Materials Testing & Characterization Lab
Covalent is an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited materials testing and characterization lab in Sunnyvale, California. Our scientists run failure analysis, chemical analysis, electron microscopy and more than 80 other techniques on 75+ instruments, and help 1,500+ companies turn the data into answers.
Materials Testing Solutions for Every Challenge
Explore All SolutionsMetallurgical Analysis
Correlating microstructure, processing, and performance of metallic alloys.
Learn MoreMaterial Verification
Verifying materials against specifications to ensure quality and compliance.
Learn MoreCompositional Analysis
Identifying material composition to support quality, development, and failure analysis.
Learn MoreContamination Analysis
Identifying contamination sources to improve product quality and reliability.
Learn MorePerformance Optimization
Optimizing material performance through advanced testing and analysis.
Learn MoreMaterials Testing Capabilities by Application
Explore All ApplicationsMechanical Testing
Evaluating mechanical properties to ensure strength, durability, and reliability.
Learn MoreSurface & Interface Properties
Characterizing surfaces and interfaces to improve product performance and reliability.
Learn MoreChemical & Compositional Properties
Identifying material composition with advanced chemical analysis.
Learn MoreOptical Characterization
Characterizing optical properties to advance material performance and development.
Learn MoreCoatings Testing
Characterizing coatings to improve performance, quality, and durability.
Learn More
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Why Leading Companies Choose Covalent
Manufacturers, engineers and R&D teams choose Covalent for fast, reliable materials insights from expert scientists and industry-leading instrumentation. When a project needs a technique we don’t run in-house, we arrange it through Covalent Connect, our network of trusted partner labs.
Chosen by global manufacturers, OEMs, and R&D teams to resolve complex material and production challenges
Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 across 60+ standardized and proprietary analytical methods.
Each project is led by highly credentialed scientists combining deep expertise with practical solutions.
30,000 ft² advanced lab with 75+ instruments for imaging, analysis, and materials characterization.
What Our Clients Say
Working with Covalent has been a seamless experience and they are my go-to for any materials characterization. Their technical expertise, quality of work, and collaborative approach have made them an indispensable partner in accelerating our development efforts. I cannot recommend them enough!
The team was a joy to work with – super fast quoting, reasonable pricing, flexible scheduling, and friendly + smart people.
Working with Covalent has been a positive experience. Through close collaboration, they have allowed deeper understanding of our technical challenges with fast turnaround times. They have been indispensable in our development efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a materials testing and characterization lab do?
A materials characterization lab measures the composition, structure, surface and properties of materials, such as metals, polymers, semiconductors and coatings. Companies use it to find the root cause of failures, verify materials against specifications, and develop new products.
Is Covalent’s lab accredited?
Yes. Covalent is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 across 60+ standardized and proprietary analytical methods.
How long does materials testing take?
Most projects are completed in 5–7 business days, with rush options available at an extra cost.
Where is the lab located?
Our main lab is in Sunnyvale, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Clients ship samples to us from across the US and worldwide.
What if I need a technique you don’t offer?
We arrange it through Covalent Connect, our network of trusted partner labs, so you still work with one team and receive one report.
What industries do you work with?
Semiconductors, electronics, batteries, medical devices, aerospace, polymers and chemicals, and legal and IP teams who need expert analysis for litigation.