The Laboratory started its activities in 1993 as a member of the Complex of Research Laboratories of Foundry Research Institute in Cracow. The main field of activity were studies of fracture mechanics, residual stresses and shape strength. The measuring techniques used at that time included resistance extensometry, acoustic emission, and infrared thermography.
Utilizing the experience gained in laboratory research, in 1998, the staff of the Laboratory performed the first field tests on industrial objects using the method of acoustic emission. The first clients were Mazowieckie Zakłady Rafineryjne i Petrochemiczne and Naftobazy Sp. z o.o.
In years 2002 to 2007, the Laboratory was operating as a self-dependent research unit in Foundry Research Institute. Its name was Laboratory of Applied Research and the main scope of activities were industrial and laboratory tests.
At that time, the Laboratory successfully completed the process of approval and gained an approval certificate from the Office of Technical Inspection for the currently used procedures and research techniques of testing by the method of acoustic emission (AE) the storage tanks of vertical axis and various industrial installations operating under pressure.
In October 2007, THE LABORATORY OF APPLIED RESEARCH changed its site and moved in the same personal constitution to the premises of Cracow University of Technology where, at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, it was incorporated into the organisation structure of the Institute of Production Engineering – M6 to continue its activities in the same sphere of development and research.
The main area of activity of the Laboratory is application of the method of acoustic emission in assessment of the process of degradation of the structural materials and testing the technical condition of industrial plants. The Laboratory also offers studies and analyses of fracture mechanics, experimental analysis of residual stresses, and investigation of shape resistance.
The Laboratory studies the development and implementation of new research techniques, technologies and modern structural materials for special applications.
The staff of the Laboratory experts are responsible for the execution of research projects, both domestic and European, and industrial target projects.
The achievements of the Laboratory are presented during national and international conferences and published in technical periodicals.
The Laboratory of Applied Research of the Cracow Technical University has extensive cooperation with other recognized Polish and foreign universities.