What is a test Certificate and why is it important?
~ It is effectively a Guarantee that ensures Traceability and protects all parties
~ In many cases the material has no value to a customer unless it is accompanied by a test certificate
Who issues it?
~ The manufacturing mill and/or an inspection authority
What is dual certification?
~ This is when a certificate shows that material meets, and can thus be sold as, more than one specification, such as types 304 and 304L
What should you do with it?
~ Check that the reference number on it correspond with those on the packaging and the material itself
~ Check that the information on it conforms to the standard/specification you have ordered
~ Keep it on file
~ If applicable, scan it into the Test Certificate System with the appropriate references
~ Supply copies to customers – One with the delivery note and another with the invoice
~ Supply further copies to customers as and when requested
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Types of Test Certificate
~ Certificate of Conformance - This is sometimes supplied instead of a test certificate with material that is for less critical applications – It can be issued by anybody and may have limited value - If a customer requires true Test Certificates then a Certificate of Conformance will not be acceptable:
- It is a guarantee that the material meets the standards to which it has been supplied
- It shows typical chemical composition and mechanical properties rather than the exact values for the specific material supplied
~ DIN 50049 / 2.2 – Now renamed EN10204 / 2.2
- Not batch specific
- Gives average values for that material from that mill over a period
~ DIN 50049 / 3.1B – Now renamed EN10204 / 3.1
- Batch specific
- Essential for critical applications
- Cannot be issued by the mill in retrospect
~ DIN 50049/3.1C - Now renamed EN 10204 / 3.2
- As for 3.1 Certificate but with independent witnessing of testing at mill production stage by appropriate inspecition authority such as Lloyds / DNV / SGS
This Data is indicative only and as such is not to be relied upon in place of the full specification. In particular, mechanical property requirements vary widely with temper, product and product dimensions. All information is based on our present knowledge and is given in good faith. No liability will be accepted by the Company in respect of any action taken by any third party in reliance thereon.
Please note that the 'Datasheet Update' date shown above is no guarantee of accuracy or whether the datasheet is up to date.
The information provided in this datasheet has been drawn from various recognised sources, including EN Standards, recognised industry references (printed & online) and manufacturers’ data. No guarantee is given that the information is from the latest issue of those sources or about the accuracy of those sources.
Material supplied by the Company may vary significantly from this data, but will conform to all relevant and applicable standards.
As the products detailed may be used for a wide variety of purposes and as the Company has no control over their use; the Company specifically excludes all conditions or warranties expressed or implied by statute or otherwise as to dimensions, properties and/or fitness for any particular purpose, whether expressed or implied.
Advice given by the Company to any third party is given for that party’s assistance only and without liability on the part of the Company. All transactions are subject to the Company’s current Conditions of Sale. The extent of the Company’s liabilities to any customer is clearly set out in those Conditions; a copy of which is available on request.