24 Apr Recertification for testing laboratory leads to expansion of high-tech testing processes
A testing laboratory has been recertified to enable expansion of current services to include a high-tech testing process that identifies flaws, cracks or defects in metallic materials such as forged components and high intensity nuts, bolts and fasteners for a wide range of industrial sectors.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) company PTS Group has re-certified its UKAS ISO17025 accreditation after a robust three-day audit which will help to meet the increasing demand for NDT and mechanical testing of weldments and fasteners used on submarines, trains and in construction across the world.
Eddy current testing (ECT) involves passing free-flowing electric currents through conductive materials to identify any flaws that may lurk under the surface and otherwise go unnoticed, causing more serious problems.
Adam Bates, Quality Director at the Stafford-based firm, said: “We are delighted with the recent accreditation outcomes, we have been investing in technology and staff training to broaden our industry standards.
“Part of our recent work has included creating a new laboratory area for mechanical testing and staff being trained to conduct eddy current testing.
“By expanding the scope of our accreditation it means we can bring more work in house using our certified inspection personnel to supplement our already well established core business of testing on site of our customers.
“This also means we can provide our in-house services for some companies and be the go-to on-site NDT provider for others.
“Rightly, this reaccredition is a robust process and we’re pleased to be able to pass this yet again.”
To be a UKAS certified laboratory for testing, companies have to have a full recertification audit in accordance with the governing standard every three years which mandates the presence of third party impartial auditors who spend their time at the company’s offices and testing facility to verify all lab activities such as Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT).
PTS first gained ISO17025 accreditation in 2022 and in addition the company has had successful audits for ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and ISO 45001 Health and Safety in November and January.
The company, based at Common Road Industrial Estate, is the only NDT company in Staffordshire to be UKAS accredited laboratory and bosses now plan to apply for ISO 14001 accreditation for Environmental Management Systems, which will enable them to expand their range of services further to include product pickle and passivation.
Adam added: “These established background systems help us achieve development and expansion of services because the management systems will be firmly in place.
“Our new laboratory as its own entity is a massive boost to us. We want to ensure we service our customers’ requirements and do it all above board and properly, with the most robust accreditation in place.
“Responding to the needs of our clients and our services to them are the most important things at the core of what we do as a company and the services we offer depend on the demands of the customers.
“We are constantly looking at ways to expand our services to clients as our successful business continues to grow.
“Eddy current testing and mechanical testing of weldments is vitally important within the industry and we are only too willing to offer the service in addition to the other non-destructive testing we already carry out in the oil and gas, construction, defence, nuclear and renewable energy sectors.
“Third party involvement is a more robust process than internal inspection, which is why clients want to get us involved in testing. Not only do we provide a top-class service but the client knows they can trust us and they have the reassurance of knowing the work will be carried out correctly.”
PTS has taken on five new members of staff since the start of the year as well as upskilling current members of staff to carry out the new techniques.
The NDT company also works with businesses in the oil and gas, construction, and nuclear sectors, as well as many more industries, and carries out testing from their Stafford base as well as at sites across the UK as well as in France, Germany, Belgium, and Bahrain.
It was started by Technical Director Steve Baldwin’s dad in 1995 and is currently experiencing a period of growth, doubling their workforce to cope with demand.
For more information about PTS Group and the NDT services they can provide visit their website www.ptsgroup.co.uk, email them on info@ptsgroup.co.uk or call them on 01785 250706.
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