Products + Tools

BM TRADA, a specialist in testing, inspection and certification services, has unveiled its modernised timber laboratory following an extensive refurbishment and investment.

Part of Element Materials Technology, BM TRADA’s three month long revamp at its UK facility in High Wycombe includes a complete overhaul of the laboratory’s layout.

The space is now divided into two dedicated areas, with one room designated for timber inspection and timber species analysis, and the other for woodworking and timber testing.

Alongside the new layout, the laboratory has been stripped down and a host of new equipment has been installed. This includes new storage, dust extraction units, boil tanks and water baths for woodwork testing, as well as microscope testing kits to analyse timber specimens.

The organisation has also fitted new tools and rigs for fastener and fixing testing for structural timber connections, which will be operated by Element Material Technology’s Warringtonfire brand; as well as a cast iron engineering table for measuring the straightness of wood samples and inspecting for timber distortion.

Ben Sharples, commercial lead at BM TRADA, said: “The refurbishment follows an increase in demand for timber testing and certification requirements. We are also anticipating a sharp rise in demand for Warringtonfire’s new fastener and fixing testing for structural timber connections, due to the looming UKCA marking deadline.”