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SGS-IPS Testing has extensive expertise in the evaluation of a wide range of disposable consumer products and their constituent materials, including diapers & adult incontinence products, wipes, medical supplies, surgical gowns and drapes, feminine care pads and tampons.
SGS-IPS Testing can provide physical and analytical services, national brand equivalency testing, defect analysis, reverse engineering, litigation services, odor analysis and much more.
SGS-IPS has earned ISO 17025 certification for the test methods recommended by the National Association for Continence (NAFC). These methods represent key performance indicators of the absorbent properties of incontinence products such as adult briefs, diapers and underpads and include:
The mannequin lab at SGS-IPS Testing is available for baby diapers, adult incontinence, and feminine care products. We are delighted to bring these testing opportunities to our customers. We are also the exclusive USA, Canada, and Mexico distributor for mannequins.
Functional or “as-worn” testing is critical to the evaluation of diapers and incontinence products due to their three-dimensional design. By simulating actual use, mannequin testing helps generate a more complete picture of product quality. SGS-IPS Testing offers many valuable mannequin tests, with Absorption before Leakage (ABL) and Anarewet Skin Hydration (ASH) being among the most important.
ABL testing determines the maximum fluid amount absorbed by the product before it leaks. Multiple doses of synthetic urine are applied to the product. A sensor-sheet automatically detects leakage and stops the dosing sequence when the maximum capacity of the product is reached. The total volume absorbed is measured and an average calculated. The leakage location is noted.
ASH testing measures the amount of moisture sensation that may be experienced by the user. A known volume of synthetic urine is applied to the product through the mannequin, then a pad of collagen (simulating skin) is placed on the top sheet. A set pressure is applied, and the moisture absorbed by the collagen is measured, providing a moisture measurement.
These ABL and ASH values are then used to provide a Global Rating for the product. This unique rating system is based on thirty years of data collection. It allows both product suppliers and retailers to place a number value on products to track changes over time or compare to other brands.
The form, fit, and function of feminine care products must be considered while evaluating full product performance. Mannequin testing is the primary method that considers these during analysis, with the Simulation test being most central.
Mannequin testing on feminine care products is available on both finished products and their individual components. There are many valuable tests to choose from, with the Simulation test being one of the most important.
Simulation testing is performed on both seated and standing mannequins. Multiple doses of synthetic menses are applied to the product. After the dosing sequence, the product is removed and a rewet measurement is taken. The simulation test uses set volumes and times for the measurement. SGS-IPS Testing can also modify this to be an absorption to leakage test, providing a total volume of synthetic menses absorbed before the product leaks.
The mannequin lab is available for tours and to accept samples. Please contact our customer service team at (920) 749-3040 to schedule a tour or testing.
The Prototype Lab at SGS-IPS Testing can work with you to create tangible products to test your new ideas. Our technicians can substitute your materials into existing products or assemble products from scratch to create baby diapers, adult incontinence, and feminine care products. Prototyping is a valuable tool as it allows you to test new ideas and make changes to your product swiftly. To learn more about our prototyping capabilities, please contact our customer service team at (920) 749-3040 Ext. 1.
Our independent physical testing laboratory performs a wide range of services specific to the industry. Our lab performs many AATCC, ASTM, ISO, TAPPI and WSP testing methods for consumer products, including: physical, optical and key product properties such as absorbency, durability, flushability, etc.
SGS-IPS is equipped with hundreds of lab instruments specific to consumer products and has a 5,500 square-foot temperature- and humidity-controlled testing lab to ensure accurate and reproducible test results.
Our analytical services team specializes in product testing and solving problems for the consumer goods industry. Whether a substance needs to be identified, a competitor’s product needs to be analyzed, or your own materials need to be evaluated, our analytical research lab experts can meet your needs. The SGS-IPS Fiber Science lab uses a variety of fiber analysis test methods to capture a product’s paper fiber or nonwoven composition in intricate detail. The SGS-IPS Microscopy lab can be very helpful in troubleshooting problems, supporting patent claims, or providing support data.