Laboratory for analysis and expertise

Materials testing NADCAP laboratory

More than 140 people
More than 140 people at your service
5200 m² laboratory
5200 m² laboratory + 99% of services are provided in-house
Accredited laboratory
Accredited laboratory COFRAC ISO 17025
Nadcap

FILAB is a NADCAP-accredited Materials Testing Laboratories.

This accreditation recognizes our ability to perform chemical analysis and metallographic examinations according to the requirements expected by the aerospace industry.

FILAB : NADCAP accredited materials testing laboratory in France

Using a NADCAP-accredited testing laboratory ensures reliable material qualification, delivers recognized results in the most demanding environments, and meets the expectations of clients and their supply chains. NADCAP accreditation is a strong indicator of technical expertise and reliability in the Aerospace industry

Our services as a NADCAP accredited testing laboratory

A mastered technical scope on critical alloys

Our accreditation covers analyses of the following strategic alloy families:

These analysis are carried out on materials based on Al, Fe, Ni and Ti, which correspond to families of alloys that are particularly strategic for high-performance aeronautical and industrial applications.

Chemical analyses of critical alloys

Our laboratory performs NADCAP-accredited chemical analysis for the characterization of metallic alloys used in the most demanding environments. Our scope includes the following techniques:

Spectrometry: ICP-OES / AES and OES

Elemental analysis: precise determination by combustion or fusion (C, H, N, O, S)

Metallography and microstructural evaluation

FILAB also supports its clients with their NADCAP-accredited metallography needs. Our scope includes:

These services are particularly relevant for material qualification, non-conformity analysis, process impact assessment, or understanding material behavior.

Why Choose a NADCAP Accredited Materials Testing Laboratory

In an industry where material failure can have serious consequences, choosing your laboratory is a strategic decision. NADCAP accreditation is much more than a guarantee of quality; it’s a performance driver for your supply chain.

Risk reduction: ensure material compliance and make your qualification processes more reliable.
International credibility: deliver results recognized globally by all players in the aeronautical ecosystem.
Commitment to quality and safety: according to the NADCAP promotion guide, this recognition demonstrates a high level of commitment, strengthening the confidence of your stakeholders.
Independence and responsiveness: as an independent laboratory, FILAB guarantees you total impartiality and the agility essential for your emergency or expert cases.

By working with FILAB, you benefit from an independent, accredited laboratory offering services focused on materials testing. This independence is a valuable asset for manufacturers seeking a responsive, impartial partner capable of addressing their needs for expertise, control, investigation, or qualification support.

FILAB, independent NADCAP Laboratory in Europe

Our positioning rests on three pillars: analytical expertise, high quality standards, and close customer relationships. As a NADCAP-accredited testing laboratory, FILAB offers recognized expertise to support manufacturers facing demanding requirements for their materials and processes.

This accreditation sends our clients a clear message: the services we provide within our NADCAP scope are part of a framework recognized by the international aerospace ecosystem.

What needs does a NADCAP laboratory address?

nadcap laboratory

A NADCAP-accredited testing laboratory addresses numerous industrial challenges:
material qualification
process validation
compliance check
investigation of discrepancies or failures
support for quality, materials and methods teams
support for quality, materials and methods teams
Securing customer requirements in the aeronautics industry

For companies in the aeronautical supply chain, working with a NADCAP laboratory also helps to strengthen the technical credibility of their files in the face of OEMs, engine manufacturers and major clients.

Customer Qualification

SAFFRAN APPROVAL

Several years ago, FILAB was awarded Laboratory Qualification by the SAFRAN group under procedures GRP-0087, GRM-0123 and TTS-MOP-004. This qualification is regularly renewed following audits carried out by Safran on our premises.

 

DASSAULT AVIATION APPROVAL

In March 2025, the FILAB laboratory obtained DASSAULT AVIATION approval. This approval makes FILAB a reliable partner for aerospace manufacturers.

Our FAQ

What is NADCAP accreditation and why is it fundamental?

NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) is a global, industry-wide, cooperative approach to the control of special processes. For a manufacturer, using a NADCAP-accredited laboratory is often a contractual requirement imposed by major contractors (Airbus, Boeing, Safran, etc.) to guarantee the safety and reliability of aeronautical components.

Can the laboratory help in case of non-compliance?

Yes. Beyond routine inspections, FILAB's expertise allows us to support manufacturers in investigating deviations. Thanks to our metallography and microstructural evaluation services (grain size, structural examination), we help identify the root causes of a failure or anomaly in a process.

Can a grain size measurement be obtained under NADCAP accreditation?

Absolutely. Grain size measurement is an integral part of our metallographic accreditation scope. It's a key indicator for validating the conformity of your heat treatments or forging and casting processes.

What are the average turnaround times for a chemical or metallographic analysis?

FILAB is committed to responsiveness. Turnaround times vary depending on the complexity of the scope, but our organization allows us to process qualification files or urgent needs (AOG or production stoppage) with increased priority, while respecting the rigorous quality protocols imposed by NADCAP.

How to get a quote from FILAB?

To obtain a quote, you can contact our team via our contact form, by phone, or by email.

Simply tell us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, applicable standards, urgency, quantity of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.

What is the typical duration of the analysis?

Turnaround 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 tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.