Element Materials Technology, one of the world’s leading global providers of testing, inspection and certification services for a diverse range of materials, products and technologies in advanced industrial supply chains, has expanded its cryogenic testing capabilities with new fatigue testing frames at its laboratory in Milan, Italy to determine the mechanical properties of materials under cryogenic conditions.

The investment will expand Element’s role in the energy transition through offering testing for hydrogen (H2) industry applications, according to the company.

The new cryogenic testing frames will include a specialised gas control system and will support the growth in demand from existing clients in energy and aerospace businesses. Capable of testing to 4 kelvins in liquid helium and 77 kelvins in nitrogen environment, this responds to rapid growth in demand for low and very low temperature mechanical testing.

As a market leader of material testing in environmental conditions, Element works with global energy and aerospace businesses, providing fast turnaround times and excellence within the market. The optimised equipment and gas control system will allow significant cost reduction, particularly in helium consumption and will further strengthen Element’s technical reputation in the sector.

Cryogenic testing at Element Milan, Italy

Mark Heaven, Vice President of Aerospace and Connected Technologies in Europe, said: “Rigorous testing of energy and aerospace products and materials is essential in ensuring the safety of components and structures. Element remains at the forefront of testing for these vital sectors and responds to customer demand and technological advancement to maintain our competitive edge. By expanding these services in Milan we can now offer customers a faster turnaround time using the latest cryogenic testing technologies.

“This investment is part of Element’s plan to expand our offering and support our customers as they require testing to the very highest standards as they bring products to market.”

Element has a recognised reputation within the energy and aerospace sector after years of service to clients. Element Milan was qualified by Thales Space in 2011, is on the European Space Agency distribution list, is a supplier of F4E and in 2018 was invited to make an intervention at the University Politecnico of Turin about tests in liquid helium.

In 2021, Element set out its new, industry leading environmental commitments, adopting science-based targets and committing to net zero emissions across its entire global business by 2035.

Acquires STS

Earlier, Element acquired a testing, inspection, calibration, and certification provider, Singapore Test Services (STS), a subsidiary of ST Engineering. This acquisition strengthens its position and growth plans in Southeast Asia. STS includes a team of 110 experts and supports customers in a diverse set of industries, including aerospace, energy, built environment, and manufacturing.