From certificate to customer
Quality goes beyond simply supplying the right material. It also means that we can demonstrate where the material comes from, that it meets the specified requirements, and that it remains traceable throughout the entire process.
It all starts with the certificate.
Our materials are supplied with a 3.1 factory certificate. This certificate not only specifies the standard according to which the material was produced, but also includes information on its chemical composition and the tests that were conducted.
Our materials and certificates meet at least the applicable standard. In many cases, we go a step further. We work with carefully selected manufacturers and, where relevant, have additional tests performed.
We also opt for dual certification whenever possible. This allows materials, for example, to comply with both an EN and an ASTM standard.
Many of our selected manufacturers also hold approvals from renowned certification bodies, such as DNV, Lloyd’s Register, and Bureau Veritas.
When a 3.1 certificate is not sufficient
For some applications or projects, additional verification is required. This may be because the end customer specifies it, because the material must meet additional requirements set by a certification body, or because extra scrutiny is desired.
In practice, this process is often referred to as “upgrading to 3.2”. Technically speaking, this is not entirely accurate. A 3.2 certificate is issued during the production of the material. However, existing material with a 3.1 certificate can be subsequently inspected, tested, and validated by an independent certification body.
At Arcus, we can guide this upgrade process for piping systems in collaboration with leading certification bodies such as Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas, DNV, and RINA.
There’s more to it than just an additional inspection.
We’ll take you behind the scenes.
It starts with the original 3.1 certificate
Before the upgrade process begins, we carefully review the original 3.1 certificate. Among other things, we verify that it meets the specified requirements and that it comes from the correct, certified manufacturer.
Next, we gather the relevant materials and prepare them for inspection.
An inspector from the relevant certification body then visits Arcus.
During this inspection, the identity and origin of the material, among other things, are verified.
The material is officially stamped during this process. This ensures that it is clear which material is part of the inspection process and that traceability is maintained throughout the remainder of the process.
The necessary test specimens are then taken from the stamped material for the next phase.
From Inspection to Laboratory
After the initial inspection, the test specimens are sent to the laboratory for the required examinations and tests.
Here, the material is checked to ensure it meets the additional requirements of the relevant certification body, such as Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas, DNV, or RINA. The required tests are conducted under the supervision of the relevant inspector.
Only when all necessary tests have been completed and the results meet the specified requirements can the material proceed to the final step.
The Final Stamp
Upon completion of the entire process, the material receives the final stamp from the relevant certification body in our warehouse.
This marks the completion of the upgrading process. The inspections and tests performed are documented, and the material remains traceable throughout the entire process.
For our customers, this means, above all, clarity and certainty: the material has been inspected in accordance with the additional requirements of the relevant certification body before it leaves Arcus and is delivered to the customer.
From the original 3.1 certificate to the final stamp, every step is focused on quality, inspection, and traceability.