What is the typical turnaround time from sample submission to receiving an STA test report?

Standard Service Timeline

Our standard turnaround time for Simultaneous Thermal Analysis is 5-7 business days from sample receipt to the issuance of a comprehensive report. This timeframe encompasses multiple critical phases: initial sample assessment and registration, appropriate preparation when required, instrumental analysis with optimized thermal programs, detailed data interpretation, and final report generation. For routine characterization of materials such as polymers from Plastics or metal powders from Powder Bed Fusion, results typically align with this standard schedule.

Factors Influencing Analysis Duration

Sample-Specific Considerations

The analysis timeline depends significantly on sample characteristics and testing requirements. Samples requiring minimal preparation (pre-ground powders, small solid pieces) can proceed directly to analysis, while those needing specialized preparation may add 1-2 business days. Complex materials such as Ceramic-polymer composites or specialized Resins may require method development or customized thermal programs, potentially extending the timeline to 7-10 business days to ensure analytical accuracy.

Instrumental and Analytical Complexity

STA measurements themselves range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the thermal program; however, instrument scheduling and queue management affect the practical turnaround. Multiple atmosphere analyses (e.g., both nitrogen and air for oxidation studies) or sophisticated temperature programs for materials like Superalloy or Titanium Alloy require additional instrument time and more complex data interpretation, extending the overall duration. Correlation with complementary techniques, when needed for comprehensive characterization, also impacts the timeline.

Expedited and Priority Service Options

Accelerated STA Analysis

We offer expedited STA service with 3-4 business day turnaround for urgent projects, subject to laboratory capacity and applicable expedited charges. This option prioritizes sample analysis and data processing while maintaining our rigorous quality standards. Priority scheduling is particularly valuable for Rapid Prototyping validation or manufacturing troubleshooting in industries such as Automotive and Consumer Electronics where thermal property data directly impacts production decisions.

Project Management Flexibility

For complex investigations that require multiple analytical techniques, we can often provide preliminary STA findings to support time-sensitive decisions while complementary analyses are ongoing. This phased reporting approach is especially beneficial for failure analysis projects or material qualification for Aerospace and Aviation applications, where initial thermal data can guide immediate next steps.