Material test certificate

Under DIN EN 10204, inspection documents are divided into different types:

Type	Description	Typical applications
Declaration of compliance with the order (type 2.1)	Simple confirmation that the goods meet the requirements of the order, without specific test results.	Standard products without demanding requirements
Test report (type 2.2)	Confirms compliance with the order and contains results of the manufacturer’s own tests.	Components with documented test requirements
Inspection certificate 3.1	Confirms compliance with standards and contains test results validated by an inspection representative of the manufacturer who is independent of production.	Critical applications such as mechanical engineering or the chemical industry
Inspection certificate 3.2	Contains test results checked by an external, independent testing institution or by the customer.	Safety-critical products, e.g. in aerospace or plant engineering

A material test certificate typically contains the following information:

• Product identification: material number, batch number or production code.

• Manufacturer details: name and address of the manufacturer.

• Standards and specifications: standards applied, e.g. DIN EN 10204.

• Test results: mechanical, chemical or physical properties of the material.

• Manufacturing process: information on the production or test method.

• Signature: confirmation by a qualified person or testing body.

Material test certificates perform several important functions:

• Quality assurance: proof that the material or product meets the agreed specifications.

• Traceability: documentation of the origin and testing of a batch for future reference.

• Legal compliance: fulfilment of legal or normative requirements.

• Transparency: trust between suppliers and customers through transparent information.

Material test certificates are indispensable in numerous industries:

Metal and steel industry

• Structural steels: documentation of chemical composition and mechanical properties.

• Pipes and profiles: testing of compressive strength and weldability.

Mechanical engineering

• Parts: proof of load-bearing capacity and material quality.

• Components: ensuring compliance with standards and functionality.

Automotive and aerospace industry

• Vehicle parts: testing of safety-critical materials and components.

• Aircraft components: documentation of compliance with strict standards and safety requirements.

Rubber and plastics industry

• Seals: proof of material properties such as hardness, elasticity and resistance.

• Technical components: ensuring chemical and mechanical specifications are met.

Preparing and using material test certificates can involve challenges:

• Effort: preparing test certificates can be time-consuming and costly.

• Risk of errors: incomplete or incorrect information can affect the acceptance of a test certificate.

• Regulatory requirements: different standards in different countries require adjustments.

• Who issues a material test certificate? Usually the manufacturer or supplier of the product.

• When is an inspection certificate 3.2 required? For safety-critical applications that require external testing, e.g. in aerospace.

• Can a material test certificate be issued retrospectively? Yes, provided that the necessary tests and documentation are available.

• How long should material test certificates be kept? The retention period depends on legal requirements and the industry, but is often several years.

Material test certificates are essential documents for quality assurance, traceability and compliance with legal requirements. They play a decisive role in production, particularly for safety-relevant components. Thanks to their standardised structure, they provide both customers and suppliers with a reliable basis for transparent, high-quality cooperation.