News from the IFO

Motorway bridge closed! – The closure of a motorway bridge can have far-reaching consequences: longer journey times and significant economic damage. The complete closure of the A45 in South Westphalia has demonstrated this all too clearly.

Many steel structures are critical to the system and require regular inspections to detect damage at an early stage and prevent total failure. These inspections are carried out by certified specialists who have been assessed in accordance with FROSIO, NACE and DINCertco standards. The requirements for professional competence are also governed by the forthcoming ISO 24959 standard.

We are delighted that our colleagues, Oliver Bögler and Stefan Merger, have successfully completed their training as FROSIO inspectors at SLV Duisburg and, thanks to their professional experience, have gone straight to Expert Level III. Congratulations! Both are now part of our team of qualified inspectors certified to NACE, FROSIO and DINCertco standards.

Our IFO laboratory in Hangzhou, China, successfully passed the audit process in May this year and was awarded the coveted CMA certification. Alongside ISO 17025 accreditation, this certification confirms our laboratory’s status as an independent and nationally recognised testing laboratory.

In China, China Metrology Accreditation (CMA) is required in order for inspection and testing bodies to be able to provide data and results that are admissible as evidence. CMA certification guarantees the accuracy and reliability of measurement and test results and promotes the development of new measurement technologies and methods, as well as the standardisation of measurement and testing procedures.

As part of this important quality inspection, the focus was on the test procedures for coating thickness, gloss, mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour.

We are delighted to receive this recognition, which underlines our standards and our commitment to quality and reliability.

In architecture, the façade is always a building’s calling card. Consistently high manufacturing quality is crucial to ensuring the long service life of façade elements and to maintaining their technical functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The FGIA is the quality association in the US responsible for performance standards, product certification and professional development within the window and glass industry, and the IFO Institute for Surface Technology has been listed as an accredited testing laboratory with the FGIA (formerly AAMA) for over 10 years.

The IFO is currently the only test laboratory in Europe accredited by the FGIA for testing organic coatings on aluminium and anodised aluminium. Further information on the FGIA is available at https://fgiaonline.org/

For coating or anodising companies in Germany and Europe, certification is of particular interest if they have a potential market in the Americas. The tests can also be carried out independently of any intended certification, enabling companies to demonstrate their ability to manufacture in accordance with FGIA requirements.

Come and visit us at the QUBUS and IFO stand at Surface Technology. From 4–6 June in Stuttgart – Hall 1, Stand C 33,(25).

For a free guest card voucher Please send an email to Ms Sabine Endress

For more information on Surface Technology, please visit: https://www.surface-technology-germany.de/

The first meeting of the licensed members of Qualicoat’s UK & Ireland Association in 2024 will take place in early April at IFO’s headquarters in Germany. The international QUALICOAT quality label is aimed at coaters of aluminium and aluminium alloys in the architectural sector. IFO carries out the monitoring of member companies for the international quality label worldwide.

Find out more about third-party inspections at Qualicoat: here

Find out more about our Quality and standards testing

The first meeting of 2024 for the licensed members of the UK & Ireland Association is to take place at the headquarters of IFO in Germany in early April. IFO offers independent third-party inspection services for all licensed members in the UK and Ireland. To understand the importance of third-party accreditation, we need to look at what is provided by ‘national standards’.

https://www.qualicoatuki.org/news/ifo-hosts-qualicoat-meeting

Come and visit us at the IFO-QUBUS joint stand at PaintExpo, the world’s leading trade fair for coating technology. From 9 to 12 April 2024 in Karlsruhe – Hall 1, Stand 1346.

For more information about the trade fair, please visit: www.paintexpo.de

For free guest card vouchers Please feel free to contact info@ifo-gmbh.de or info@qubus.de

At our joint annual celebration, three dedicated staff members were honoured for their long service: Constanze Kajerski and Ladina Nachtigall were recognised for 10 years’ service to the company, whilst Franziska Kabasic was honoured for 15 years’ service. The management team values and is delighted by their long-standing commitment and would like to thank the employees celebrating their anniversaries warmly for their contribution to the success of IFO and QUBUS.

We would like to thank you for your excellent and trusting cooperation, and wish you and your family a wonderful festive season and all the best for the coming year!

The IFO Institute for Surface Technology has been recognised for its efforts towards creating a digital, family-friendly working environment. By introducing innovative digital systems and making adjustments to the workplace, we have continuously optimised our processes. Our aim is to create working conditions that prioritise the individual needs and well-being of our staff.

This award is a testament to our efforts not only to improve work processes, but also to create a modern and family-friendly working environment. A big thank you to our dedicated team, who make these achievements possible!

www.familynet-bw.de/newsmeldung/gewinner-wettbewerbs-familynet-40-2023