Why are there 2 tests for Nickel Release?
The DMG Swab Test was the initial regulatory test for the Danish and German Legislation. This became the basis for PREN12471 – The Scanning Nickel Release Test. However, it was considered to unreliable when used as a basis of prosecution not the least because it only gave a simple yes/no answer. The Commission asked for a quantitative method of testing which developed into the EN1811 Nickel Release and EN12472 Wear Test set of tests. The disadvantage with these tests is that they typically take 10 days to complete and are expensive when related to the cost of the item being tested, while industry needs a quick and cheap method of testing. Thus the DMG Swab Test was enhanced to allow industry to determine if items are likely to fail the nickel release threshold.
