Why Early Material Testing Matters

1. Prevent Costly Redesigns Later

Reworking a product after manufacturing has begun can be extremely expensive. Early testing identifies weaknesses, durability concerns, and performance issues before you invest in tooling, production, or large-scale inventory.

Startups save time, money, and resources by validating materials upfront.

2. Build a Better Product From the Start

Laboratory results help you make informed decisions about:

• Material selection

• Component thickness

• Backing or coating performance

• Resistance to wear, staining, heat, or environmental conditions

• Long-term durability

With data you can trust, you’re able to refine your design early—resulting in a stronger, more competitive product.

3. Meet Industry Standards and Buyer Requirements

Retailers, commercial buyers, and regulatory bodies often require compliance with specific standards such as:

• ASTM performance tests

• ISO durability standards

• AATCC textile and colorfastness methods

• Fire and flammability standards

• Slip resistance and abrasion testing

Early testing ensures your product meets expectations long before it hits the shelves.

4. Reduce Risk During Product Launch

For startups, reputation is everything. A product that fails prematurely or falls short of performance claims can lead to returns, warranty claims, and long-term brand damage.

Early testing allows you to:

• Verify durability claims

• Validate marketing statements

• Identify failure modes before customers do

• Build consumer trust

You get one first impression—testing helps you get it right.

5. Support Investor Confidence

Investors want to see that your product has been vetted and that you’ve mitigated risk.

Testing provides:

• Objective performance data

• Proof of feasibility

• Verification that the product meets safety and durability expectations

• Documentation that strengthens investor presentations and R&D reports

For many startups, independent lab reports become a critical part of fundraising.

Why Choose an Accredited Lab?

Professional Testing Laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for laboratory competence and quality. This ensures:

• Accurate, consistent test results

• Traceable measurement procedures

• Reliable documentation recognized worldwide

• Confidence in performance claims and compliance

As a third-party lab, we provide unbiased evaluations to support product R&D and launch readiness.

Start Strong With Early Material Testing

Investing in testing early in the development process isn’t an added expense, it’s a cost-saving strategy that supports innovation, prevents issues, and sets your product up for long-term success.

Whether you’re testing durability, abrasion resistance, colorfastness, dimensional stability, or overall product performance, our team is here to help you validate your ideas and confidently move toward production.

Contact us today for a fast, accurate quote on your next product testing project.

FAQ: Early Material Testing for Startups

Why should startups test materials before manufacturing?

Early testing helps identify performance issues before mass production, reducing costly redesigns and preventing product failures after launch.

What types of products benefit from early testing?

Flooring, textiles, polymers, foams, coatings, consumer goods, and any material or product where durability or compliance matters.

Is testing required for selling a product?

Certain industries require compliance with standards like ASTM, ISO, or AATCC. Even when not required, testing improves performance and buyer confidence.

How long does testing take?

Turnaround times vary by test method, but many tests can be completed within days. PTL offers fast, reliable testing to support tight product development timelines.

What does ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation mean?

It means the lab meets international quality standards for competence, precision, and reliability. Results from an accredited lab carry more credibility.