Materials Testing & Failure Analysis

Materials testing labs conduct mechanical testing, failure analysis, and forensic engineering for manufacturers, construction, and litigation.

With product failures and construction defects requiring analysis, labs generate revenue of $250,000-$850,000 with 50-70% margins through testing and expert services.

The business requires materials science expertise, testing equipment (tensile, hardness, microscopy), laboratory facility, expert witness capability, and quality standards.

Services include mechanical testing (tensile, impact, hardness), metallurgical analysis, failure analysis and root cause, forensic engineering, expert witness testimony, and materials characterization.

Revenue through testing fees and expert consulting.

Success factors include materials science or engineering background, testing equipment investment (universal tester, microscopy, XRF), accredited testing methods and certifications, failure analysis and forensic capability, and expert witness credentials.

Marketing focuses on manufacturers, construction companies, attorneys, and insurance companies.

With product liability and construction defects requiring expert analysis in 2025, materials testing offers forensic opportunities serving quality and litigation with expertise and equipment as barriers.