The FILAB laboratory supports manufacturers with materials expertise for defense and NATO qualification programs
In the Defense industry, reliability, durability, and compliance of materials subjected to extreme operations leave no room for approximation. Operational success and the safety of armed forces depend directly on the integrity of structures and systems.
FILAB supports players in the Defense Industrial and Technological Base (BITD) and their subcontractors in the characterization, validation, and regulatory qualification of their materials in accordance with NATO standards.
Cutting-edge analytical support for your sovereignty requirements
An independent laboratory equipped with a state-of-the-art analytical platform, FILAB provides full technical support for STANAG qualification programs (NATO Standardization Agreements) and AECTP (Allied Environmental Conditions and Test Publications).
Our core areas of expertise:
Metallurgical expertise : validation of alloys high-performance alloys, armored steels, titanium, aluminum and superalloys subjected to high thermomechanical stresses.
Behavior of polymers and composites : physicochemical characterization of elastomers, organic matrix composites, protective coatings and technical textiles to validate their structural properties.
Inspection of coatings and surface treatments : verification of the thickness, composition and compliance of anticorrosion coatings (military paints, anodizing, electroplated deposits) and next-generation surface treatments (Chrome VI replacement).
Our STANAG / AECTP testing and qualification services
FILAB implements rigorous testing protocols to simulate the life cycles of military equipment and anticipate their aging in hostile conditions.
Corrosion and accelerated aging
To ensure equipment resilience in marine, tropical, or desert environments, we carry out targeted environmental tests:
Accelerated corrosion testing (neutral, acetic, cyclic salt spray).
- Thermo-oxidative aging, climatic cycles (humid heat, extreme temperature variations).
Resistance to aggressive fluids (hydrocarbons, hydraulic fluids, decontamination agents).
Failure investigation (forensic or industrial expertise)
When a part fails in service, a coating peels, or premature corrosion appears, our experts investigate:
Fracture surface : analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX) to identify the failure mode (fatigue, hydrogen embrittlement, overload).
Contaminant search: identification of traces of pollutants that trigger degradation.
Corrective recommendations: recommendations for process changes or changes in material grades.
Why choose FILAB for your Defense programs?
Rigor, responsiveness and confidentiality: we integrate the security and industrial secrecy constraints specific to Defense programs at the heart of our organization.
State-of-the-art analytical facilities: more than 5,000 m² of laboratories bringing together advanced microscopy (SEM-EDX), mass spectrometry (including HRMS for trace analysis), chromatography and thermal analysis.
Standards-driven culture: a perfect command of the requirements of international standards (ISO, ASTM, EN) and specific military specifications.
Multisector experts: engineers and PhDs able to bridge the gap between materials science and the field requirements of operational theaters.
Independence: a trusted independent laboratory, guaranteeing the absolute impartiality of the test results required for your qualification files.
Customer Qualifications
The FILAB laboratory has obtained DASSAULT AVIATION approval. This approval makes FILAB a reliable partner for aerospace manufacturers.
Several years ago, FILAB obtained Laboratory Qualification from the SAFRAN group under procedures GRP-0087, GRM-0123 and TTS-MOP-004.
This qualification is regularly renewed following audits carried out by Safran at our facilities.
Our FAQ
FILAB has a unique dual expertise in chemistry and materials characterization, brought together on a single site.
This integrated approach enables us to provide comprehensive, responsive, and consistent support for your security and defense projects.
As a specialized service provider, we carry out:
Thermal analysis (TGA, DSC, etc.)
Materials characterization (metals, polymers, composites, ceramics, glass, etc.)
Surface and coating analysis (FEG-SEM EDX, XPS, TOF-SIMS, thickness measurement, etc.)
Metal powder characterization (according to Ma-0015 or equivalent standards)
Chemical and materials failure studies (corrosion, fracture, contamination, adhesion, etc.)
Thanks to this wide range of techniques and a 5,200 m² analytical platform, FILAB acts as a reliable, expert provider capable of handling your technical issues in a comprehensive way.
Military equipment is subject to severe constraints (temperature, corrosion, vibrations, aging, chemical environment, mechanical stress). A materials testing and analysis laboratory supports defense manufacturers in characterization, failure analysis, materials qualification, and demonstrating compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements, including those applicable to NATO programs.
Materials testing and analysis services include in particular:
- Military aerospace;
- Space and embedded systems;
- Naval defense;
- Land vehicles and armored vehicles;
- Weapons and ammunition;
- Electronic and optronic equipment;
- Communication and command systems.
A laboratory can intervene at different stages of the equipment lifecycle:
- Characterization of materials and coatings;
- Expert analysis following a failure or corrosion;
- Compliance testing of raw materials;
- Qualification of new materials or processes;
- Aging and durability studies;
- Analysis of contamination and pollution;
- Support for qualification campaigns according to the applicable standards.
The FILAB laboratory works on:
- Metals and alloys;
- Composites;
- Polymers and elastomers;
- Ceramics;
- Paints and protective coatings;
- Adhesives, lubricants and technical fluids;
- Electronic materials and soldered assemblies.
NATO qualification consists in demonstrating that a material, component or piece of equipment meets the requirements defined in the standards applicable to defense programs of Alliance member countries. This process aims to ensure the reliability, safety and interoperability of deployed systems.
Yes. When a part or piece of equipment shows breakage, corrosion, contamination or loss of performance, the laboratory can carry out a Root Cause Analysis. The goal is to identify the mechanisms responsible and to provide technical input to secure production or improve the design.
To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone or by email.
All you need to do is send us your requirements (type of material, analysis requested, any standard to be met, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a tailored technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.
Lead times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.
However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times adapted to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.
