Forensic Engineering Testing & Lab Services
Our Expertise
Our highly skilled team combines engineering expertise with advanced laboratory capabilities to examine evidence, investigate failure mechanisms, and develop objective, scientifically supported engineering opinions.
Our capabilities include non-destructive examination, digital radiography (X-ray), materials and metallurgical analysis, component evaluation, and full-scale testing of exemplar equipment and systems. We also design and construct demonstrative exhibits to effectively communicate complex engineering concepts and investigative findings.
Our Solutions
Digital Radiography (X-Ray)
Our advanced portable digital radiography system allows forensic engineers to non-destructively examine evidence, revealing internal conditions that cannot be observed through visual inspection alone.
Digital radiography can also provide a valuable first look before more costly or invasive examination methods are considered. For larger or complex artifacts, X-ray imaging can identify areas of interest and help determine whether additional testing, CT scanning, disassembly, or destructive examination is warranted. Radiography can be performed prior to or live during an examination, allowing all parties to view internal conditions together and focus the scope of examination while the evidence remains intact.
Applications Include
- Fire-damaged electrical equipment
- Mechanical assemblies
- Consumer products & batteries
- Industrial equipment
- Vehicle components
- Welds & fabricated assemblies
- Corrosion & internal deterioration
- Foreign objects & product marking identification
- Manufacturing defects
Key Benefits
- Non-destructive examination of internal conditions
- Document evidence before disassembly or destructive testing
- Accommodate larger artifacts that may not be practical for CT scanning
- Identify and target areas for subsequent examination
- Reduce unnecessary testing, evidence alteration, and associated costs
- Laboratory or mobile field deployment
Advanced Imaging Technology
- Powerful X-ray generator capable of imaging dense components
- High-resolution wireless or wired digital imaging detector
- Dynamic range exposures and frame averaging for capturing fine details
- Genie™ intelligent image enhancement by NOVO DR
- Immediate image acquisition and review
- Large collaborative touchscreen workstation
- Comprehensive examination documentation
Advanced Comparative Imaging
Schaefer Engineering can combine digital radiography with advanced photogrammetry and 3D modeling to create comparative visualizations of subject and exemplar components.
By capturing the subject component radiographically from multiple viewpoints, X-ray images can be synchronized with a 3D model allowing direct comparison of internal and external features.
High-resolution digital radiography can reveal internal components, conditions, and areas of interest without disassembling or altering the evidence.
This Approach Can Help
- Compare subject and exemplar components from corresponding viewpoints
- Correlate internal radiographic features with external geometry
- Identify and communicate differences between components
- Document complex findings in a clear, understandable format
- Develop compelling technical visualizations for litigation and presentations
Our Capabilities
Advanced Test & Measurement Equipment
- Laser Scanners and 3D Modeling
- Fully Automated Stereomicroscope with Integrated Digital Camera
- Temperature and Voltage Data Acquisition Systems
- Comprehensive Carbon Monoxide Concentration Measurement and Data Acquisition Systems
- Complete Fuel Gas System Flow & Pressure Measurement Capabilities
Testing & Modeling
- In-House Design and Construction of Fireplace and Chimney Test Cells
- Configurable Test Apparatus to Model Real-World Installations
- Cellulose Insulation Fire Characteristics and Testing
- UL 103 & 127 Specified Flue Gas Generator and Test Cell
- Full-Scale Testing and Constant Monitoring and Logging of Temperatures Within Test Structure
- Trial Exhibit Models
Facility Rental & Lab Services
Our laboratory facilities are available for joint examinations, testing, and expert inspections.
- Joint evidence examinations
- Digital radiography
- Engineering testing
- Product & component evaluations
- Expert inspections
- Laboratory equipment & technical support
Remote participation is also available through our professional Forensic Video Streaming system.