Accredited testing laboratory
The KIT Steel & Lightweight Structures , is an approved testing laboratory and accredited according to the International Standard DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 as the first testing laboratory at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
As a testing and research laboratory, the KIT Steel & Lightweight Structures is predominantly active as in the field of steel and light metal construction, plastic composite material construction and glass construction. Mechanical-technological analyses, corrosion analyses, non-destructive tests, fire tests, among other activities, form part of the service offered at the KIT Steel & Lightweight Structures. Non conventional methods of testing in special test areas which are appropriately adjusted to suit the situation are the strength of the KIT Steel & Lightweight Structures. In addition to the large flexibility offered in developing testing methods, the high competence in consulting complements the profile of the KIT Steel & Lightweight Structures.
The KIT Steel & Lightweight Structures is accredited as a testing laboratory in the following areas
- mechanical-technological analyses of metallic materials
- selected investigation of corrosion
- non-destructive tests
- tests of welded connections
- tests of fasteners
- examination of bearing capacities of scaffolding and their components
- fire tests
- tests of structural products and structural types according to the CPD
- Investigation of structural elements and structures
In the past, the standard DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 has developed into a standard for testing-laboratories. Conforming to this is increasingly demanded at the European level and especially by overseas partners. This standard places high requirements with respect to competence and testing quality. It is presently legally required in many countries that tests are carried out in ways set out by law in accredited testing laboratories. This development reached Europe long ago. In the context of European harmonization, it is foreseeable that the accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 will be an indispensable condition for operating as a testing laboratory in Germany.
The KIT Steel & Lightweight Structures operates as a testing laboratory for partners all over the world. This requires, especially for collaboration with new partners, a documentation of competence in an internationally accepted way for many cases. By using the accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 of the "Gesellschaft für Akkreditierung und Zertifizierung", the KIT Steel & Lightweight Structures has officially established its competence.