LABORATORY

The need to understand the characteristics and performance of each product is also shaped by market saturation and the emergence of new competing countries such as China or Brazil, in addition to strict environmental regulations—factors that have also driven the commitment to technological innovation.

With an eye on the challenges and needs faced by the slate and natural stone sector, the Laboratory offers the following specialized services:

LABORATORY TESTS

ROOFING SLATE TESTS

  • Determination of length and width. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 5
  • Determination of edge deviation from straightness. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 6
  • Determination of slate squareness. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 7
  • Determination of the thickness of individual slates. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 8
  • Determination of deviation from flatness. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 9
  • Determination of the modulus of rupture and characteristic modulus of rupture. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 10 (*)
  • Water absorption. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 11 (*)
  • Freeze / thaw. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 12
  • Determination of calcium carbonate content and non-carbonate carbon by catalytic thermal decomposition. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 13. ()
  • Exposure to sulfur dioxide in slates with a calcium carbonate content ≤ 20% (by mass). UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 14.1. ()
  • Thermal cycle. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Sec. 15. (*)
  • Petrographic examination: macroscopic and thin-section analysis. UNE EN 12326-2:2012 Secs. 16.6.1 and 16.6.2.1. Macroscopic description of 1 slate piece and microscopic description of three thin sections.

(*): The tests marked with an asterisk are included within the ENAC accreditation scope of the Slate Technology Centre Foundation.

 

NATURAL STONE TESTS

  • Apparent density and open porosity. UNE EN 1936:2007.
  • Water absorption at atmospheric pressure. UNE EN 13755:2008.
  • Water absorption by capillarity. UNE EN 1925:1999.
  • Slip resistance using a friction pendulum. UNE EN 14231:2004.
  • Breaking energy by impact. UNE EN 14158:2004.
  • Resistance to ageing by thermal shock. UNE EN 14066:2014.

These services are supported by expert technicians who provide advice on CE marking and factory production control, diagnosis and evaluation of defects, interpretation of test results, and suitability for use.