Equipping an insulation lab

At some time in an insulation engineer's career a lab must be initially equipped or enlarged. In this photo essay one company's experience will be shared. The first step, to define the mission, is the hardest. While development and quality control are suitable choices, one must take precedence. Second step is to study standard procedures from IEEE, NEMA and ASTM and to write a few procedures specifically for the lab. The lab used as an example specializes in development work on high voltage form wound coils. Described in order will be the layout of floor and wall space. The next item considered is the need for stationary furniture. This includes the work tables and lab benches. After the layout is complete then the primary equipment is bought. This list includes ovens, environmental chambers, and electrical test equipment. A list of useful small equipment is provided. This includes viscometers, balances, microscope and size measuring equipment. Finally for those labs with a luxury budget a few items are recommended. It is estimated that the basic lab can be built and equipped for $105,000.