FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I receive test certificates?
Test certificates and reports are signed and certified in PDF format and emailed to the recipients you nominate when approved for release. Print copies are available by request.

Is MTT ISO certified?
MTT is accredited to BS EN ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories and operates a quality management system in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001.

How can I review MTT's accreditation?
Documentation is available here and via the UKAS website. Clients are welcome to review copies of calibration certificates and visit the laboratory to review standard operating procedures, by appointment.

Do you offer a free collection service?
Yes. Free collection is available for UK business orders in most cases. We operate our own local pickup service for businesses within 50 miles of the laboratory.

What payment terms do you offer?
First-time customers will need to to pay for their first order with a credit card, cheque, or PayPal, unless credit terms have been pre-approved. We offer terms of net 30 days from the date of invoice to credit account customers. You must provide a named contact responsible for paying invoices. You must pay your invoice and remit within 30 days to avoid interruption to testing services or changes to your credit or payment terms. All customers wishing to establish a credit account should email accounts@mttesting.co.uk.

What information do I need to provide in order to receive a quote?
Please provide as much information as possible about your requirement so that we can identify and recommend the services you need. 

What paperwork do you require to place the order?
You must provide a completed purchase order form, or use our MTT order form. To help us to process your order in a timely manner, please include the following information:
  1. The date of the order and the requested turnaround e.g. standard, next day, same day
  2. Your order number or internal reference for the order
  3. The full registered business name and trading address of the company or person placing the order
  4. An itemised list of the samples supplied as part of the order, clearly identified by cast number, internal reference, or dimensions
  5. The specification(s) or figures against which the tests will be conducted, if known
  6. The details of the tests required, including any special instructions or supporting technical data, clearly summarised
  7. The signature of a named individual who is authorised to issue purchase orders on behalf of your company
How soon can I expect test results?
In most cases, you can expect results within 3 to 5 working days from our acceptance of your order. This can vary slightly depending on the number of samples within your order and the complexity of preparation and/or your test or certification requirements. Failure investigations may take considerably longer. Urgent orders are usually prioritised at no extra cost, but during busy periods this may not be possible. If you need a quick turnaround, you must use an expedited service at additional cost.

How should I submit expedited orders?
Please provide a signed purchase order detailing your requirements with your expedited preference clearly indicated. Your sample(s) needs to arrive at the laboratory before 10am Monday to Friday to be processed for an expedited service.

What size must the sample be for Optical Emission Spectroscopy?
Ideally the sample should be at least 5mm square to prevent leaking of light and gas from the aperture during excitation and to prevent the sample from melting.

How much weight do I need for Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP) analysis?
The required weight will depend on the sample and material being tested. Generally, we would like to have at least 5 grams of material for analysis. Whenever possible, more material is better, to have extra available for a re-test if your sample is found to be out of specification, or for re-sampling if a problem is encountered by the technician during sample preparation.

Why did you nominate a material specification?
A specification will usually be assigned to your sample by our technician if you do not supply a copy of the specification or specify one in your purchase order form. There are thousands of specifications and usually more than one specification for each material type.
How much will the testing cost?
Costs are subject to continuous revision. The cost of the testing will depend on the material to be analysed, the availability of analytical instruments at the time of your order, the preparation and sampling time, and combinations of other technical and logistical factors. For a quote, please Get a Quote or call us.

How long is my quote valid?
Quotations are only valid in writing and during the period that they state. If unstated, the quote is valid for 10 days.

Can the remnants be returned to the customer?
Yes, if requested by the customer in writing prior to testing. The majority of sample remnants are generally retained for 30 days prior to commercial disposal.

I have a component that failed in service. What do I do to have it analysed, what will it cost and how long will it take?
For metallurgical investigations, questions concerning appropriate techniques, costings, and turnaround times are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you are able to supply photographs of your component with your enquiry, this will assist our metallurgists to advise whether it is technically possible to analyse, and if the results of the analysis would likely be advantageous in your case. Please contact us for more information.

What is the standard turnaround for machining only?
The standard turnaround for machining services only is determined by the size of the order, type of specimens, type and hardness of material, and equipment required for machining. If you will need your specimens sooner, expedited services are available on most orders at an additional charge.

Why is it taking longer than expected to issue the test results?
The majority of orders received are completed within the standard turnaround period. However, depending on the material to be analysed, the availability of analytical instruments at the time of your order, the preparation and sampling time, and combinations of other technical and logistical factors, your order may take longer to complete in some cases. Delays most commonly occur at book-in whilst essential or supplementary technical details about the order are confirmed, when unforeseen problems are encountered in sample preparation, or due to instrumentation malfunction.

What is the general testing process, from receipt of the order to completion?

Please note that this process may vary considerably depending on the scope of the required tests.
  1. Your testing enquiry is received
  2. We consult with you to propose suitable tests and answer your questions about the tests
  3. We arrange to collect your sample using our local driver or third-party courier
  4. A signed purchase order form is received from you listing the details of your order, including special instructions where necessary
  5. Your sample arrives at the laboratory and is conveyed to the relevant departments
  6. Your sample is catalogued (booked-in) and added to the sample database
  7. Your sample is carefully prepared for the required tests
  8. Your prepared test pieces are closely inspected by technicians, for quality control, before testing begins
  9. Testing commences in accordance with the relevant specification
  10. Provisional actual test data is recorded and available for certification
  11. Results are confirmed by the technician. If your sample fails to meet the required specification, you may authorise a re-test.
  12. Test report or certificate is produced comparing the specification with the actual test data and indicating compliance
  13. Results are confirmed and signed off by a senior metallurgist, authorising the test report or certificate to be issued
  14. Sample, or the remaining parts of the sample, is returned to you, or;
  15. Sample is retained for thirty days prior to commercial disposal
For metal testing advice or a quote call us now: 
0114 220 1900
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