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Case Studies
Dezincification of Brass plumbing fittings
One area providing a continuous work flow, are problems with plumbing fittings which in some instances, cause tremendous leaks leading to large insurance claims. In a recent case, a house owner contacted us with a pressing dilemma.
Jun 15, 2026
Counterfeit Inkjet Cartridges
As part of our daily work, we offer high-quality laboratory materials testing services in the investigation of a range of manufactured goods. One area of growing importance, is in the investigation of goods to determine if they are original or counterfeit. A request for the physical and chemical analysis both liquid ink cartridges and toner cartridges, occurs several times a year. In these matters, we typically approach this from three angles:
May 14, 2026
Failure of polyisocyanurate insulation foam
The investigation of the failure of construction insulation foams, such as polyisocyanurate and phenolic foams, forms a large part of the materials analysis services which we provide to the construction sector. Polyisocyanurate foam in particular is commonly used as rigid foam for floors, and walls, and a spray foam in retrofit applications. We have investigated issues in both.
Apr 17, 2026
Corrosion of Galvanized Steel
Fully independent materials testing and analysis is what we are all about. As a leading specialist forensic materials investigation and root cause analysis consultants for the construction, manufacturing, legal and risk management sectors within both Ireland and Europe, on a daily basis, we perform high-quality laboratory materials testing services in the investigation of the failure of a range of manufacturing and construction materials including wood, plastics, glass and metal.
Mar 13, 2026
Investigation of a latent defect claim
As Irelands leading independent laboratory for materials analysis and the investigation of product failure and latent defect claims, we are regularly asked to investigate why products fail in service. Our work with clients commences with a meeting with the client and their solicitor if the case is or is moving to litigation. One recent case involved the investigation of failure with a piece of wood furniture, which instantaneously moved to litigation.
Feb 13, 2026
Surface corrosion on Stainless Steel
As Irelands leading independent laboratory for the investigation and analysis of materials including metals, plastics and composites, our laboratories are contacted on a weekly basis by clients with a materials analysis question. In this matter, the investigation centred on a pallet of stainless steel.
Jan 16, 2026
The Confusing Copper Matter
One important service which our laboratories provide to metal recycling companies in Ireland is measurement of the purity of post industry metals such as copper, aluminium, copper, brass, lead, nickel, and stainless steel. Our laboratories have also assisted in the determination of the gold, silver and platinum from industrial waste.
Nov 14, 2025
The Wooden Window Matter
Several months ago, the laboratory was contacted by a manufacturing company where a complaint had arisen with respect to the quality of a paint finish applied to softwood timber windows. It was said that the cause of the coating issue was due to the non-application of primer to the softwood windows.
Oct 28, 2025
The Muddled Road Marking Matter
Hotmelt thermoplastic road marking paints play a significant role in road safety, and the application of road marking paints does require expertise in terms of surface preparation and paint application. In our experience, road marking paint contractors only focus on whether the initial performance of the marking paint is satisfied.
Aug 25, 2025
The Weak Wood Matter
A large joinery shop was contracted to manufacture several hundred exterior doors. Within several months, issues arose in the form of coating failure and localised delamination of the individual plies. The doors were replaced at the expense of the joinery, and BBB Technologies was called in to advise.
Apr 26, 2024
The Stripped Thread Matter
Engineering failure analysis, metallurgy and materials science is what we do and clients from all over Ireland and abroad regularly contact our forensic materials laboratories for advice. Many of these cases involve personal injury and litigation.
Nov 25, 2023
The Pressure Cooker Problem
The laboratory was recently contacted by a solicitor who told us that their client had purchases a new pressure cooker. While the pressure cooker was in use, a ‘substantial jet of steam came out from just under the lid of the pressure cooker and in so-doing, injured the person'.
Nov 13, 2023
The Peeling Paint Matter
The main function of a masonry paint system is to protect the substrate against atmospheric conditions and to maintain the initial aesthetic characteristics.
Sep 21, 2023
The Bungled Brick Matter
Construction materials such as paints, glues and sealants do fail and the reason for this failure can range from defective products to errors in application. One case of the latter occurred a few months ago.
Aug 21, 2023
The Weird Wood Matter
Some time ago, a client contacted us to say that white streaks were appearing on the internal surface of orientated strand board (OSB) which had been used in the construction of a ceiling of a timber frame building.
Aug 11, 2023
The Problematic Powder Matter
The physical and chemical analysis of powders is one of the speciality types of analysis which our chemists carry out for clients all over Ireland. Our powder testing and analysis is used by a variety of companies in the industrial sector including the agrochemical, manufacturing, automotive and aeronautical sectors.
Aug 09, 2023
The Pierced Pipe Matter
Our laboratory is regularly asked to investigate water leaks occurring both in metal and plastic pipes, but also fittings and appliances which store or transport water. It can be easy to jump to conclusions for who is to blame, but sometimes the real cause can surprise you.
Jul 24, 2023
The Terrible Tiling Matter
When clients in Ireland and abroad ask us to investigate why glue fails, the investigations can take weeks, months or years. Not often can we wrap up a case in under a week however some time ago, this is exactly what happened.
Jul 21, 2023
The Flaking Paint Matter
Removing paints from any surface requires care and removing paint from items which were first painted over one hundred years ago needs extra care.
May 19, 2023
The Corroding Brackets Matter
Paints offer both protection and, in some cases, an aesthetically pleasing surface. Paints work because they adhere well to the surface onto which they are applied, do not crack or fade and, slow down or prevent the ingress of chemicals.
May 18, 2023
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