News

Massillon, OH — R2 Sealant Systems is proud to announce the addition of an Instron 34SC5 universal testing machine to its in-house Research & Development laboratory, marking a significant step forward in product development, quality assurance, and customer support.

The Instron 34SC5 is a precision testing system used to evaluate the mechanical performance of adhesives and sealants through tensile, compression, and peel testing. With this equipment, R2 can accurately measure critical performance properties such as bond strength, elongation, and failure modes under controlled conditions, all while ensuring compliance with applicable industry standards.

“The Instron allows us to generate highly accurate, repeatable data on durability, flexibility, and adhesion performance, all right here in our lab,” said Debra Heeter, Director of R&D at R2 Sealant Systems.

Why the Instron 34SC5?

R2 selected this specific Instron model for its extended-height frame, a feature that is especially important when testing high-elongation and low-modulus sealants. These materials can stretch significantly before failure, and the extended crosshead travel ensures that full stress-strain curves and true failure modes are captured without limitations.

“Many sealants don’t fail quickly – they stretch and flex before reaching their breaking point,” Heeter explained. “This system lets us test those materials properly, without running into travel limits, so we can see the complete performance picture.”

Faster Development, Stronger Quality Assurance

Bringing this level of testing in-house has an immediate impact on R2’s development process. By eliminating the need for third-party testing, the R&D team can now access mechanical performance data in real time, dramatically reducing development timelines and allowing for faster formulation adjustments and improvements.

“Immediate access to data means faster iterations and better decision-making,” said Heeter. “It helps us maintain rigorous quality standards while also being more responsive to customer needs.”

Beyond R&D, the Instron strengthens R2’s quality assurance program by providing consistent, controlled, and repeatable testing for adhesives and sealants before they ever reach the customer.

Supporting Customers with Transparent, Data-Driven Insights

The Instron 34SC5 also opens new opportunities for customer collaboration. R2 can now perform side-by-side testing of competitor products, providing customers with objective comparisons of tensile strength, elongation, peel resistance, and failure modes.

“In-house testing allows us to deliver unbiased, apples-to-apples data,” Heeter noted. “That level of transparency builds trust and helps customers confidently select the right product for their application.”

A Continued Investment in Innovation

The addition of the Instron 34SC5 reflects R2 Sealant Systems’ ongoing commitment to innovation, accuracy, and customer-focused solutions. By investing in advanced testing capabilities, R2 continues to strengthen its ability to develop high-performance adhesives and sealants while supporting customers with reliable, data-backed insights.

“This isn’t just about having new equipment,” said Heeter. “It’s about raising the bar for what we can deliver – both in product performance and in the support we provide to our customers.”