Smithers is a global leader in material science and coolant system testing. Our experts help you proactively identify and mitigate risks to your products' performance and durability. We go beyond standard procedures to provide the precise data and actionable insights you need to build robust, reliable cooling systems.
We offer laboratory testing to measure performance of cooling systems and radiator assemblies in vehicles, including hoses, components, and materials.
Proactive Failure Prevention Through Advanced Testing
Smithers experts have years of experience conducting material and component testing for coolant and radiator hose assemblies. We can design test setups for full assembly testing to assess clamps, fittings, and other assembly connections.Our comprehensive laboratory is equipped to simulate a variety of real-world environmental and operational variables in a controlled setting. We don’t just test for pass/fail; we provide the data you need to strengthen your product and ensure its long-term performance.
Key Performance & Durability Capabilities:
- Pressure Pulsation & Impulse Testing: Simulate the cyclical pressure changes within a running engine to identify weaknesses such as fitting slippage, leaks, and potential ruptures before they occur in the field.
- Burst & Leak Detection Testing: Determine the maximum pressure capacity of your hoses and assemblies and pinpoint the location of any leaks, ensuring your product exceeds safety requirements.
- Temperature & Vibration Testing: Our specialized setups can simulate the intense thermal and mechanical stresses of the engine compartment to evaluate overall system integrity.
- Swell & Flex Testing: Measure how materials react to heat and fluid exposure and test the durability of connections and fittings under dynamic movement.
Material & Chemical Compatibility Analysis:
A hose is only as good as its material. Our experts can help you assess how your material choice interacts with the fluids it's designed to carry.- Fluid & Heat Aging: Simulate years of service by exposing samples to high temperatures and new coolant formulations to measure their impact on material properties.
- Ozone Exposure: Test material resistance to ozone, a common stressor that can cause cracking and degradation.
- Tensile & Adhesion Testing: Validate the mechanical strength of materials and the integrity of multi-layer bond lines.
Testing to a Standard or Designing Your Own
We have extensive experience testing to industry-recognized standards and OEM specifications. Our engineers can also design a custom testing program to accommodate the unique geometry and performance requirements of your specific product or full assembly.Coolant and radiator module product testing
Our laboratory is fully equipped to simulate a variety of field variables in a controlled setting. Our expert testing engineers can design specialized geometric testing setups to accommodate the unique shape of your product or assembly.Key coolant and radiator hose testing capabilities:
- Burst testing
- Flex testing for connections
- Impulse testing
- Leak detection
- Pressure pulsation testing
- Swell testing
- Temperature testing
- Vacuum
- Vibration testing
Material testing for coolant and radiator hoses
Our experienced sample prep technicians can excise samples from production samples and most whole products to simplify the process for our clients.Key capabilities include:
Other capabilities:
Common standards for coolant and radiator hose testing
Our experts can work with you to design a custom testing program to meet your automotive hose testing needs. We can also test to a wide range of industry, government, OEM, and MIL specifications, including:- ASTM D380 – Standard Test Methods for Rubber Hose
- SAE J1610 – Test Method for Evaluating the Sealing Capability of Hose Connections with a PVT Test Facility
- SAE J1684 – Test Method for Evaluating the Electrochemical Resistance of Coolant System Hoses and Materials
- SAE J20 - Coolant System Hoses
The Smithers Advantage: Your Partner in Coolant System Reliability
Choosing Smithers means partnering with a team of seasoned scientists and technicians. Our lab is equipped with specialized geometric setups to accommodate unique product shapes, and our experts are ready to provide technical consulting to help you solve your most complex material and performance challenges. We simplify the testing process, from sample prep to comprehensive reporting, so you can focus on innovation.Stop reacting to failures. Start engineering for reliability.
Contact Smithers today to learn how our advanced coolant and radiator hose testing can help you build the next generation of durable automotive components.
