The 8 Pillars - #6, Evidence
The 8 Pillars – #6, Evidence
February 1, 2026
The 8 Pillars - #6, Evidence
The 8 Pillars – #6, Evidence
February 1, 2026
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The 8 Pillars - #7, RelationshipsThe 8 Pillars – #7, Relationships

We recognize that an organization and the relationships it has with its external providers are interdependent and a mutually beneficial relationship enhances the ability of both to create value.

Ask anyone in procurement what it’s like to meet the supply needs of a company and you will probably hear a litany of groans. Finding the right suppliers at the right prices who can deliver certified, quality products at reasonable prices with a capacity to meet regular as well as urgent requests can be a logistical nightmare. At Testrods.com we’ve had to source a wide assortment of supplies and material, from Stainless Steel 316 and PTFE seeds (balls) to PETG thermoform plastic and LLDPE tubing. And that doesn’t include the equipment we have needed to replace or upgrade.

Then there’s the certifications needed for many of our test piece materials. It may be an MSDS, a letter stating FDA requirements are met or a spherical report showing the NIST comparative results for a metal seed.  And it all must be available to guarantee that what we send out to our customers meets industry standards. In other words, suppose you purchase a ½ x 5” testrod from us; you need to know if the plastic is food safe, you may need the MSDS sheet on file for your HACCP plan, you want to ensure that the metal is really the right type and size according to the NIST standards and you want a certificate with a number that corresponds to the number on the test piece.  We do all that, and you can see it our Certificate of Compliance.

Vendor Relationship Requirements

Not every supplier can provide us with that kind of paperwork and certification. We’ve had to source several different suppliers but have honed in on a select vendors who can accomplish what we need.  For the purposes of our ISO certification, we keep a specific list of providers who meet our requirements, including, but not limited to:

  • Meeting the standards used in food, pharmaceutical and related industry standards
  • Supplying product certified to meet FDA standards for direct or indirect contact with food as needed.
  • Supplying product that meets NIST standards as needed
  • Providing MSDS, chemical analysis, density, and/or other required information for use in Testrods certification documents as needed.
  • Supplying reasonably priced products to maintain competitive pricing within the industry
  • Having a reputable name in its industry
  • Having the capacity to meet high volume demands when needed
  • Meeting expedited needs
  • Supporting their product, especially as it relates to returns or other unexpected considerations
  • Maintaining consistency from order to order, and
  • Capable of outlining any risk in using their product.

From time to time, we get custom requests for various sizes of the contaminants we’re able to offer, and it’s at those times we rely on our vendors to help meet the needs. What we’ve tried to do is develop a strong relationship with these merchants so that we can quickly and easily assess whether or not the item is available and then consider the lead time and cost. Some vendors, as you might expect, have minimum orders. They can’t accept and order for a quantity of 1 of a single contaminant size and type without incurring a loss, which isn’t acceptable to any business. But most, if not all our suppliers, are able to ship with expedited terms when they have what we need.

For us, getting supplies from a vendor is more than just a quick purchase on Amazon.  We’ve built strong relationships with companies we can trust. It’s part of the reason you can trust our products. You need to have confidence in us so that your customers can have good faith in you. And we take that seriously.  Order here on our website, or call us at 866-691-8560 or email testrods@testrods.com

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Floatable Thermoform Test Cards

Some applications involve large tubs, vats, or some other type of product travel where it would be nice to have a test piece that floats. Once again, our thermoform cards provide the simplest solution. We simply insert some type of structure that forces the thermoform card to retain air, which, of course, is what makes it float. We have also manufactured floating rods, which are more difficult because there is less space to close in enough air to make the rod float but is doable.

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Chip Clip

We took an ordinary plastic “chip clip” as defined by the customer and embedded the contaminant into the clip. The clip can be attached to the product on the line without damaging or opening the product for testing purposes.

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Bone Simulate

Bone is a difficult contaminant to find because it can vary widely based on the size, age, and calcium content (as well as feed used) of the animal. After working with several customers, Regal Packaging Services offers Pork, Beef and Chicken Bone Simulate. We have a small range of sizes at a variety of depths to simulate whatever you might expect to find in the product. Our recommendation (assuming your x-ray has visual display) is always to start with a multi-card. Using a multi-card gives you an easy way to test several sizes and depths to determine what matches the bone you’re using. Once you’ve made a comparison, testing the card against the bone you’re looking for, you can purchase a card with a single contaminant for regular testing.

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10mmd x 25mml Pill

This small pill shaped test piece is used in a system with a vacuum tube that shoots the test piece through the aperture and returns it to the “home” base. Your system may never be like it, but the point is that we can make a customized solution no matter how unusual or impossible it might seem.

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Thermoform Multi-Cards

As you may have seen in some of the other thermoform card descriptions, we can put nearly as many seeds as you can imagine on a single card. Pictured here you will find a wide variety of configurations and contaminants. Just let us know your specs: size of the card (up to 8” x 8”) along with size and type contaminant(s) and we’ll get you a quote as quickly as possible. Working with a multi-card is especially helpful when you are looking for multiple types of contaminants or when you want to determine what size of the same contaminant you are able to detect. In that event, once the size is chosen, you can order individual card(s) for regular, standard inspection and detection.

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48inch Testrod

There are a wide range of applications that require a test piece much longer than our standard 5” or 6” Testrods. We can make up to 3/8” x 34” or 1/2” x 34” rigid test pieces which can then be extended well beyond that length with a “handle” made of acetal cylinder larger than the 3/8” or 1/2” extension. In the photos, we used a 1” x 24” cylinder handle with a 3/8” x 24” inch extension.

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12x0.375 with Pointed End Test Pieces

Test pieces can be made in a variety of sizes and given a pointed end in applications that require the contaminant (metal) to be inserted into a food package such as sugar or some other soft packaged food product. This allows the metal to reach the center of the aperture.

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Double End Whips

Double-End Test Whips are also available, with metal in both ends. One consideration is to make certain that the whip is long enough to keep the metal on the non-testing side of the whip outside the metal free zone of your detector. If you insert, for instance one end of a whip with 2.0mm and 3.0mm Ferrous, you need to make certain that the 2.0mm metal doesn’t affect the detection of the 3.0mm metal (and vice versa). If the 3.0mm metal is inside the metal free zone, then the detector will be reacting to the 2.0 as well as the 3.0 as if they were combined.

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Laminate Multi-NonFerrous Card

Multi-seed laminate test cards are designed for seeds 4.0mm or less. Multi-cards are useful in x-ray inspection to determine what sizes and types of contaminants your system can achieve. They can be especially useful in temperate environments and applications. If your application is rugged or wet, or your standards are larger, we recommend our thermoform multi-cards.

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Package Simulate - Top View

We can simulate a variety of packaging in an application where you need the test piece to mimic what is traveling down the production line. In this case, we manufactured a clear “package” with the seed inside. With this method, the customer is able to reject the container appropriately, and, in the event the package is not rejected, it is easily seen by the line worker for manual removal.

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Candy Bar Simulate

There are two types of “candy bars” pictured here – one similar to a flat candy bar and the other in a custom, near perfect copy of a candy bar. Since we’re now able to produce many variations using colored material, the copy was made in red (Fe), green (NFe) and blue (SS 316). We have the equipment to accomplish nearly anything you can imagine, and these kinds of designs are proof positive.

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Nugget Test Piece

Need a test piece that looks and handles like chicken nugget? We can do it. Interestingly enough, in this situation, our first version for the customer left too much “void” in the hole where the metal was placed. Given the sensitivity the customer system was using, the void had the effect of causing false positives. We were able to minimize that hole and supply the test piece with almost no void. It’s an example of how we can work with you before, during and after manufacturing to ensure all the specifications were met.

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Mini Acetal Card

Our standard acetal card is 2 1/4"x3 3/8,” but if needed, we can cut that size down to as small as 1 1/4” x 1 1/4” (with limited engraving). If a larger card or a card with multiple seeds is needed, see our Custom Shape-Size Blocks and Tablets.

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Burger Simulate with Blue Contaminant

This distinctive test piece was created to mimic an actual hamburger patty. The customer supplied photos of the raw product, which we were able to reproduce and then we placed blue glove contaminant. Using this configuration, the customer was able to determine what size piece the vision scanning system could detect with the raw burger as the background. Had they simply used a blank card with the glove, the system could easily have achieved contaminant rejection, but they needed to be sure the system could “see” the blue against the product itself.

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Ceramic - 100 seed Card

A card with 100 seeds in a 10x10 configuration is used to place beneath whole chickens on a production line. This gives the x-ray system operator the ability not just to see IF the equipment can detect the metal in the card, but also WHERE the equipment can detect it. If there is a problem, the operator (or company) can make any changes necessary to achieve the end goal – safe chicken in this case. This card really highlights another valuable facet of our thermoform cards.

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Sugar Block Ferrous Top

In this scenario, a company processing sugar needed to have a “bag” simulated with the same weight in order to accurately fall through the reject mechanism. A lighter test piece had the risk of passing over the reject mechanism.

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1/2" Cubes

Our standard cubes are 1” and 1.5,” but we can also manufacture other sizes if needed. The cubes shown here are 1/2" in dimensions. Cubes can be helpful in applications where a ball or cylinder may bounce or roll away during testing, making their retrieval difficult, or, in some cases, present a hazard to the product or production equipment.

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Testrods with Stop Side

This is a test piece that is dropped into a bottle. It’s designed so that the metal appears in the center of the aperture when testing the metal detector. In addition, the round stop makes the test piece easily removable after testing.

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Hexagons

Hexagonal Shaped test pieces can be very useful in places where a cylinder or ball might roll or bounce around a production floor whether dropped by a line worker or ejection from a reject mechanism. Hexagons are similar in weight to the 1inch cylinders without having the smooth, rounded cylinder edge.

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Ultra Thin Rod

Our customer in this plant needed a test piece with a thickness less than 5.0mm. Because we have the capacity to customize sizes and shapes, we were able to mill down a product that met their specifications. That’s always our goal, meeting the specs you need for your product, testing environment and contaminants.

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Thermoform 25mm Ball-Side

There are some applications (e.g., metal detection in lumber) that require large seeds. We could put the seed (ball/contaminant) in a large rod or block, but the thermoform card presents a simple, durable, and lightweight solution. The capacity for manufacturing using our thermoform (PETG) system makes it possible to encapsulate nearly anything you can imagine.

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Blocks with Bevelled Edge

We can custom cut nearly any shape needed to fit your application. At times, you may want the test piece to look like your product in its raw form or after packaging. In many instances, we can supply the standard colors for ferrous (red), non-ferrous (green) or stainless steel 316 (blue) used in food and other industries. If your project is larger than 1” in thickness, we can always manufacture in white and color the letters.

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Small Card

This flat tablet or card with multiple seeds and a diagonal configuration is used for x-ray inspection. The various contaminants are different densities and represent the type contaminants that might appear in the end product. We can manufacture a broad array of sizes and thicknesses with as many contaminants as needed for testing your x-ray inspection equipment.

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3in x 1in Puck

Sometimes a cylinder or “puck” is needed to mimic product shape moving down the line. We’re not limited to any particular shape. Pucks can range from 3/4" all the way up to 8.” So, if you’re running hamburgers or some other puck shaped product, this may be the solution you need.

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Acetal Cards-Custom Engraving

In applications where the test piece needs to be identified for use on a particular production line or have some other type note regarding its use or placement, we can easily accommodate a wide range of types as specified by our customers.

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Round Laminate Cards

There may be a reason your application requires a different shape laminate card. We can manufacture a number of shapes like the circular one shown here, but particularly in square and rectangular sizes smaller than 2.5” x 4.25.” We can also manufacture larger sizes as well, if needed.

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5ft Rods with 12inch Whip End

In this example, the Testrods team manufactured a 5-foot test piece with a “whip” end for use in an overhead application. With the flexible end, our customer found the test piece well suited for a difficult-to-reach spot on the production line. Test pieces like this can be made in a variety of lengths with the whip being as short or long as needed.

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0.5in x 34in Testrods with 0.25in Hole on End

There are a wide range of applications that require a test piece much longer than our standard 5” or 6” Testrods. We can make up to 3/8” x 34” or 1/2” x 34” rigid test pieces which can then be extended well beyond that length with a “handle” made of acetal cylinder larger than the 3/8” or 1/2” extension. In the photos, the customer also needed the hole opposite the metal end for use in hanging the test pieces in convenient location for regular testing.

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1.5inch Blocks-Front

Pictured here are white blocks 1.5” L x 1.5” W x 7/8” T. We have the capacity now to offer this item in colors appropriate to the type metal (Fe-Red, NFe-Green, and SS316-Blue). You can select nearly any variation in dimensions, though there are limitations to the colored material. The colorant used for lettering on white test pieces is not guaranteed to last over the life of the test piece, however, it is food safe and does not present a problem on a food production line. We make it standard practice now to color the dot (where the metal is and not shown here), and the colored dot is guaranteed to last.

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Hollow Box showing opening

This hollow box represents or mimics the shape of a product box. The customer was normally emptying the contents and inserting a test piece for passing through the metal detector. The box, would, of course, wear down and tear after numerous uses. By creating the box using acetal (plastic), both of these issues were resolved. These kinds of product simulates can be created for whatever your application may require.

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1.5 Inch Cylinders

Standard cylinders are 1” in diameter, 1” in length, but we have the capacity to manufacture 1.5” x 1.5”, 2” x 2” or a variety of other sizes such as 1.5” D x 2” L. On occasion, we have made the 1” D cylinder in longer lengths as well.

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Ice Cream Bars

This was a very unique product simulate both in design and metal placement. The “ice cream bar” had 3 locations for each type metal (ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless steel 316), the leading, middle, and trailing edges. A difficult testing process was made simple, which is always one part of the goal.

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Acetal Card with 3/8ths inch hole

One (or more) holes can be positioned on Acetal Cards so that a metal free lanyard or other type retrieval or hanging attachment needs to be added. The hole can also be used for hanging the test piece on a hook of its own.

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Cylinder with flat sides

In this instance, the customer wanted a 2” x 2” Cylinder with flat sides, which, of course, means it’s not really a cylinder. But by cutting the sides, it means the test piece can be used as if it were a cylinder without the nuisance or danger of it rolling along the ground if dropped by hand or along the production line. These kinds of shapes can be designed and manufactured as needed for whatever your application may require.

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Puck w-Tray and Thermoform Card

As referenced in our “3" x 1" Puck Test Pieces” listing, we can not only make the puck shaped test piece with a “tray” for placing (in this case) a multi-card. Should different standards be needed for another (or a new) product, the test piece in the tray can easily be swapped out for varied sizes or other contaminants.

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We now carry our 5” Testrods in construction orange, high vis green and dark purple. So, if you’re looking for something that will stand out against your product, consider one of these 3 new colors! Only available by custom order (email testrods@testrods.com or call 866-691-8560). Not available here on the website.

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We now carry our 6” Testrods in construction orange, high vis green and dark purple. So, if you’re looking for something that will stand out against your product, consider one of these 3 new colors! Only available by custom order (email testrods@testrods.com or call 866-691-8560). Not available here on the website.

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We now carry our 1” Test Balls in construction orange, high vis green and dark purple. So, if you’re looking for something that will stand out against your product, consider one of these 3 new colors! Only available by custom order (email testrods@testrods.com or call 866-691-8560). Not available here on the website.

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Thermoform Orange & Blue Glove Material

Thermoform cards are useful not only in x-ray and metal detection, but also when working with vision systems. In this instance, the customer wanted a card with two distinct colors of latex gloves. This would allow them to determine if the system could capture/reject any product with all or just part of a torn glove. All kinds of material can be put in a card like this. All you need to do it is send us the material you need to capture and we’ll put it in a card for you!

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NFE Cookie

Though this test piece doesn’t look like a cookie, it does match the outer shape and size of the customer’s product. In addition, the weight of this test piece needed to match the average weight of a cookie at 43 grams. We were able to remove material and accomplish each part of the challenge.

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High Vis Orange Test Cards

High Vis Laminate Test Cards are useful in an environment where the standard color might be difficult to see and capture in a product of similar color. High Vis cards can be made in red, green, blue, neon: yellow, pink, green or orange.