Skip to main content
College of Natural Resources
Forest Biomaterials

What Does the Hodges Technical Services Center Do?

March 19, 2024
Student works in Hodges lab - What Does the Hodges Technical Services Center Do? - Forest Biomaterials at NC State University
Undergraduate Laboratory Technician, Luna Shaffer, performing wear (abrasion) resistance testing on laminate flooring samples in accordance with the NALFA/ANSI LF-01 standard.

The Hodges Technical Services Center has been servicing the wood industry through third-party testing and research since 1960. The Department of Forest Biomaterials offers testing services through the Center for laminate flooring, particleboard, fiberboard, HPL, TFL, solid wood, and engineered wood products in accordance with ANSI, ISO, ASTM and other standards. Our lab technicians conduct various tests based on these standards to evaluate products for properties such as abrasion resistance, dimensional tolerance, impact resistance, mechanical properties, stain resistance, weathering, and much more.

Alongside testing, the Hodges Technical Services Center provides undergraduate students with on-campus, hands-on industry experience as laboratory technicians. Luna Shaffer, an undergraduate lab technician and a third-year student studying Sustainable Materials and Technology stated: “Working at Hodges has opened up a lot of opportunities for me both professionally and personally. It’s great to have hands-on experience with our curriculum while also being able to be around friends and classmates after class!”

JT Chappell, another undergraduate lab technician and a fourth-year student studying Sustainable Materials and Technology added: “Working for Hodges Wood Products Technical Services has provided me with unique and valuable opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom, engage with professionals within the wood products industry, and develop a thorough understanding and admiration for standardized testing practices. Overall, my experience with Technical Services has enabled me to acquire numerous lessons and skills that I believe will prepare me to be a valuable asset across a variety of fields.”

Hodges Technical Services Center is greatly involved in the wood products industry, attending events such as The International Surfaces Event and hosting The Annual NALFA Spring Meeting. In addition to this the Service Center is a member of the Composite Panel Association (CPA) and serves on their TFL Task Group to further the Association’s development of a Thermally Fused Laminate testing standard. This involvement and these events help promote NC State University and allow undergraduate lab technicians the opportunity to engage with industry affiliates.

The International Surfaces Event

Earlier this year, Business Director Lyndsey Campbell and three of the undergraduate laboratory technicians exhibited at The International Surfaces Event (TISE) in Las Vegas. TISE, which took place from January 24 to 26 of this year, is a flooring trade show and the largest premiere event for flooring, stone, and tile professionals. At this event, the team showcased its third-party testing services to industry affiliates and advertised the Department of Forest Biomaterials at NC State University. Emily Ramanata, one of the undergraduate lab technicians who attended TISE, posted on LinkedIn: “This week I had an amazing time at The International Surfaces Event! I had the opportunity to meet industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the latest flooring, tile, and carpeting products. It was truly inspiring to witness the innovative designs and sustainable solutions showcased at the event!”

Ethan Muncy, another undergraduate lab technician who attended the event, describes the event:
“At first, it was almost overwhelming with the amount of vendors and attendees. Although, it was also reassuring to see how much energy and a sense of presence still exists in the industry. I had a great time and I appreciate having had the opportunity to go.”

Business Director and Undergraduate Laboratory Technicians. From left to right: Ethan Muncy, Emily Ramanata, JT Chappell, and Lyndsey Campbell.

The Annual NALFA Spring Meeting

During NC State’s spring break, the Hodges Technical Services Center hosted members of the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA). From March 15–17, NALFA stakeholders met in Hodges Wood Products Lab and Jordan Hall to discuss the future of the laminate flooring industry. NALFA recently made a LinkedIn post about the event: “Another annual NALFA Spring Meeting hosted by NC State Hodges Wood Products Lab in the books! Always a fantastic opportunity to connect with new and old members, share insights, and collaborate on furthering the Association.”

As NALFA’s educational and testing house member, Hodges Technical Services Center is the core for the development of laminate flooring test methods. The services center provides lab resources to advance the laminate category of the flooring industry.

NALFA Members sharing knowledge and strategizing to advance the laminate flooring industry.

Hodges Technical Services Center provides support and innovation within the wood products industry. Since 1960, its testing services have helped develop industry standards and educate future industry professionals by providing laboratory resources and engaging in industry events.

By guest blogger Emily Ramanata