Tests and analyses for the automotive industry

In recent years, we have been witnessing a real revolution that sees the transition from the use of internal combustion engines to electric motors. The progressive electrification of mobility has involved not only motor vehicles but also two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and scooters, which, thanks to electric motors, represent a sustainable alternative to four-wheeled vehicles. The development of e-mobility requires not only knowledge of new polymer and metal materials, but also new tests (e.g. MFG and battery tests) and cross-disciplinary skills in order to anticipate problems and obtain increasingly safe and high-performance products. We are able to perform tests on electric motors, batteries and components.

Electronics play a crucial role in modern mobility, acting as the interface between the user and the vehicle. Advanced control panels provide information on the status of the vehicle and manage multimedia features such as navigation, smartphone connectivity and audio entertainment. Displays, cameras, speakers and sensors must be rigorously tested to ensure reliable operation over time.

Despite the growing popularity of electric motors, internal combustion engines still hold a significant share of the market. Many manufacturers are exploring the use of alternative fuels to adapt the current vehicle fleet. This transition requires experience and in-depth knowledge of the materials that make up the entire propulsion system. The Pontlab team is able to support the customer in studying and carrying out durability tests on various components to ensure the reliability of the final product through durability tests on injection systems, pumps and fuel rails.

In the motor racing sector, where performance and reliability are crucial, rigorous control of the production chain and early identification of defects are essential to maximise performance. Our experience allows us to predict potential failures that could compromise race results, such as the breakage of critical components.

The sector is constantly evolving and seeking alternatives to internal combustion engines in order to reduce CO2 emissions and ensure sustainability in the future. Major car manufacturers are investigating the use of hydrogen as a fuel. The use of new techniques requires knowledge and study of new materials with different characteristics and issues.

The style and quality of interior upholstery are fundamental to the success of a product. They can be made of polymeric materials, fabric or the finest leather. Each material must maintain its original appearance over time and guarantee performance, even in extreme conditions such as high or low temperatures in the passenger compartment or exposure to sunlight.

To support customer requirements, Pontlab verifies the conformity of the raw materials used in the production process, for which techniques can be used to determine glass transition, melting point, filler/additive content and viscoelastic characteristics. Polymeric materials – wheel/brake benches.

The world of two wheels is also undergoing a major evolution. Increasingly futuristic designs characterise the aesthetics, while the use of increasingly high-performance materials is geared towards sustainable mobility. (Aesthetically, they have an increasingly futuristic look and are geared towards sustainable mobility.) For years, competitions such as Formula E have been organised using only electric motors. This is the first step towards large-scale application, with electric scooters already enjoying great success.