Following this development the new laboratory facility is now accredited to undertake crucial accelerated corrosion tests, including:

• Saltspray
• Watersoak
• Prohesion
• Cyclic humidity

These rigorous durability and corrosion assessments are crucial in ensuring that Tata Steel and its customers have complete confidence in its product performance, particularly in offering the comprehensive Confidex® Guarantee, covering buildings for up to 40 years.

From Shotton to Singapore

Alongside the internal testing regime the dedicated lab at Shotton also supports with the preparation and coordination of trials and testing in real world test sites across the globe. With samples being sent to testing sites in various hazardous weather climates in areas such as Florida, South Africa and Malaysia. This focused testing regime ensures that all of our products across a wide colour spectrum are put through their paces to ensure ultimate product performance.

Testing for the future

As well as the day-to-day testing regimes, the development of Shotton’s laboratory also bolsters Colorcoat® pre-finished steels product development programme, ensuring our continued development of the market leading products of the future. Testament to this was the huge development project that was managed internally by Tata Steel in delivering the next generation of Colorcoat Prisma® pre-finished steel. A project that produced the most comprehensive pre-launch testing data of any product in Colorcoat® pre-finished steel’s 50 year history.

The enhancement of Shotton’s laboratory testing is a testament to its long term commitment to continued product development and superior performance. The increase in its laboratory equipment and capacity allows for complete control of product testing and the efficiency of test information; ultimately ensuring that every pre-finished steel coil produced is thoroughly tested in a recognised and controlled manner by Tata Steel.