In-House Accredited Laboratory

An immediate solution

One of our loyal customers is building industrial silos at a yard near Stuttgart. Construction was then interrupted after an inspection by the regional Regierungpräsidium-Bautechnik. During that interruption, Fabory's Quality & Engineering department proved indispensable.

The inspector decided to halt construction. As the customer was unable to prove the hexagon socket screws and the nuts could bear the load. Due to non-compliance with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) applicable to this construction.

The customer immediately contacted Fabory's Quality & Engineering department. We tested to follow the German inspection service and European standards. That same week, the customer reported that work on the site had already resumed. The green light came after we provided them with the information required to proceed. Our own laboratory-created all the certificates required.

Advantages of a in-house laboratory

Customer Specific Reports

Drawing up fastener certificates in accordance with ISO 16228 and making test reports according to the customer's instructions.

Own Test Methods

A wide range of proprietary test methods. Specifically for fasteners, for chemical analysis, mechanical properties, dimensional characteristics and physical properties.

Independent Review

Independence from the manufacturer when assessing a technical problem. We can offer a professional solution based on our own measurements and simulations.

Laboratory Objectivity

Fortunately for our customers, a scenario like the one in Stuttgart does not happen every week. As soon as the customer's situation calls for it, our Quality & Engineering department switches, and we investigate what could be wrong. We are supported in this research by our laboratory. Fabory's laboratory offers clear added value for customers, and this distinguishes us from other technical wholesalers. Such a private laboratory, is it objective and independent? That's it luckily. In the context of our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, an external audit in the laboratory takes place every year. Among other things, this examines the objectivity and neutrality of the laboratory and its employees.

Correct and reliable measurements

Every quarter we receive test samples from a certified organization for which, for example, the chemical analysis or the tensile strength must be determined and reported. These measurement results compared with those of approximately 200 accredited laboratories from around the world, and the results sent to the accreditation board. Every laboratory employee assessed every quarter on the results he achieves in this research. This way of working ensures that Fabory not only performs correct and reliable measurements, but also that the employees carry out the measurements correctly and neutrally.

Customer-specific reports and certificates

A major advantage of having our laboratory is the independence from the supplier when assessing a complaint. If a bolt meets the requirements and a problem nevertheless arises, the Quality & Engineering department can search with the customer for the cause of the problem: this can be in the design, assembly, or application. Then we will come up with a solution. In the accredited laboratory, customer-specific reports and certificates are also drawn up on the basis of measurement results, for example according to EN ISO 16228 F3.1. These certificates are recognised, for example, in the steel construction standard EN 1090-2.

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"Every threaded connection has the right bolt, nut, or screw. It must meet the specification. Sometimes the connection also has to comply with additional regulations or there are higher quality requirements than the standard prescribes. That depends on the application."

Jan Van Ranst
Manager Quality & Technology

Assessing new suppliers

In addition to carrying out checks in the laboratory, the Quality & Engineering department is involved in supplier selection. After all, product quality starts with the choice of suppliers. Potential new suppliers complete a questionnaire, and we approve samples of products. Depending on the type of article, we even check the microscopic structure of the steel and compare it with the requirements. That structure can reveal a lot about whether a producer has mastered its production process down to the last detail.

Global Acceptance

In addition, manufacturers of critical articles are audited on site by Fabory. An ISO or even an Automotive (IATF) certification does not have the same value everywhere in the world. This audit assesses whether the production process meets the requirements and whether additional measures must be taken for acceptance by Fabory. Not only with regard to product quality and lot traceability, but also with regard to environmental and working conditions. This is followed by a trial period in which we check each batch for key characteristics in our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory.

Batch management

During the entire internal logistics process from goods receipt at Fabory to delivery to the customer, batch management is used in the ERP system: each production batch remains separate from other batches and can be traced back to both manufacturer and customer. Thanks to this way of working, we isolate any problem as quickly as possible. We know exactly which products come from which production batches, and as a result any issues at the customer are handled quickly and properly.

We perform these tests every day at Quality & Engineering:

Tensile test on complete bolt or bolt-nut combination (up to a maximum of 60 tons or 600 kN)
Chemical analysis of steel or stainless steel
Surface and core hardness (in HRC, HRBw, HV)
Salt spray test (corrosion resistance test)
Automatic Dimensional Measurements
Thread check with gauges in different tolerance systems or with optical measurement

Investigate, advise & solve

We advise on the correct and most cost-effective product selection, surface coverings and mounting instructions. If necessary, simulations of installation at the customer's site are carried out in the application lab and locking systems or the load capacity of light construction parts (e.g. with blind rivets) are assessed. We also regularly investigate the corrosion resistance in a salt spray test of smaller structures in comparison with the separate connecting elements.

We use our equipment to substantiate advice. We analyse mounting conditions such as bolt tension, angular deflection and clamping force. Together we arrive at the best solution for a connection. Please contact the Quality & Engineering department at technology@fabory.com.

We wrote even more about the Quality & Engineering department! Read the stories and find out how the department can best help you.

Everything about the expertise of the Quality & Engineering department

Masters in Fasteners

With advice, calculations and tests, we arrive at the right design and application of specific fasteners together with you. Our range of 120,000 fasteners in every desired design, size, and type of material requires efficient stock management that you can rely on. Smart logistics solutions help with this. The Quality & Engineering department advises customers about the safest connection. This is how we create Peace of Mind. The employees in your company can continue to focus on the core tasks.

Assortment

Fabory is the ideal choice for all your fastening needs. Our product portfolio includes a wide range of standard fasteners and custom solutions for various applications, complemented with C-parts.

Fabory Logic

Fabory helps you access Fasteners and C-parts and uses innovative dashboards to provide insights into your consumption, helping you reduce your TCO. Fabory Logic offers RFID, Optical-Eye, Weight Scales, and Merchandiser services.

QA/QC & Engineering

Fabory prioritises quality and reliability, strongly emphasising refined quality management and specialised control systems to support your fastener selection.

In-house accredited laboratoryIn-house accredited laboratory