SAIW reaffirms testing excellence
SAIW Lab ISO 17025 renewal reaffirms testing excellence The SAIW Materials Testing Laboratory is renewing its ISO/ IEC 17025 accreditation through the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), reinforcing the facility’s role in supporting quality assurance, safety and technical compli- ance across South Africa’s welding and fabrication industries.
I SO/IEC 17025 SANAS accreditation applies to SAIW’s materials testing laboratory, which performs mechani- cal testing, provides welding qualification support, and conducts failure investiga- tions for industry. In sectors such as min- ing, infrastructure development, pressure equipment manufacturing and structural fabrication, reliable laboratory testing is essential to ensure that welded structures and components meet required engineer- ing standards. ISO 17025 is the internationally recog- nised benchmark for testing and calibra- tion laboratories. Accreditation confirms that a laboratory has the technical com- petence, equipment, procedures and qual- ity systems required to produce valid and traceable results. In South Africa, SANAS independently audits laboratories to verify compliance with these strict requirements. For the welding and fabrication sector, accredited testing provides independent verification that materials, welding proce- dures and finished components meet both national and international standards. This is particularly important for projects involv- ing critical infrastructure, where structural reliability and safety are paramount. Simulating real industrial conditions SAIW Senior Lab Technician Kegomoditswe Dire explains that the laboratory plays an important role in validating welding pro- cedures and material performance before fabrication work takes place in the field. “Our laboratory essentially replicates welding and material conditions encoun- tered in industry. Before critical compo- nents are deployed in applications such as bridges or heavy structural systems, we conduct controlled welding and me- chanical testing to verify properties such as tensile strength and material toughness. This assures that both the materials and welding procedures will perform reliably under service conditions,” she explains. Mechanical testing of welded materials forms a critical part of engineering design and certification. Tests such as tensile
SAIW Senior Lab Technician Kegomoditswe Dire.
Walter Mahlangu sets up SAIW’s high-definition digital microscope and measurement system to analyse weld test samples. strength, impact toughness and bend testing help determine whether welded joints can withstand the stresses and envi- ronmental conditions they will encounter during operation. The SAIW laboratory offers a range of services that support welding procedure qualification and technical investigations. These include destructive mechanical testing, metallurgical analysis and detailed examination of welded components. The facility also works closely with other technical departments within the institute, including welding specialists and training instructors, who may assist with technical investigations or provide specialist insight during complex analyses. Non-destructive testing (NDT) tech- niques used by the institute include radio- graphic testing, magnetic particle testing, penetrant testing and ultrasonic testing. These methods allow technicians to detect internal or surface defects in welded joints without damaging the component being inspected. By combining welding services, NDT and mechanical testing capabilities within a single facility, SAIW can support companies through multiple stages of welding qualifi- cation and technical evaluation. This inte- grated approach helps reduce turnaround times while maintaining consistent testing standards.
Hardness testers in the SAIW Materials Testing Laboratory.
Failure analysis and industry support
In addition to qualification testing, the laboratory plays a key role in investigat- ing failures when welded components or structures fail in service. When a failure occurs, companies often require indepen- dent analysis to determine whether the root cause lies in the base material, the welding procedure, fabrication practices or operational conditions. Dire says the laboratory combines multiple testing techniques to provide a comprehensive assessment. “In addition to qualification testing, the laboratory con- ducts detailed investigations when welded components fail in service. By combining mechanical testing, metallurgical examina- tion and non-destructive inspection, we can determine the root cause of a failure and provide recommendations that help prevent similar incidents in future.” Looking ahead, as South Africa continues to invest in infrastructure development, mining operations and industrial expansion, the availability of credible testing and certifi- cation facilities remains essential. By renew- ing ISO 17025 accreditation through SANAS, the SAIW aims to reaffirm the reliability of its laboratory services while strengthening the technical foundation of the country’s welding and fabrication sector. www.saiw.co.za
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March-April 2026
AFRICAN FUSION
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