CONSTRUCTION
Touchstone has earned numerous awards as an industrial problem-solver,
new product developer, and applied research laboratory for hundreds
of manufacturers in a wide range of business sectors. Our unique
capability as an industrial problem-solver is based on the diversity
of our highly experienced technical staff, supported by over $10
million worth of in-house laboratory equipment and testing facilities.
The following examples illustrate some of our contributions to this
business sector:
- Prior to completion of the construction of a public building
the anodized aluminum window frames developed what appeared to
be white stains. Examination found that the white areas were actually
places where the anodizing had been removed, apparently by chemical
action of water leaching material from the masonry. Samples of
the aluminum frames and the various materials used in construction
were tested, and it was found that a decorative white brick was
releasing caustic lime when water ran over the surface. This caustic
leachate dissolved the coating from the widow frames.
- Touchstone, working with two suppliers, developed a coil-coated,
painted/galvanized steel product used for the sides and roof of
metal buildings. This product has become the top selling agricultural
building system sold in the United States.
- A sprocket and teeth, which were broken from a sprocket, were
delivered to Touchstone Research for examination. The fracture
surface was heavily oxidized. Metallographic examination of a
"good" tooth cut from the sprocket and the failed tooth
revealed that both exhibited cracking at the root of the teeth.
Investigation of the sprocket production system was recommended
since cracks can be formed during casting or forging procedures
by several mechanisms including cold shuts, misruns, cold cracks,
and/or forge laps.
- Touchstone has performed analysis lubricating oil samples to
determine whether glycol based antifreeze ws present.
- A problem with carpeting removal during the remodeling of a
hotel was presented to Touchstone. Attempts at removal of old
carpet met with considerable difficulty. The answer was found
by examining video instructions on installation and comparing
the instructions to the condition of carpeting samples removed
from the structure. It was found that an improper practice had
been followed when the carpet was installed where the foam padding
underlayment had been securely bonded to the concrete floors.
The design practice called for a low strength bond to the concrete
decking to allow easy removal.
- Cut nails are appealing when used for fastening outdoor, decktreated
floorboards because of their head configuration. They also provide
superior-holding power compared to wire nails. Staining from corrosion,
however, especially in marine environments, prevents the use of
carbon steel cut nails. Touchstone, compared the performance of
several grades of stainless steel nails and selected the grade
most suitable for this application. The investigation included
holding power tests and both accelerated and longterm exposure
testing. Today, this new stainless-steel cut nails enjoy a large
market share.
- Shortly after installation, wood paneling was seen to loosen
and fall away from the cast concrete walls in a building. Analysis
of the paneling found that the bond had separated at the wood/adhesive
interface. GCMS analysis of extracts from the paneling found an
oil present that prevented good bond strength between the wood
and the adhesive.
- A steel company was considering the purchase of a plant, which
manufactures steel studs for the construction industry. Prior
to the purchase, Touchstone performed testing of the studs for
mechanical properties and a coating evaluation.
The above examples are only a sample of our work in this area.
We would be pleased to provide any additional information you may
require. We also invite you to review examples on our website of
work that we have performed in support of other business sectors.
Please contact one of our Project
Managers to discuss your manufacturing problem. We would welcome
an opportunity to add you to our rapidly growing list of satisfied
customers.
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