With this initiative, FGF creates an objective basis for evaluating testing laboratories and contributes to the comparability and reliability of test data — a decisive step for quality assurance, customer trust, and competitiveness.
Interlaboratory studies enable laboratories to verify and improve the precision, accuracy, and comparability of their test results. Through the anonymous participation of multiple laboratories examining identical materials, deviations in testing methods can be identified and corrected. This not only strengthens confidence in laboratories’ own results but also supports:
- testing laboratories in accreditation and certification,
- manufacturers and users in quality assurance and product development,
- the entire industry in advancing international standards (e.g., ISO, DIN).
With this offering, FGF closes a critical gap: until now, there were no specific interlaboratory studies for refractory materials, a circumstance that made comparing test data across the industry difficult.
“With these interlaboratory studies, we are setting new standards for quality and competitiveness in the refractory industry. They allow our partners to assess their testing competence relative to the industry, identify areas for improvement, and optimize their processes. At the same time, they can demonstrate the reliability of their test results to their customers,” explains Dr. Kerstin Hauke, Head of Business Development at FGF.
“Regularly conducted interlaboratory studies were indispensable for my area of responsibility for over 15 years and across more than 20 production laboratories. Our own product development and quality assurance could rely on comparable, standards-compliant test results. Customers were soon involved as well and greatly valued this collaboration. As head of the ‘International Standards’ task force at WRA, I was also able to initiate and implement interlaboratory studies and standardization improvements together with competitors. I’m pleased to be able to pass on this experience together with FGF through this initiative,” adds DI Gerhard Urbanek, MBA, retired, with 37 years of refractory testing experience at RHI Magnesita.
FGF’s interlaboratory study process is transparent and structured, conducted and evaluated according to ISO standards: “After participating laboratories register, FGF distributes refractory reference materials. The laboratories carry out the tests independently and submit the data to FGF. FGF then statistically evaluates the results, prepares confidential reports, and provides participants with feedback as well as — where possible — recommendations for improvement. Thanks to this structured approach, participants receive benchmarking data and, where applicable, recommendations for continuously optimizing their processes,” explains Dr. Erwan Brochen, Research Associate at FGF, describing the process.
The first interlaboratory studies are starting in a pilot phase with non-accredited trials to validate the methods. In the long term, FGF aims to offer accredited interlaboratory studies as well as certified reference materials (CRM). Interested laboratories can already register to participate.
