Types of test certificates and their significance

Test certificates in accordance with DIN EN 10204

Inspection certificates are a collective term for works certificates, factory certificates and acceptance test certificates. They guarantee the quality and traceability of steel products and are issued in accordance with DIN EN 10204, which defines all possible types of test certificates for metallic products.

The entire steel production process is accompanied by constant checks and monitoring measures. These ensure complete documentation and quality assurance. The release of a steel product often includes the provision of test certificates.

Application of DIN EN 10204

DIN EN 10204 is to be applied in conjunction with the standards in which the general technical delivery conditions for finished rolled steel products are specified, such as iron and steel products in accordance with DIN EN 10025:

1. Non-specific tests: The manufacturer selects suitable test methods and checks whether the products meet the requirements. The tested materials do not necessarily have to originate from the delivery.
2. Specific tests: Here, the products are tested before delivery based on the technical conditions of the order.

Types of inspection certificates

Works certificate 2.1

• Definition: Confirmation that the delivered products meet the requirements of the order.
• Characteristic: No specific test results.

Works certificate 2.2

• Definition: Certification that the delivered products meet the requirements.
• Characteristic: Contains results of non-specific tests.

Inspection certificate

A certificate of the results of specific tests. These tests are carried out by independent experts and document that the delivery meets the requirements. Variants:

Inspection certificate 3.1

• Definition: Confirmation of compliance with the order.
• Characteristic: Results of specific tests issued by an authorized representative of the manufacturer who is independent of the production department.

Inspection certificate 3.2

• Definition: As 3.1, but with additional confirmation by an acceptance officer of the customer or an expert named in official regulations.
• Example: TÜV or classification societies.

Acceptance test report

• Definition: Documentation of specific tests in accordance with DIN EN 10204.
• Difference: Double confirmation by an expert from the manufacturer and an expert from the customer.

Classification societies

Classification societies are neutral experts who carry out tests and issue material approvals. Well-known are among others:

• Lloyds Register of Shipping (LR)
• Bureau Veritas (BV)
• American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
• Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
• Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)

In addition to a written confirmation, the abbreviation of the respective company is applied to tested materials, e.g. by means of steel or rubber stamps.

Overall, it can be said that test certificates ensure the quality and traceability of steel products. They create transparency and trust between manufacturers and customers and are particularly indispensable in safety-relevant industries.