Research Infrastructure & Experimental Testing Capabilities

IMES supports industry and research partners in the development, validation, and optimization of innovative products, technologies, and technical systems. By combining interdisciplinary expertise with state-of-the-art research infrastructure, we offer customized testing, measurement, and development services throughout the entire product development process - from initial feasibility studies and prototype evaluation to design verification and application-oriented research.

Our SO/IEC 17025 accredited test laboratory complements a broad research infrastructure and enables both standardized testing and the development and validation of customer-specific testing methods for complex engineering challenges.

Our areas of expertise include:

• Mechanical testing of materials, components, and complete systems
• Static, dynamic, and fatigue testing under realistic loading conditions
• Experimental validation of structural integrity and functional behavior
• Rheological and materials science characterization
• Optical measurement methods as well as deformation and motion analysis
• Biomechanical investigations and analysis of human-technology interaction
• Development and validation of customized test methods
• Design verification, damage analysis, and engineering optimization
• Experimental support in industrial product development and application-oriented research

The accredited biomechanics testing laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025, Type C) is part of our research infrastructure and combines standard-compliant testing with the development and validation of new methods in collaboration with industry partners. Our accreditation as a Type C testing laboratory not only enables us to conduct standardized tests in accordance with existing standards, but also to adapt established testing procedures and to develop, characterize, and validate new methods for specific research questions. Once successfully validated, these methods can be applied in an accredited setting. Using modern measurement technology, experimental tests, and simulation, we analyze medical devices, materials, and systems under realistic conditions and translate research directly into practical applications.

Further information on infrastructure, methods, and applications can be found here.

IMES ZHAW’s infrastructure offers a wide range of options for material characterization - from standardized mechanical tests to specialized methods. Our state-of-the-art testing machines and analytical methods enable us to determine the thermomechanical and thermophysical behavior of materials, as well as failure mechanisms, across a wide range of temperatures, strain rates, and environmental conditions.
 

Our infrastructure enables static and dynamic structural testing to verify components and devices under realistic load conditions. Through targeted load and fatigue tests, we analyze strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance and provide reliable data for development, optimization, and certification.

The Experimental Dynamics Laboratory specializes in the experimental analysis of dynamic systems - both for experimental characterization and for model validation. We have measurement systems equipped with piezoelectric accelerometers and laser vibrometers, which allow us to measure vibrating structures noncontact up to the megahertz range. These highly accurate measurements can be performed both in the laboratory and on-site.

Our rheology infrastructure enables us to investigate viscosity, friction, and material properties under defined loading conditions. Using the Anton Paar MCR 702e rheometer, we perform standard rheological measurements as well as pin-on-disk tests. In addition, we have extensive experience in the development and construction of custom test rigs for specific rheological applications - both in the field of medical devices and in traditional mechanical engineering.

In the field of simulation and system validation, we combine numerical models with experimental testing to analyze and validate components, implants, technical systems, and thermomechanical processes in a manner that closely approximates reality. To this end, in addition to finite element simulations, we develop customized validation tests and corresponding physical test benches, simulators, and robot-assisted testing systems for human studies. Modern data-driven methods are also used to analyze and optimize complex systems and processes, as well as to develop efficient surrogate models. Through the close integration of simulation and experimental validation, we establish a robust foundation for the development, optimization, and verification of complex systems.

Our Surgical Innovation Lab for human and animal specimens provides a controlled environment for experimental studies under realistic conditions. Equipped with industrial robots, an operating room, a bioreactor, and a sterile workbench, we enable precise implantations, standardized experimental procedures, and the cultivation of biological samples. This allows for the reliable analysis and reproducible evaluation of material and system behavior as well as biological reactions.

Our Cell Biology Laboratory provides a controlled research environment for studying the interactions between cells, biomaterials, and mechanical stresses. The infrastructure for BSL-1 and BSL-2 safety levels enables cell culture, mechanobiological studies, and in vitro experiments for the development and validation of innovative biomaterials, implants, and tissue engineering applications.

In the field of additive manufacturing of metals, the Institute for Mechanical Systems, in collaboration with the Institute of Materials Processing and Engineering, operates a Laser Powder Bed Fusion System for research purposes to investigate mechanical and materials science issues. The modular architecture of the Aconity3D MIDI system enables dedicated in-situ experiments using state-of-the-art sensor technology (pyrometry, thermography, high-speed monitoring, etc.) to investigate the process-structure-property relationship and to validate specialized process simulation models in metal additive manufacturing. A primary focus is on the formation and prevention of warpage and residual stresses. For this purpose, in addition to a 500W Gauss laser (≥50µm), a 1200W AFX ring laser (≥100µm), a build plate heater (<800°C), and an in-situ test chamber are available.

Our infrastructure includes a wide range of optical and imaging measurement techniques for mechanical and biomechanical investigations. Using systems such as digital image correlation (DIC), video extensometry, 3D scanning, motion capture, vibrometry, and high-resolution microscopy, we analyze motion, deformation, vibrations, and surfaces non-contact and with high precision. These methods are suitable for both classical problems in materials and structural mechanics as well as for biomechanical studies involving test subjects, implants, and technical devices.

Our motion analysis infrastructure enables a comprehensive study of human movement as well as the interaction between humans and machines. Using state-of-the-art gait and motion laboratories, motion capture systems, force plates, EMG and IMU sensors, and pressure measurement and calorimetric systems, we record kinematic, kinetic, and physiological parameters synchronously and with high precision.

Our manufacturing and prototyping infrastructure enables the rapid and flexible implementation of research and development projects—from the initial idea to a functional prototype. To this end, we offer various 3D printing processes in the filament and SLA categories. Additive manufacturing is complemented by a mechanical workshop equipped with conventional machining processes. For specialized or large-scale manufacturing tasks, we also draw on an established network of ZHAW-internal and external manufacturing partners.