Chemical Analysis of Aerospace Materials: the Expertise of a NADCAP-Accredited Laboratory
Ensure the compliance and safety of your alloys with FILAB, your strategic partner in Materials Testing Laboratories
In the Aerospace industry, material reliability is non-negotiable. FILAB, an independent laboratory, provides you with its NADCAP accreditation to secure your supply chains and validate your most complex technical choices.
Why is NADCAP accreditation essential?
NADCAP accreditation is the most demanding quality standard in the world for aerospace. Working with an accredited laboratory for your chemical analyses allows you to:
Meet OEM requirements (Airbus, Safran, Boeing...) and their supply chain.
Reduce the risk of non-conformity in raw materials.
Speed up the qualification of your processes and new materials.
Strengthen your technical credibility during quality audits.
FILAB laboratory performs chemical analysis of aerospace materials under NADCAP accreditation
Our analytical areas of expertise under NADCAP accreditation
Our NADCAP-accredited Materials Testing Laboratories laboratory is equipped to handle the most complex alloys in the aerospace supply chain. Our accreditation scope covers the following material families: Aluminium (Al), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni) and Titanium (Ti).
- Mass and Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES / AES)
This technique enables extremely precise multi-element analysis to determine the overall chemical composition of your materials and detect trace impurities.
- Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES)
Ideal for fast, accurate analysis of solid alloys, this method is a standard for incoming material inspection.
The presence of interstitial gases can alter the mechanical properties of metals. We perform determination by combustion or fusion to:
Carbon (C) and Sulfur (S)
Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N) and Hydrogen (H)
Going further: metallography and microstructure
Because chemistry is not everything, we also analyze the internal structure of the metal
Microstructural evaluation to detect any phase anomalies.
Grain size measurement to validate your heat treatment cycles.
Why entrust your aerospace materials chemical analysis to FILAB laboratory?
- Independence and impartiality : as a third-party laboratory, FILAB provides you with complete neutrality. This is a major advantage in disputes with a supplier or when validating a first article inspection (FAI).
- Recognized technical expertise : NADCAP accreditation demonstrates our complete command of our processes. It is the strong signal you send to your clients: a steadfast commitment to quality and safety.
- Responsiveness and proximity : based in France, FILAB offers a level of agility that large international groups do not have. We understand the challenges of “time to market” and production downtime. We handle your urgent requests with the rigor required by the NADCAP framework.
Our testing services under NADCAP accreditation
Client Qualification
SAFRAN APPROVAL
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 premises.
DASSAULT AVIATION APPROVAL
In March 2025, the FILAB laboratory obtained DASSAULT AVIATION approval. This approval makes FILAB a reliable partner for aerospace manufacturers.
AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE QUALIFICATION
Since May 2026, the FILAB laboratory has been qualified by AIRBUS Defence and Space for chemical analysis for C/S analysis, O analysis, N analysis, H analysis, ICP-AES analysis, and spark optical emission spectrometry.
In June 2026, FILAB obtained LIEBHERR approval. This accreditation covers in particular our chemical analysis services (ICP, SEO, elemental analysis C/S, N/O, H) and metallography. It enables us to support our aerospace clients even more effectively.
Our FAQ
Choosing a NADCAP laboratory drastically reduces your operational risks. Many aerospace clients prohibit the use of results from non-accredited laboratories for special processes. With FILAB, you secure the acceptability of your files.
We are accredited for analysis on alloys based on Aluminium (Al), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni) and Titanium (Ti), covering most critical aerospace structural and propulsion needs.
Yes, our NADCAP scope also includes metallography (grain size measurement, microstructural examination) to complement chemical analysis and provide a 360° view of the health of your materials.
To obtain a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
Simply send us your requirements (material type, desired analysis, any applicable standard, 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 constraints and industrial urgencies.
