Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The duration of a test campaign at KRP Mechatec ranges from one day to one year, depending on customer requirements. A typical test takes 1–2 weeks; including preparation and follow-up, customers should plan for about 3 weeks in total.

KRP Mechatec recommends booking 2–3 months in advance to ensure the optimal test setup is available in the desired time frame. Thanks to high flexibility, KRP Mechatec can usually find good solutions for short-notice requests as well.

The waiting time for a test slot at KRP Mechatec is normally 2–4 weeks. Early planning allows for reserving the most suitable test setup, but KRP Mechatec is also flexible and usually finds good solutions under tight time pressure.

Postponing is generally not a problem. KRP Mechatec works together with the customer to find a new test slot.

Yes, customers are welcome to attend their test at KRP Mechatec at any time.

Since every project is different, KRP Mechatec creates final pricing individually based on the customer's specific requirements in most cases. It is often worthwhile to review requirements and the test sequence together beforehand, as KRP Mechatec frequently identifies optimizations that positively affect cost and schedule.

Creating a quote at KRP Mechatec typically takes 2 days to 1 week. More complex requests can take longer, especially if a coordination meeting is useful to accurately capture requirements from the start.

To prepare a reliable TV or TC quote, KRP Mechatec needs the following information: sample dimensions, weight, and material; number of samples; upper and lower temperature limits including tolerance band (e.g. +120 °C [+10 °C/−0 °C] / −120 °C [+0 °C/−10 °C]); number of desired temperature cycles; maximum allowed temperature gradient (e.g. < 10 °C/min); dwell time at the temperature extremes; number of temperature sensors to be mounted on the sample(s); vacuum requirement for vacuum tests (e.g. < 5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar); whether feedthroughs are needed to perform measurements on the sample and which measurements are planned; whether functional tests are planned; and whether the customer plans to attend the test setup. Even without complete information, KRP Mechatec welcomes inquiries and is happy to help define the requirements.

To prepare a reliable quote for mechanical tests, KRP Mechatec needs the following information: type of test (e.g. tensile or compression test); applicable standard or customer-specific requirement; number of samples; test temperature; parameters or results to be measured (e.g. maximum force, elongation); expected forces (e.g. 30 kN); and the sample material (e.g. CFRP, aluminum). Even without complete information, KRP Mechatec welcomes inquiries and is happy to help define the requirements.

To prepare a reliable FEM analysis quote, KRP Mechatec needs a detailed task description including the objectives, as well as the CAD file of the component to be analyzed. Even without complete information, KRP Mechatec welcomes inquiries and is happy to help define the requirements.

To prepare a reliable shock test quote, KRP Mechatec needs the following information: the SRS (Shock Response Spectrum); size and weight of the component; the component's interface specification; any special sensor requirements; and details on GSE (Ground Support Equipment) and planned functional checks of the component between individual tests. Even without complete information, KRP Mechatec welcomes inquiries and is happy to help define the requirements.

To prepare a reliable vibration test quote, KRP Mechatec needs the following information: the load specification; size and weight of the component; sensor requirements; the planned notching procedure for the random vibration test; and details on GSE (Ground Support Equipment) and planned functional checks of the component between individual tests. Even without complete information, KRP Mechatec welcomes inquiries and is happy to help define the requirements.

There is no fixed minimum. However, at least 3 tests are needed for a statistically sound evaluation. From a cost perspective, it is often more efficient to bundle a larger number of identical tests, since setup effort is then calculated only once and the price per sample decreases.

No, KRP Mechatec is not accredited to ISO 17025. Because KRP Mechatec performs individual test concepts rather than standard tests, a separate accreditation would be required for each test type — which would make testing prohibitively expensive.

Yes. KRP Mechatec develops a customized test concept together with the customer and builds a dedicated test fixture for the specific requirement when needed.

Yes. Developing a test concept based on the real-world loads a component will experience later is one of KRP Mechatec's core competencies. Interested customers can get in touch, and the approach is then discussed in a joint meeting.

KRP Mechatec can test any material, including metals, CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic), GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced plastic), foams, adhesives, ceramics, and wood. Components made of multiple combined materials are also a common test case for KRP Mechatec.

KRP Mechatec can test at temperatures between 4 K (−269 °C) and 1000 °C.

KRP Mechatec uses liquid nitrogen or liquid helium as a cooling medium, depending on the required temperature.

KRP Mechatec can achieve a vacuum of up to 1 × 10⁻⁵ mbar.

Yes, particularly for customer-specific applications or comparison tests carried out using the same fixture as the cold tests. KRP Mechatec is not optimized for standard room-temperature testing and is therefore more expensive than competitors for this specific case; in such situations, KRP Mechatec is happy to recommend a suitable test house.

KRP Mechatec's own tensile testing machine can reach up to 250 kN, though available force can be more limited depending on the fixture and temperature. Through partner test houses, KRP Mechatec can also arrange tests of up to 10 MN.

No, KRP Mechatec works with partner companies for vibration testing. Test support from KRP Mechatec is particularly valuable when additional expertise is needed, such as test definition or notching.

KRP Mechatec primarily uses PT1000 sensors. For special applications, diode sensors or PT100 sensors are also available.

KRP Mechatec typically uses 4–8 sensors on the customer sample for TV tests. These sensors can either be applied by KRP Mechatec or provided to the customer for self-application. One measuring device can read up to 8 sensors; if more sensors are needed, KRP Mechatec provides additional measuring devices.

Yes, functional tests during a TV test are possible at KRP Mechatec.

KRP Mechatec's chambers feature standard flanges such as CF DN100, CF DN250, KF DN16, KF DN25, and KF DN40. For electrical feedthroughs, D-SUB 50 and Fischer connectors are used.

KRP Mechatec selects suitable, temperature-resistant sensors depending on the application. Strain is measured via machine displacement, strain gauges (DMS), or extensometers, while force is measured using an appropriate load cell.

Good test planning is often the biggest lever — for example, arranging multiple test samples efficiently or setting requirements sensibly. If the test sample can be mounted on a cooling plate (clamped or bolted), the test can be accelerated through thermal coupling to the chamber shroud.

Alternatively, the chamber can be vented with a helium or nitrogen atmosphere (approx. 1 mbar) to introduce convection. As a compromise, dwell times can also be carried out in vacuum — though this requires more manual effort and therefore results in slightly higher costs.

KRP Mechatec is certified to ISO 9001:2015. The company has worked in the aerospace industry since its founding, an industry that requires the highest quality standards with fully traceable processes as a matter of course.

Yes. KRP Mechatec's IT infrastructure is up to date, and customer data is handled with full confidentiality. If needed, KRP Mechatec can sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) at any time before exchanging information.

Yes, all measuring devices and sensors used by KRP Mechatec are calibrated. All calibration certificates are included in the respective test documentation.

KRP Mechatec informs the customer immediately if a deviation occurs. The test is paused until the customer and KRP Mechatec have jointly decided how to proceed. If required, KRP Mechatec creates an NCR document recording all occurrences along with corrective and preventive actions. This document is signed by KRP Mechatec and sent to the customer for countersignature; the NCR is only formally closed once this countersignature is received.

By default, KRP Mechatec provides concise documentation consisting of a Test-Readiness-Review (TRR) with a step-by-step procedure and a Post-Test-Review (PTR) with a short test report. On request and for an additional fee, KRP Mechatec also offers detailed, ECSS-compliant documentation with a separate test procedure and test report.

Test samples should be sent to the following address:

KRP Mechatec GmbH
Boltzmannstr. 2
85748 Garching
Germany