Exova Santa Fe Springs laboratory tests titanium for space robotics

Exova, a global testing company, has been selected to perform qualification testing for titanium stock that is procured by MDA US Systems – producers of robotics and autonomous systems for harsh environment applications.

Exova’s laboratory in Santa Fe Springs, California, will undertake metallurgical, physical, and chemistry analysis of materials in a multitude of testing sizes and scenarios. Testing of the material for use in robotic arms in space requires an innovative solution as material quality is of a fracture-critical nature. The laboratory created a tailored approach for the client as the requirements were so specialized.

Stuart Abbs, Exova’s Managing Director, Aerospace, said: “This work for MDA US Systems required our specialist team to create a testing solution in response to the customer requirement. Our work on titanium stock for robotic arms used in space requires considerable expertise, and demonstrates how Exova provides technically complex solutions for our customers. The finished products will be used by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for crucial space programs and we are proud to be part of this work.”

The laboratory in Santa Fe Springs is one of several Exova laboratories around the world that provide accredited testing services for the aerospace sector. Exova has 17 National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (Nadcap) approvals. Exova’s laboratories hold approvals from leading aerospace primes and conduct accredited testing to ISO 17025 standards.

In June 2017, Exova Group Limited was acquired by Element Materials Technology, a company with a global presence.