Our Laboratories
Each of our offices UK offices is fully equipped with scientific equipment to support the evaluating of the physical and mechanical properties of materials. In addition, we offer materials and elemental characterisation techniques to identify material composition and detect the presence of any contaminants. Our test facilities enable the investigation of a wide range of materials, including metals, glass, fibres, wood, polymers and rubbers, to support forensic investigations, insurance claims, and engineering assessments.
MICROSCOPY
The cornerstone to any laboratory is a powerful microscope. Our microscopes can provide magnification up to 6000 times (perfect for understanding defects, cracks and grain structures) and can provide 3D mapping and depth perception.
SAMPLE PREPARATION
Sample preparation is an integral part of metallurgy, so that grain structure can be revealed and understood. Prepared samples can also under go further testing such as hardness and elemental analysis.
X-RAY FLUOROSCOPY
XRF is a technique which allows quantitative elemental analysis both in the laboratory and in the field. Useful for contamination, metallurgy and more.
HARDNESS TESTING
Hardness is a critical property, and understanding it can help to explain a plethora of events. We can conduct hardness testing to polymers, glasses, rubbers and metals. We have both laboratory and portable hardness testers.
CHEMICAL TESTING
Chemical testing can help to reveal the presence of bacteria in pipework, how susceptible metals are to cracking, whether or not polymers are compatible with certain chemicals and much more. We have fully stocked chemical cabinets to help us carry out testing and experimentation.
MOULD IDENTIFICATION
There is growing concern about the presence of moulds in buildings and cargo. Not only for human health, but we can also use moulds to help date events such as escape of water.
OUR FORENSIC TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENTÂ
At Hawkins, our laboratories are equipped with a wide range of advanced scientific instruments and techniques to ensure the highest standards in forensic investigation. We use tools such as:
- X-rays to examine components before disassembly.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to study surface topography.
- Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) for semi-quantitative elemental analysis.
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to examine chemical bonding.
- Ion Chromatography for liquid chemistry analysis​.
- X-ray Diffraction to investigate crystalline structures and material composition.
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for detailed elemental analysis.
- Roughness and coefficient of friction measurements.
- Drone and laser scanning to capture scenes before changes occur.
- …and many more specialised techniques.
These capabilities allow us to deliver accurate, evidence-based insights that support insurers, legal professionals, and industry clients in resolving disputes, understanding failures, and preventing future incidents.
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