Globally recognised expertise for your surfaces.
Laboratory tests, expertises, inspections and certifications in surface technology.
Global presence. Locally competent.
Laboratories and experts at six locations. Always close by.
Germany
China
United Arab Emirates
Netherlands
Poland
What drives us
Independence.
Precision.
Responsibility.
The IFO Institute for Surface Technology stands for scientific independence, accredited test procedures and a practical approach that can only come from over 30 years of industry experience.
As a neutral service provider for craft businesses, medium-sized companies and international corporations alike, we combine technical expertise with short lines of communication and swift decision-making. Across all sectors and worldwide.
As a neutral service provider for craft businesses, medium-sized companies and international corporations alike, we combine technical expertise with short lines of communication and swift decision-making. Across all sectors and worldwide.
IFO
Expertise
Our specialist areas
We offer comprehensive support on all aspects of surface technology.
Services
Our range of services and tests
Here you will find a selection of our key testing methods and services. Our full range of services comprises over 200 accredited methods.
The IFO Institute
Impartial, accredited and practical. Since 1995.
From an owner-managed testing laboratory in Schwäbisch Gmünd to an internationally recognised service provider: IFO carries out testing, certification and research in the field of surface technology, independently and on a scientific basis.
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Years of expertise in surface technology
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Test procedure according to international standards
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Employees from a wide range of specialisations
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Customers across four continents
QUBUS-IFO Group
Comprehensive expertise for surface technology
IFO and QUBUS are two independent companies with a common conviction: that quality in surface technology can only be achieved when laboratory and consulting, testing and planning, science and practical relevance work together.
Sectors
Experience in numerous industries
More than 4,000 customers from over 75 countries place their trust in our expertise.
Architecture
Automotive industry
Aviation industry
Mechanical engineering
Petrochemistry
Offshore
Shipbuilding
FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions
Our German site in Schwäbisch Gmünd is accredited as a testing laboratory in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and as a certification body in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065. Our site in Dubai, UAE, is accredited by the IAS in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. The testing laboratory in Hangzhou, China, is accredited by CNAS to ISO/IEC 17025. Our testing laboratory in Schwäbisch Gmünd also holds approval from AAMA.
Our main customers come from the automotive industry, construction industry, architecture, mechanical engineering, pipeline construction and electromobility. We test both organic and metallic coating systems for a wide range of applications.
Short-term salt spray tests in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227 are between 24 and 1,000 hours, depending on the specification. Climate change tests can take several weeks. We offer express processing for urgent enquiries.
Yes, our sworn experts prepare both private and court reports on coating damage. The expert reports include systematic damage analyses, cause assessment and technical responsibility clarification.
We have extensive experience with factory standards from international manufacturers in the automotive, mechanical engineering and architectural sectors. Release tests, supplier qualifications and customer-specific test programmes are part of our standard services.
Contact us
We’re here for you: professional, direct and to the point.
Whether it’s an initial enquiry, an ongoing project or an urgent matter: the IFO team is here to support you with in-depth expertise and swift decision-making. Please get in touch.