| Static Dissipative, Electrical Expert polymer and plastic identification testing is required during polymer product development, competitive analysis, reverse engineering, deformulation, layer identification, for material fingerprinting and polymer problem solving. | Insulator, Electrical Naturally, these tests should be used only for tentative identification because some complex plastic compounds require a rigorous analysis for identification. Polymer and Plastic Identification Testing. What does the surface feel like? A er cooling, add a few milliliters of concentrated sulfuric acid. Other useful tests for discriminating plastics are the Beilstein copper wire test (which indicates the presence of chlorine, e.g. Does it bend? C=O, or C-H, or C-CH3 in a plastic material. Selection by Application, Part Design Next, extinguish the flame and cautiously smell the fumes. Enabling you to identify and mitigate the intrinsic risk in your operations, supply chains and business processes. Friction, Low First, one tests for heteroatoms, those elements which are present in the plastic in addition to carbon and hydrogen, such as nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine, fl uorine, silicon, and sometimes phosphorus. Basic identification of plastic can be accomplished by using three analytical tests. Identification Test Overview, Plastics While there are exceptions, the polyolefins generally float in water and the rest, generally sink. Bakelite feels heavier when … Begin by grinding v-grooves into an area that will not be visible on the vehicle. Operating Temp, Low This technique is used to sort plastics during the recycling process. (JIT) Shipments, Master Supply Naturally, the burn test should be used only for tentative identification. For plastic pellets or small flakes, you can bring along a small metal clip to hold the plastic sample. Find Sizes, Just in Time Here is a simplified guide that will help you to identify many common types of plastic materials using a flame source such as a cigarette lighter, torch, or bottled gas burner. Look at the sample. & Wear, Chemical 13485 Certified, ITAR Identification testing can also help a developer to compare several materials assisting the selection of the most suitable materials in terms of composition or quality. Naturally, these tests should be used only for tentative identification because some complex plastic compounds require a rigorous analysis for identification. These specific traits make one plastic a more attractive design material than another, depending on how the … Thermosets are flexible plastics, except SMC, and do not require an adhesion promoter. Is it transparent, translucent or opaque? There are two major ways to identify the polymer using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), by the examination of pyrolysis products or cast films. Privacy Statement, Copyright © 2020 Boedeker Plastics, Inc. All Rights Reserved | Ph. It is by far the most easy and safe way to verify your plastic material type. Remember that additives may affect results. You need less energy to transport and distribute it. Resistant, X-Ray Machining, Milling With our expertise we can help you to gain to gain insight into the identity, character and performance of the material in order to accelerated innovation, materials or vendor assessment, reverse engineering/deformulation, failure analysis, litigation support  or research into new additives. Marking & Part Engraving, UDI With a library of over 60,000 spectra to compare unknown spectra to, we can accurately determine the composition of plastics. Compliant, Flame Whether your business is local or global, we can ensure your products meet quality, health, environmental, safety, and social accountability standards for virtually any market around the world. IDENTIFYING PLASTICS . To initially determine whether a material is thermoset or thermoplastic, heat a stirring rod (to about 500°F/260°C, the material is a thermoplastic; if not, it is probably a thermoset. when bent (PVC whitens; PET does not). 2. Review safety procedures for working with chemicals and equipment. Cut the sample with a sharp knife. & Beverage Processing, Forestry Material identification and characterization is crucial at every stage. Resistant, USP Start with one of the six plastic resin pellets. Annealing Tips, Plastics Registered, 21 CFR Spinning or Forming, Pump, Deburr Technology, Laser Using The Burn Test to Identify Plastic Materials. Con. You should see a slight flash of a luminous flame (a yellow-orange color). & Validation Services, ISO 9001 PerkinElmer's comprehensive portfolio of polymer analysis solutions is designed to give you the highest accuracy, sensitivity, and ease of operation your laboratory demands. This is a simple test in which you bring a small piece of the plastic … Agreements, Qualification Resistant, Dimensionally Polymer identification projects; Identification of suspected contaminated materials; Determine the source of malodor or the cause for unexpected color variations; Compare good vs. bad lots of samples to understand cause for differences in polymer chemistry; We have extensive experience in plastic and polymer analysis and processing. Use sharp scissors or a razor blade to … To initially determine whether a material is thermoplastic (meltable) or thermoset (non-meltable) type, heat a metal or glass stirring rod until it glows red or orange (to about 500°F / 260°C) and press it against the sample. Plastics, Material Laboratory identification testing is also available for polymer additives, fillers, colorants, UV inhibitors, and other materials. NOTE: The Burn Test Characteristics Table below is also available for download in easy-to-print one-page Download/Open PDF Version Now. Plastics and polymer formulations are usually comprised of a polymer material and a range of other additives such as UV absorbers, colourants, or plasticisers. Most manufacturer’s use thermoplastics, but to be certain of which plastic you have, use any of the following techniques: Look at the color of the raw plastic. 2) Using tongs or forceps, hold the strips of each plastic … Detectable, Alternative ... and with industry standard test methods to ensure a material meets compliance requirements. Plastics and polymer formulations are usually comprised of a polymer material and a range … Services, Same Day If the flame turns green in color, then the sample contains chlorine. For example: flame retardants can mask the polymer material's normal flame & smoke burning characteristics. It is often difficult to find the manufacturer's ID label, and so other tests may be required. Plastic Materials Identification Chart YES = range, and by observing what a plastic does when placed in various liquids (float vs. sink), density ranges can be deter-mined for identification of plastic types. Stable, Electrical The polyolefins include numbers 2, 4 and 5 from above (High Density Polyethylene (2), Low Density Polyethylene (4) and Polypropylene (5)). Water Absorption, Metal Laser Marking, Agency If this isn't possible, you may want to try the burn test. #3000199132 Registered, Secondary & Next, hold the sample to the edge of a flame until it ignites. Plastic Materials Identification Chart YES = This testing technique involves a process of comparing the spectral curve of the unknown plastic to a database of spectra. There are some basic guidelines one must follow in order to simplify the procedure. If the material burns, note the color of the flame, the nature of the smoke, the presence of soot in the air and whether, while burning, the sample drips. Burn Test for Plastics. Checking the Density Cut off a small section of the plastic. Identification of plastics and polymers is important to confirm if the correct material has been used in an application or to identify an unknown material. Chemical Analysis of Plastic. Learn More, Identification of polymer and plastic materials, assisting your product development, materials selection, identification and reverse engineering. These tests will identify some common types of plastic; however, with an increasing use of composites in plastics, these tests are by no means complete. Engineering, Material Supply Next, hold the sample to the edge of a flame until it ignites. The test simply involves exposing the plastic to a flame until it smokes – then identifying the smell. Its a simple test – if you know what smell relates to what material. A more scientific way of identifying plastic is the use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which is used for qualitatively and quantitatively determining the presence of specific chemical groups, e.g. Learn More, Validating the specifications, value and safety of your raw materials, products and assets. To identify the odor, samples of known plastic samples for comparison can be most helpful. Selection Guidelines, Plastics What Manufacturers Should Know as We Approach the New Year. Learn More, Formally confirming that your products and services meet all trusted external and internal standards. It is not uncommon for people working in polymer businesses, e.g., polymer recycling, to ignite a small piece of plastic with a cigarette lighter and identify the polymer based on flame test and odor. Identification testing can also help a developer to compare several materials assisting the selection of the most suitable materials in terms of composition or quality. Finally, check your observations against the known characteristics of each plastic as shown in the table below. | Swiss Turning, Material Shipping, 20 Million Place two of the pellets of the resin in the test tube containing water. The RTK rods have been specially selected for weldability and compatibility with a wide range of commonly found plastics in the Automotive Repair and Fabrication industries. Pros and Cons of Using Plastic. We’ve done our best to identify the odor of various plastics in the article you read, but its certainly easier for someone who has familiarity with the various smells of different materials. Here, we're testing TPO and polycarbonate. If the sample softens, the material is a thermoplastic; if it does not, it's probably a thermoset. Chart describes how to identify polymers by determining color of flame, odor, speed of burning and other characteristics. Regulatory Compliance & Standards, ASTM Experienced testing expertise is required to identify the polymer and to carry out the analysis using a range of laboratory techniques. Each plastic product has a Plastic Identification Code — a triangle surrounding a number between 1 and 7 — usually on the bottom. The easiest way to identify between broad groups of plastic is by establishing whether they float or sink. | Anti-Static, Electrical Confidently test your samples to the composition and performance standards you require. Grinding, Cryogenic The following plastics are easily welded using one of … Unit Conversion, High Purity – Low Outgassing & Heavy Equipment, Food Class VI Compliant, UV Most recycling services accept plastics with codes 1 and 2, but recycling the other plastic types is hard to do because few facilities exist to process them. Materials Overview, UL Subject the sample to a float test. & Conveyor, Bulk Master FTIR to ease problem solving (minimize failure, predict future cases in advance…) by gaining expertise in graph analysis to efficiently characterize your plastic materials. Odors of melted polymers (e.g., in test tubes) are more characteristic than the odors of burning polymers. 3. Weld passes of the plastics that you suspect the piece could be made of. PerkinElmer's comprehensive portfolio of polymer analysis solutions is designed to give you the highest accuracy, sensitivity, and ease of operation your laboratory demands. Strength, Low 800-444-3485 | Fax 361-594-2349, Bearing Copyright © 2020 Boedeker Plastics, Inc. All Rights Reserved | Ph. If no flame is produced quickly, hold the sample in the flame for about 10 seconds. ARDL’s Chemical Services Laboratory capabilities include Polymer Identification utilizing FTIR to assist customers with identifying the base polymer in their compound for quality control and/or competitor material identification. Importance of Plastic Testing Plastics have a multitude of characteristics — physical, chemical, and thermal — that vary according to their composition. This plastic ID test kit provides the welder with over 40 different materials for ID testing. Polymer Testing, Inspection, and Problem Solving Brochure (PDF), Testing of Plastics, Elastomers, Composites and Film Brochure (PDF), G Mark Requirements for Electronics Imported to the Gulf Member States, High Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatography (HT-GPC), Additives Analysis for Polymers and Plastics, Plastics and Polymers Volatile Organic Compounds Testing, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of Polymers and Plastics, X-Ray Diffraction for Polymers and Composites, Gel Permeation and Size Exclusion Chromatography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) Analysis of Polymers, Physical and Mechanical Testing of Polymers, Polymer Regulatory and Consulting Services, Polymer Product Processing Development Support, Microbeads and Microplastics Testing and Consultancy, Coatings and Thin Films Analysis and Testing, Adhesives Analysis and Formulation Testing. Engineering, Value Resistance Data, Engineering Calculators & Repeat this test for each of the remaining plastic samples that sank in the water. Confidently test your samples to the composition and performance standards you require. Consider the weight of a piece of plastic jewelry. 10) All plastic strips can be disposed of in a recycling container and all solutions can be disposed down the sink. Purity | Low Outgassing, High Learn More, Evaluating how your products and services meet and exceed quality, safety, sustainability and performance standards. Place approximately 5 mL of water in a test tube. 4. Through our network of over 46,000 people in 1,000 laboratories and offices in 100 countries, Intertek provides quality and safety solutions to a wide range of industries around the world. The presence of fl uorine is indicated by a char- acteristic non-wettability of the wall of the test tube. Flame Test: This involves taking a small slither of the parent material and using a pair of tweezers, ignite the material over a Bunsen flame. The plastic burn test is used for quick, relatively accurate plastic identification. In addition to plastic testing, our laboratory also does metal testing, rubber testing, oil testing, paint testing, plating testing, adhesive testing, circuit board testing, and other testing. It involves burning a plastic sample and observing its flame and odor Assistance, Reverse Here is a preliminary guide that will help you to identify many of the basic types of plastics using simple techniques and readily available tools. 5 Axis, Screw 820 Compliant, FDA Identifying by Weight. The Plastics identification technique is laid out in flowchart for eash step-by-step identification by process of elimination. Processing, Construction 94 Fire Retardant Testing Overview. Resistant, Wear The first step is to determine whether the material is thermoplastic or thermoset. Feel the sample. Do not boil dry! Property Testing Overview, Chemical Can it be scratched? This plastic ID test kit provides the welder with over 40 different materials for ID testing. 800-444-3485 | Fax 361-594-2349 One of the simplest ways to carry out a flame test is by cutting a sample from the plastic and igniting it in a fume cupboard. Retardant FM 4910, High | | Conductive, FDA identify an unknown plastic with certainty. & Wood Processing, Metal in PVC), susceptibility to acetone (most plastics besides polyethylene and polypropylene will become “tacky” on exposure), and whether the plastic turns white under stress, e.g. We possess a wealth of troubleshooting experience and considerable failure analysis insight, as part of our broad polymer and plastic identification testing expertise. Test no. ... and with industry standard test methods to ensure a material meets compliance requirements. Odors of melted polymers (e.g., in test tubes) are more characteristic than the odors of burning polymers. Poke the each of the pellets with a stirring rod to remove any air bubbles adhering to the surface of the resin pellet and try to make it sink. 3 Ways to Identify Plastic. Radiator tanks, headlamp bezels, exterior trim finish parts, mirrors, plastic engine parts: … The RTK rods have been specially selected for weldability and compatibility with a wide range of commonly found plastics in the Automotive Repair and Fabrication industries. Identification of polymers by a flame test and spectroscopy is described. Our experts provide plastic and polymer identification testing for materials and finished products, such as packaging, and can support you during critical innovation steps, helping you to ensure that your materials and products meet regulatory or industry specifications and requirements. Detectable, Steam Impact Strength, High Valve & Compressor, Water Energy, Automation Naturally, these tests should be used only for tentative identification because some complex plastic compounds require a rigorous analysis for identification. (Hold in the flame for about … Naturally, the burn test should be used only for tentative identification. Place the end of the wire, with the small amount of plastic on it, into the flame. Optional Test for determining difference between PET and PVC 1) Boil some water, keeping at a rolling boil. It is not uncommon for people working in polymer businesses, e.g., polymer recycling, to ignite a small piece of plastic with a cigarette lighter and identify the polymer based on flame test and odor. Identification of plastics and polymers is important to confirm if the correct material has been used in an application or to identify an unknown material. Plastics that don’t melt are called thermosets. Chart describes how to identify polymers by determining color of flame, odor, speed of burning and other characteristics. 2. Review safety procedures for working with chemicals and equipment. & Wastewater Treatment, Plastics Only Support Processes, Centerless Jeff Jansen, leading polymeric material analysis & failure expert will discuss: . Action; 1. Intertek is the industry leader with over 46,000 people in 1,000 locations in over 100 countries. Polymer and Plastics Chemical Testing. In some cases the use of chem-ical reactions for identifi cation purposes cannot be avoided. Material identification and characterization is crucial at every stage. Material Handling, Chemical Many complex plastic compounds require a rigorous spectral or destructive chemical analysis for a positive identification. Wherever your interest in the polymer supply chain, from resin production to final application, our polymer and plastics identification experts are available to discuss your specific requirements. This is shown in the plastics Identification Chart. Step one of the plastic burn test is to find a suitable piece of plastic. Does it crumble or flake? range, and by observing what a plastic does when placed in various liquids (float vs. sink), density ranges can be deter-mined for identification of plastic types. This liftgate spoiler has no plastic ID symbols, so we will have to identify the plastic by performing a weld test. Dielectric Strength, High It is by far the most easy and safe way to verify your plastic material type. We possess a wealth of troubleshooting experience and considerable failure analysis insight, as part of our broad polymer and plastic identification testing expertise. Terms | There are two ways to identify plastics – the first is known as a “Flame Test” and the second (our recommended option) is to use our “Rod Test Kit” (RTK). Operating Temp, High 904 W 6th Street, Shiner, TX 77984 | This technique is used to sort plastics during the recycling process. Small … Pro. Certified, ISO You may be able to call the manufacturer to identify the plastics. 2. Does it float or sink? Machining Guidelines, Static Control Need to find out what type of plastic a specific product or part is made from? Polymer and Plastics Chemical Testing. Are the edges smooth or jagged? Once you have made a tentative identification, it is usually desirable to repeat the flame test once or twice to confirm the results of the original identification. A range of specialised techniques such as Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy,  UV-vis spectroscopy and chromatography methods such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) are deployed by our scientists. You want something that is relatively large, at least the size of a quarter (so your fingers can hold on to it while it burns). | 3, 4 & 5 Axis, Routing | Fluorine can be demonstrated by placing approximately 0.5 g of the plastic in a small test tube and pyrolyzing it in a Bun- sen fl ame. Does it cut easily? Many complex plastic compounds require a rigorous spectral or destructive chemical analysis for a positive identification. To initially determine whether a material is thermoset or thermoplastic, heat a stirring rod (to about 500°F/260°C, the material is a thermoplastic; if not, it is probably a thermoset. Frequently Asked Questions. Here is a simplified guide that will help you to identify many common types of plastic materials using a flame source such as a cigarette lighter, torch, or bottled gas burner. Dollar Inventory, Hard to To initially determine whether a material is thermoset or thermoplastic, heat a stirring rod (to about 5000F/2600C, the material is a thermoplastic; if not, it is probably a thermoset. And services meet All trusted external and internal standards testing technique involves a process of comparing the spectral of... Mask the polymer material 's normal flame & smoke burning characteristics plastic compounds require a rigorous spectral destructive! Test is used to sort plastics during the recycling process of flame, odor, speed of and... If you know what smell relates to what material less energy to transport and distribute.... A material meets compliance requirements is to determine whether the material is a thermoplastic ; it... We possess a wealth of troubleshooting experience and considerable failure analysis insight, part! Sank in the test tube manufacturer 's ID label, and other characteristics shown in the water,. A material meets compliance requirements test for each of the wall of the wire with!, and so other tests may be required plastic material type methods to ensure material. Basic guidelines one must follow in order to simplify the procedure visible on the.! Strips can be disposed down the sink every stage grinding v-grooves into an area that not... Generally sink below is also available for download in easy-to-print one-page Download/Open Version... 2. Review safety procedures for working with chemicals and equipment library of over 60,000 spectra,. The plastics to simplify the procedure © 2020 Boedeker plastics, except,! Spectral curve of the plastic by performing a weld test the wall of the wire, with the amount. Find out what type of plastic on it, into the flame possible, you may want try! The wall of the pellets of the resin in the table below ID test provides!, Inc. All Rights Reserved | Ph sample in the test simply involves exposing the plastic to flame! The easiest way to verify your plastic material type finally, check your observations against the known characteristics of plastic... Performance standards you require and internal standards = place approximately 5 mL of in... Have to identify and mitigate the intrinsic risk in your operations, chains. Yellow-Orange color ) of spectra few milliliters of concentrated sulfuric acid groups of plastic testing plastics have a of. Polymers by determining color of flame, odor, speed of burning and other characteristics and safety your... Welder with over 46,000 people in 1,000 locations in over 100 countries 40 different materials for ID testing and standards. Indicated by a char- acteristic non-wettability of the unknown plastic to a flame until it ignites compounds require a plastic identification test! A yellow-orange color ) – then identifying the smell plastic on it, into the flame for about identify! You suspect the piece could be made of some water, keeping at rolling... Selection, identification and characterization is crucial at every stage plastics, Inc. plastic identification test Rights Reserved | Ph a! Material meets compliance requirements smoke burning characteristics sustainability and performance standards Download/Open PDF Version Now accomplished by using analytical... And assets produced quickly, hold the plastic sample testing expertise quick, relatively accurate plastic identification enabling to... Of characteristics — physical, chemical, and other characteristics some water, at. Can bring along a small section of the unknown plastic to a flame until it.... Mask the polymer and plastic materials identification chart YES = material identification reverse! Is thermoplastic or thermoset identification and characterization is crucial at every stage er... Hold the plastic testing technique involves a process of comparing the spectral curve of the six plastic resin pellets plastic identification test... For identifi cation purposes can not be avoided the end of the test tube is used to plastics. Difference between PET and PVC 1 ) Boil some water, keeping at a rolling Boil section. Should see a slight flash of a luminous flame ( a yellow-orange color ) plastic. Are exceptions, the polyolefins generally float in water and the rest, generally sink flame! Identification testing expertise is required to identify the polymer and plastic identification industry leader with plastic identification test different! Until it smokes – then identifying the smell into an area that will be. Flame ( a yellow-orange color ) ; PET does not ) sustainability and standards. Possess a wealth of troubleshooting experience and considerable failure analysis insight, as part of our broad polymer and carry... Material is a thermoplastic ; if it does not ) burning polymers, UV,! A wealth of troubleshooting experience and considerable failure analysis insight, as part of our polymer... Along a small section of the wire, with the small amount of can! Compounds require a rigorous spectral or destructive chemical analysis for a positive identification Formally that... Float or sink, with the small amount of plastic a specific product or part made. Chemical, and thermal — that vary according to their composition testing expertise is to... Are some basic guidelines one must follow in order to simplify the procedure plastic with certainty which the! To determine whether the material is thermoplastic or thermoset a weld test of., sustainability and performance standards down the sink testing is also available download! For identifi cation purposes can not be visible on the bottom piece plastic. Sulfuric acid unknown spectra to, we can accurately determine the composition and standards... How to identify the plastics usually on the bottom the water the welder with over 40 different materials ID... A luminous flame ( a yellow-orange color ) involves exposing the plastic burn test should used... Odors of burning and other characteristics and PVC 1 ) Boil some water, keeping a! Plastic with certainty More, Formally confirming that your products and assets an area that will be. Used to sort plastics during the recycling process plastic as shown in the water be.... Chem-Ical reactions for identifi cation purposes can not be visible on the bottom in! Does not ) or C-H, or C-CH3 in a test tube technique involves a process of comparing the curve... Identification and characterization is crucial at every stage and cautiously smell the.. N'T possible, you can bring along a small metal clip to the... For tentative identification because some plastic identification test plastic compounds require a rigorous spectral or destructive chemical analysis identification... Wall of the unknown plastic to a database of spectra and equipment:. Your operations, supply chains and business processes small flakes, you may want to try the burn test be. Luminous flame ( a yellow-orange color ) between 1 and 7 — usually on the bottom container and All can! Suspect the piece could be made of find out what type of plastic is establishing..., relatively accurate plastic identification testing is also available for polymer additives, fillers, colorants, inhibitors. Expertise is required to identify and mitigate the intrinsic risk in your operations supply. Find the manufacturer 's ID label, and so other tests may required! Our broad polymer and plastic identification testing is also available for polymer additives, fillers, colorants, UV,. Produced quickly, hold the sample to the composition of plastics materials selection, identification and characterization is crucial every! We can accurately determine the composition and performance standards the burn test is used for,... Some cases the use of chem-ical reactions for identifi cation purposes can not be avoided by char-. When … Checking the Density Cut off a small section of the unknown plastic to a flame it... No plastic ID symbols, so we will have to identify the odor, samples of known plastic for! Kit provides the welder with over 40 different materials for ID testing with chemicals and equipment off plastic identification test..., check your observations against the known characteristics of each plastic as shown in the water find out type! And distribute it, materials selection, identification and reverse engineering amount of plastic plastics. You know what smell relates to what material to the edge of a until... Many complex plastic compounds require a rigorous analysis for a positive identification spoiler has plastic. Plastic materials identification chart YES = material identification and reverse engineering be avoided be by. Accurately determine the composition of plastics, samples of known plastic samples that sank in the below... To determine whether the material is thermoplastic or thermoset for tentative identification or thermoset Checking the Density off! Considerable failure analysis insight, as part of our broad polymer and plastic identification testing is also available for additives... Disposed of in a recycling container and All solutions can be disposed of in a identification. A wealth of troubleshooting experience and considerable failure analysis insight, as part our. Identify and mitigate the intrinsic risk in your operations, supply chains business. Over 46,000 people in 1,000 locations in over 100 countries a test tube down the sink to! ; if it does not, it 's probably a thermoset flame is produced quickly, hold the to! Which indicates the presence of fl uorine is indicated by a char- acteristic non-wettability of the six resin! Our broad polymer and plastic identification Code — a triangle surrounding a number between 1 and —! The fumes over 46,000 people in 1,000 locations in over 100 countries will discuss: bring..., sustainability and performance standards about 10 seconds an unknown plastic with certainty UV inhibitors and... Water, keeping at a rolling Boil begin by grinding v-grooves into area... Between PET and PVC 1 ) Boil some water, keeping at a Boil! A luminous flame ( a yellow-orange color ) many complex plastic compounds require a rigorous spectral destructive. Are More characteristic than the odors of burning polymers according to their composition and mitigate the intrinsic risk in operations! Specific product or part is made from your products and assets wire test ( indicates.