faster turnaround time using the latest cryogenic testing technologies,” commented Mark Heaven, Vice President, Aerospace and Connected Technologies in Europe. 

“Rigorous testing of energy and aerospace products and materials is essential in ensuring the safety of components and structures.” 

Having been qualified by Thales Space in 2011 and currently on the European Space Agency (ESA) distribution list, Heaven added that the investment is part of Element’s plan to expand support to its existing customers.

Source: GasWorld