Mechanical safety testing

Mechanical safety testing is a specific type of safety evaluation by which TÜV SÜD experts assess the mechanical aspects of a product, and the conditions under which a mechanical failure could pose a potential safety risk to users.  

Mechanical safety risks are as diverse as the number and types of mechanical products, making the task of identifying and evaluating such risks a complex process for manufacturers, importers and retailers. TÜV SÜD offers mechanical testing services that address the full range of mechanical risks associated with most types of consumer and industrial products.

Mechanical safety testing is required for many categories of products sold or imported into the European Union (EU), the US and other major markets. Mechanical failures can result in user injuries and even death, potentially exposing manufacturers, importers and retailers to costly legal action and loss of brand reputation. A mechanical safety test, therefore, provides access to global markets, protects users, and preserves a manufacturer’s reputation in a competitive market. 

TÜV SÜD’s expert engineers are up to date with the latest regulatory changes in different jurisdictions and can support you with compliance, as well as provide advice on how to reduce mechanical risk. 

We can deliver our testing and inspection services globally with quick turnaround times and personalised service. 

We can customise our quality control programmes for the specific testing needs of clients. 

The TÜV SÜD certification mark is accepted globally as evidence of compliance with all applicable product safety requirements and standards. 

Depending on a product’s purpose and target audience, we provide different types of mechanical testing as appropriate:  

• Mechanical safety tests –- Evaluation and testing of a product’s shape and design, and whether sharp edges or points can result in user injury. Could also include an assessment of a product’s potential to squeeze, pinch or entrap fingers, toes and other appendages during anticipated use. 
• Structural tests –- Evaluation of a product’s overall strength and durability under normal use conditions. May also assess other product characteristics, such as load-bearing capacity, depending on the specific type of product being evaluated. 
• Component tests –- Testing of safety critical components, such as screws and hinges, that are used in a final product. 
• Mechanical safety tests for medical devices - Performance and safety testing of e.g. orthopedic implants, such as compression, torsion, range of motion/constraint, fatigue and wear testing. A wide range of real-world conditions can be simulated, to evaluate the mechanical and material properties of devices using the latest ASTM and ISO  methods and standards.