ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited · Milford, Michigan
Tested.
Trusted.
Proven.
Independent laboratory testing that delivers unbiased, data-driven product validation. Sterling supports automotive, EV, marine, off-road, and industrial applications.
Speak with an engineer(248) 685-7811
Z-axis excitationControlled input. Measured response.
Fixture, specimen, and sensor working as one test system.
ISO/IEC 17025
Accredited testing laboratory
2017 accreditation
34,000+
Square-foot facility
Milford, Michigan
Since 1990
Michigan-incorporated
Racing roots to full-service lab
20+
Testing services
Battery, environmental, vibration, fuel, materials
Testing Capabilities
Find the capability that fits your program
Explore Sterling's core laboratory disciplines. Each service page shows verified capabilities, methods, applications, technical details, and the information to include with an inquiry.
Testing Service Finder
Start with the requirement — not the service name
Answer a few quick questions to identify the Sterling capabilities most relevant to your component, validation goal, and test conditions.
Step 1 of 3
33% completeWhat are you testing?
Choose the option that most closely describes the item or system.
Interactive Test Planning
Build your own test concept
Configure a test article, exposure, program intent, and measurement plan. The 3D test cell responds as you build, then carries your concept into a quote request for engineering review.
Step 1 of 5
20% configuredWhat are you testing?
Choose the test article that most closely matches your project.
Start With Your Situation
You do not need to know the test name
Choose the statement closest to your situation. Each path produces a focused planning result that can be carried into one project brief for Sterling's engineering team.
I have a part. Which test fits?
Start with the hardware and the decision your program needs to make. We will narrow the Sterling capabilities worth discussing.
Result · Capability shortlist
Find a starting pointSomething is failing. Where do we start?
Organize the symptom, when it appears, and the evidence already available before speaking with the testing team.
Result · Investigation questions
Structure the investigationI need to prepare a test program.
Identify open requirements, sample dependencies, setup inputs, and reporting needs before Sterling reviews timing and scope.
Result · Quote-ready project brief
Prepare the programEnergy & Electrification
EV & battery testing — from cell to full pack
Our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab validates EV and hybrid battery systems for safety, reliability, and duty cycle — testing against OEM specifications and simulating normal and extreme operating conditions.
- EV battery testing
- Battery cell cycling
- Battery module & battery pack cycling
- Charge/discharge cycle durability
- Drive cycle testing
- Pulse power testing
- Shock and vibration
- Thermal battery propagation testing
- Battery nail penetration testing
- Thermal cycling
- Water immersion
- Drop testing
- CAN communication and control
Environmental & Durability
Simulate the real world — then accelerate it
Environmental chambers, thermal systems, and vibration equipment reproduce a lifetime of climatic and mechanical stress to expose failure modes early.
Custom Engineering
When the test doesn't exist yet, we build it
With 25+ years designing custom test stands, an on-site machine shop, and NI/LabVIEW controls expertise, Sterling develops testing solutions around your requirement — including live and hot fuel setups.
- Over 25 years creating sophisticated custom test stands
- Large machine shop with extensive machining capabilities
- Fabrication of SHEDs and canisters for emissions testing
- Jigs and mechanical fixtures
- Test stand integration services
- Electrical controls and data acquisition equipment
Design → fabricate → integrate → validate
Test stand integration, electrical controls and data acquisition, pneumatic and fluid power design, 3D CAD modeling, and custom SHED and canister fabrication — all in-house.
Industries served
- Automotive: Development, durability, and validation testing for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
- Electric Vehicles: Cell, module, and pack testing for EV and hybrid battery systems.
- Marine: Fuel system, permeation, and environmental testing for marine applications.
- Off-Road: Component and system validation for off-road and recreational vehicles.
- Industrial: Testing for industrial engines, pumps, and manufactured components.
- Heavy Equipment: Independent product validation for heavy-equipment OEMs and system suppliers.
- Aerospace: Independent testing and analysis for aerospace OEM requirements and technical teams.
- Small Engine & Recreation: Fuel, emissions, and durability testing for small-engine and powersport products.
Why Sterling Performance
The values behind every result
Integrity, accuracy, innovation, technical excellence, and customer service guide how Sterling turns testing data into decisions.
Integrity
Independent testing, objective analysis, and transparent reporting keep the evidence—not assumptions—at the center of every decision.
Accuracy
Disciplined methods, careful sample handling, and verified data support reliable, repeatable results.
Innovation
Engineering insight turns difficult requirements and emerging technologies into practical validation approaches.
Technical Excellence
Rigorous testing standards and experienced technical review connect laboratory results to real engineering questions.
Customer Service
Clear communication and actionable findings help customers improve products and make informed technical and business decisions.
See our accreditation
Sterling maintains ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation with an internal quality program built around continuous improvement.
Accreditation detailsIn their words
Trusted by engineers at leading OEMs and suppliers
Verified testimonials from teams that rely on Sterling Performance for independent testing, technical support, and detailed reporting.
“The most important thing that led me to rate Sterling's performance as high as I did is the flexibility you've exhibited toward scheduling and completing my test requests on very short notice…”
“Sterling's technical competence is as good as it gets, as is your willingness to do what it takes to get the job done, including staffing on weekends, etc.”
“Sterling Performance and their testing personnel have enabled me to make great strides in developing new fuel system products. I have submitted at least three patent applications to the US Patent Office, which contain significant amounts of data proving the effectiveness of my new products.”
“Sterling is willing to work through the unknowns and for a reasonable price. This is important to an engineering manager.”
“Alvin writes a very professional test report with excellent attention to detail. These reports have been submitted as backup data for government compliance requirements.”
“I have been very impressed in our dealings with Sterling in general and Tim Cushing in particular. I feel that Sterling has gone above and beyond in taking care of Yamaha's needs and requests.”
Engineering review
Have a challenging testing requirement?
Share the part or system, requirement, operating conditions, and desired outcome. Sterling's team will use that context to begin reviewing the appropriate testing approach.