---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Laboratory Pycnometer test"
description: "You would like to carry out a Pycnometer test in the laboratory Laboratory Pycnometer test Laboratory pycnometer testing is an analytical method that measures the true density of a material with exceptional accuracy. Using a pycnometer, in particular a helium..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-nanomaterial/laboratory-pycnometer-test/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_67d7f362a79a2", "Thomas GAUTIER"]
timestamp: "2026-06-10T14:06:34Z"
published: "2026-06-10T14:06:34Z"
language: "en"
author: "Laure Durieux"
---

# Laboratory Pycnometer test

## You would like to carry out a Pycnometer test in the laboratory

### Laboratory Pycnometer test

Laboratory pycnometer testing is an analytical method that measures the [true density of a material](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-powder-characterization/analysis-of-the-density-of-a-powder-in-the-laboratory/) with exceptional accuracy. Using a pycnometer, in particular a helium pycnometer, the analysis excludes open voids or pores that are not accessible, guaranteeing reliable results for both solids and liquids. Pycnometer testing is particularly suited to industrial sectors where density plays a key role in product performance and conformity.

### Why carry out a Pycnometer test in the laboratory?

Pycnometer test meet the strict requirements of quality control and optimisation of material performance. In particular, it can be used to analyse materials such as **metal powders, nanomaterials and polymers**.

Thanks to this technique, it is possible to **adjust production processes** to improve the mechanical, thermal or chemical performance of products. Reliable characterisation also limits the risks associated with variations in density, avoiding quality defects.

By choosing to work with a specialist laboratory such as FILAB, you benefit from rapid analyses tailored to your specific needs, in compliance with the standards in force.

## FILAB carries out Pycnometer tests in the laboratory

### Why choose FILAB for a Pycnometer test?

The **Pycnometer** is a reference analysis technique for determining the **true density of a material** with great precision. Essential in many sectors (metallurgy, ceramics, plastics processing, pharmaceuticals, etc.), it is used to optimise formulations, control the quality of raw materials or identify non-conformities.

By choosing FILAB for your pycnometer tests, you benefit from recognised expertise, state-of-the-art analytical equipment and a tailor-made approach (we analyse your problems and support you in using the results).

### Our analysis services

[Helium Pycnometry density measurements](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-nanomaterial/helium-pycnometry-analysis-laboratory/)

[Characterization of metal powders](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/metallic-powders-characterization-services-at-filab-laboratory/) by pycnometry ([Ma-0015](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-powder-characterization/powder-characterisation-according-to-ma-0015.md))

[SEM-FEG-EDX](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md) purity analysis

[Mercury](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-cosmetics/laboratory-analysis-mercury-amalgamator/) Porosimetry porosity measurements

[BET surface analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-bet.md)

[Metal powder characterization :](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/metallic-powders-characterization-services-at-filab-laboratory/) chemical composition, flowability, PSD…

### Nos accréditations et normes

Density measurement by Helium pycnometry (in accordance with ASTM B923 and ISO 12154)

Grain size determination (in accordance with [ASTM E112](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-powder-characterization/grain-size-determination-according-to-astm-e112-for-any-type-of-alloy/) and NF EN [ISO 643](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-analysis-powder-characterization/determination-grain-size-according-to-nf-en-iso-643-on-steels.md)) for solid blocks

Measurement of specific surface area using the BET method (in accordance with ISO 9277) and laser [granulometric analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-granulometric-analysis.md) (in accordance with ISO 13320 for liquid and dry processes)

 

## FAQ

 Why measure the density of a material?
Density is an essential property for controlling the quality of raw materials, characterising a material (powders, polymers, ceramics, metals, etc.), identifying variations or non-conformities in an industrial process and optimising formulations in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and plastics.

 What types of pycnometers are used?
The **gas pycnometer** (helium or nitrogen): ideal for porous or powdery solids, it measures volume according to the displacement of a pressurised gas.

The **liquid pycnometer**: used for materials that are not soluble in the measuring liquid, it relies on Archimedes to determine the volume.

 What materials can be analysed by pycnometry?
The technique is suitable for a wide range of materials:
- **Metal and ceramic powders**
- **Polymers and composites**
- **Minerals and glass**
- **Pharmaceutical products**
- **Liquids and suspensions**

 

 What are the advantages of this method?
The pycnometry analysis technique offers a number of advantages: accurate and reliable results, a non-destructive technique suitable for various types of material, and the ability to characterise the porosity and purity of a material.
