Base on EN – 10204 ( version 2004 ) & EN – 10168 ( for steel products ):

We will go to know about some points as below:

Part 1 – Know about what type of certificate:

PART 2 – How to view the certificate:

PART 3 – Fake certificate

EN10204 HISTORY:

EN 10204  originally started off as DIN 50049 which was a German DIN standard specifying the test certificate requirements for metallic products.

I. Part 1 – Know about what type of certificate: 

A. Scope: The EN-10204 specifies the different types of inspection documents supplied to the purchaser, in accordance with the requirements of the order, for the delivery of all metallic products e.g. plates, sheets, bars, forgings, castings, whatever their method of production. This document may also apply to non-metallic products. This document is used in conjunction with the product specifications which specify the technical delivery conditions of the products.

B. Type of cert:

–  Inspection documents based on non-specific inspection:

• Type 2.1:  Declaration of compliance with the order “type 2.1”:  Document in which the manufacturer declares that the products supplied are in compliance with the requirements of the order, without inclusion of test results.
  
• Type 2.2:  Test report “type 2.2”:  Document in which the manufacturer declares that the products supplied are in compliance with the requirements of the order and in which he supplies test results based on non-specific inspection.

–  Inspection documents based on specific inspection:

• Type 3.1:  Document issued by the manufacturer in which he declares that the products supplied are in compliance with the requirements of the order and in which he supplies test results. The test unit and the tests to be carried out are defined by the product specification, the official regulation and corresponding rules and/or the order. The document is validated by the manufacturer’s authorized inspection representative, independent of the manufacturing department. It shall be permissible for the manufacturer to transfer on to the inspection certificate 3.1 relevant test results obtained by specific inspection on primary or incoming products he uses, provided that the manufacturer operates traceability procedures and can provide the corresponding inspection documents required.
• Type 3.2:  Document prepared by both the manufacturer’s authorized inspection representative, independent of the manufacturing department and either the purchaser’s authorized inspection representative or the inspector designated by the official regulations and in which they declare that the products supplied are in compliance with the requirements of the order and in which test results are supplied. It shall be permissible for the manufacturer to transfer on to the inspection certificate 3.2 relevant test results obtained by specific inspection on primary or incoming products he uses, provided that the manufacturer operates traceability procedures and can provide the corresponding inspection documents required.

Simplify: 

–  Correspondence between this European Standard and Directive 97/23/EC: for refer only

– Take note:

PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF EN10204

In the EN10204:1991 (now withdrawn)

• 2.3 no longer exists
• 3.1B is now replaced by 3.1
• 3.1A is replaced by 3.2
• 3.1C is replaced by 3.2

– What does the Independent 3rd Party do Verify a EN 10204 3.2 Certificate: take example for steel plate: 

The surveyor, as they are known, will visit the steel mill and then identify the material that he (or she) has to verify.  This includes visual inspection of the steel plates, checking the dimensions of some on a sampling basis  and confirming that the steel plate can be traced all the way back to the ladle chemical analysis. This is usually done by using the mill’s EN 10204 3.1 certificate that has already been produced.

The key fact here is to establish that the plate has some marking on it that corresponds to the the test certificate which in turn has a documentation trail back to the analysis taking where the steel was being made. The marking on the plate needs to be permanent – ie stamped, etched or stencilled onto the plate. Paint, chalk and grease marks are not acceptable as they could easily be wiped off and replaced.

The 3.1 certificate is also checked to determine that the characteristics recorded on it comply with all the requirements of the standard and a;so for its chemical composition, heat treatment and any NDE testing. The surveyor then identifies the test sample from the plate or heat being tested and then visits the test centre whilst the test is being done.

As part of this they will consider not only the test results but also the test process and the calibration of the test machinery to ensure that the est results are reliable.

Once this is done and everything is in compliance the surveyor then returns to the steel mill and signs and stamps the en 10204 3.2 test certificate and ensures that the product being verified is stamped.

– Upgrading EN 10204 3.1 Certificates to EN 10204 3.2: take example for steel plate

A classification society can be appointed to upgrade 3.1 plates at a stockist to EN 10204-3.2. He does this by reviewing the 3.1 certificate and then visually inspecting the plate to ensure that it meets the dimensions of the certificate. He’ll also ensure that the heat or other markings on the plate enable the plate to be traced back to the chemical analysis in the ladle.

Once this is done the surveyor will also check the certificate to confirm compliance of:

• chemical analysis
• mechanical properties
  • tensile
  • impact
  • hardness
  • bend tests
  • through thickness
• Heat treatment
• Plate Condition
• Corrosion
• NDT testing such as UT

The plate also needs to be retested so a test specimen will be cut and sent to a test facility where the testing will be witnesses by the surveyor. If all is acceptable a certificate will be issued by the classification society that st states that the material has been inspected to the intent of EN 10204 3.2 supported by the original 3.1 mill certificate and the lab test report. The phrasing here is important  as what the classification society is not a true 3.2 mill certificate but one that fulfills the intent of the standard. In most cases this is sufficient but there will be the rare case where this is not acceptable and mill tested 3.2 plate will have to be purchased instead.

The surveyor will issue a certificate of conformance that details the scope of inspection with EN 10204 3.2 or the intent of EN 10204 3.2 as appropriate.

– Summary: Type 2.1 & 2.2 apply for non-specific inspection. Type 3.1 & 3.2  apply for specific inspection. Very importance!!! Pls!!!

Pls see next part: part 2