Smithers Rapra Enhances Environmental Controls at Tire Testing Laboratory

AKRON, Ohio - May 25, 2016 - PRLog -- Smithers Rapra, a world leader in rubber, plastics and composites testing expertise, announced today the implementation of a new environmental control system designed to tighten temperature ranges for tire and wheel endurance testing at its Ravenna, Ohio facility.

FMVSS 119 and 139 standards require environmental temperature control of +/- 5 degrees Fahrenheit around the tires being tested. The new system at Smithers Rapra's Tire & Wheel Test Center significantly narrows the temperature range during testing. Tighter controls minimize the potential effect of temperature variation, producing more consistent endurance testing results.

"We strive to provide our clients with the most accurate testing capabilities available in the marketplace," said James Popio, Vice President, Smithers Rapra, North America. "Our projections for the future of tire testing indicate that more precise methods of controlling testing variables will be required. We felt it was critical to support these future market needs by tightening our temperature controls and are proud to be one of the only independent, third party laboratories in the world with this advanced technology paired with our extensive testing expertise."

Smithers Rapra operates laboratories in North America, Europe and China, covering a wide variety of testing and consulting services from material chemistry and product durability testing, to tire, wheel and winter testing. Smithers global network of ISO 17025 accredited tire test laboratories perform a wide variety of SAE, ASTM, ISO, UNECE and EC tests supporting raw material suppliers, tire manufacturers and automotive OEMs.

Expertise within Smithers spans several key industry sectors including automotive, tire, rubber and polymer products, aerospace, medical device and pharmaceuticals. For more information about Smithers Rapra visit www.smithersrapra.com.

About Smithers Rapra:

Smithers Rapra has been a trusted partner of the plastics and rubber industries for over 90 years. Our business is built around delivering a complete portfolio of rubber and plastic testing services to support a wide range of industry sectors including tire, automotive, polymer products, oil and gas, medical device, pharmaceutical, transport, packaging, industrial, and consumer products. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers' goal is to add value throughout the life cycle of our clients' products. Please visit www.smithersrapra.com.

About The Smithers Group:

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, The Smithers Group includes Smithers Apex, Smithers Avanza, Smithers Pira, Smithers Quality Assessments, Smithers Rapra, and Smithers Viscient. Each Smithers Group company provides technology-based services focused on a defined market. As a group, the diversity of market sectors and technologies provides stability and a platform for long-term growth. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers' goal is to add value throughout the life cycle of our clients' products, by utilizing testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. All Smithers companies are known by their clients as Trusted Providers of Innovative Solutions. For more information, visit www.smithers.com.