Firms warned to check-up on imported metals
Manufacturers have been warned to check up on materials certifications for imported metals to protect against component failures.
Firms could be putting themselves at risk by sourcing materials from unknown suppliers in the Far East, a metals specialist said.
Michael Emmott, labs heat treatment commercial manager at Keighley Labs, said: "Often we find that the raw material is not as specified, even with the correct certification, creating potential problems down the line."
One US study found 60% of imported steel rods were rated as failures during lab testing, Keighley Labs added.
Emmott said: "Given the legal implications of a failure in the field, it's either a question of verifying incoming material or possibly putting your own business at risk."
Keighley Labs- which offers full analysis of materials- called on manufacturers to re-inspect or overcheck material certifications.
