Eurofins knows marine structures and materials
by : SAMI J . ANTEROINEN photo : EUROFINS EXPERT SERVICES OY
Pushed by innovation and technological advances , marine industry is constantly evolving – and this is reflected by the new materials and structures that are featured on new vessels . However , as maritime requirements differ a great deal from regular construction , extensive testing is needed before new solutions are deemed seaworthy .
Eurofins Expert Services Oy has a wealth of knowledge in all testing and certification related to marine industries . Heli Välimäki from Eurofins Expert Services Oy says that fire testing , has been conducted for almost half a century in Espoo and organized seminars related to fire safety in ships .
“ VTT , earlier owner of the Eurofins Expert Services Oy , was involved with developing of the previous Fire Test Code during the 90 ’ s in Espoo , Finland ,” she says .
Today , fire safety testing and approvals for materials and components used in ships , are a key part of the company ’ s marine offering . Eurofins Expert Services offers testing of flame spreading properties , smoke production , non-combustibility , heat of combustion / calorific value , fire safety of curtain materials , upholstered furniture and bedding components as well as resistance to fire testing of marine constructions .
CHANGES COME SLOWLY
Regulations relating to the fire safety of ships are SOLAS-based , and the fire test procedures themselves are presented in Fire Test Procedure Code of International Maritime Organization ( IMO ).
“ With regards to certification , things change slowly and new innovations , in form of structures and materials , take time to root ,” says Välimäki .
In Europe , materials and components are covered by the Marine Equipment Directive 2014 / 90 / EU and must be affixed with
Wheelmark . “ We have offered wheelmark services for 20 years , since it became possible ,” says Välimäki .
Ville Grönvall from Eurofins is the expert who in charge of fire resistance testing of marine structures . He says that architects are keen on delivering a certain WOW effect aboard ships , and they often experiment with new types of structures to accomplish this .
“ Frequently it is glass structures that add that visually striking element , and we must test them to make sure that they ’ re safe in all regards .”
3D PRINTING IS THE FUTURE ?
Jere Heikkinen is a Eurofins materials expert who notes that as manufacturers come up with new materials they are naturally interested in finding marine applications for them .
“ However , the fire safety requirements are so strict that not all new materials can make it ,” he says , adding that for instance 3D printed products still have their share of hurdles to overcome .
“ For customers , it sometimes comes as a surprise how tough the marine regulations can be on materials .” Still , the need for lighter , composite materials is evident on ships .
Aboard cruise ships , another factor is sound-proofing which has a lot of potential on the materials side , believes Heikkinen . n
More information : www . eurofins . fi / expertservices / en /
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