Certified Test Samples
from Fortress Technology
Frequently asked questions
What industries typically use these test standards?
Our metal test standards are commonly used in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and any manufacturing environment where metal detection and quality control are critical.
Are your test standards certified or traceable to a standard?
Yes, they are! Every test standard comes with full traceability documentation and certification to meet industry requirements.
Do metal test standards expire or need to be replaced regularly?
Not exactly! As long as the batch number or tracing number is still legible, there's no expiration date. Just keep them in good condition and readable for accurate testing.
How do I know which type of metal test standard I need?
It depends on your application and reject mechanism. For example, Test Balls are commonly used in free fall, or gravity application. Test Wands are useful in applications where the test sample is inserted into the product. If you’re unsure, just ask us and we’ll help you choose.
Why don’t we test with other metals like silver or gold?
For metal detection, silver, or gold are classified as a non-ferrous metal. Non-ferrous metals are highly conductive but not magnetically permeable, and these fall squarely within this category. As a result, silver or gold contamination is already represented when testing with certified Non-Ferrous test standards.
Can I get test standards in different shapes or sizes?
Absolutely! We offer various shapes and sizes and can customize to fit your needs, whether you need spheres, rods, or custom shape, samples.
Why does my plant use different test standard sizes for Ferrous (Fe), Non-Ferrous (NFe), and Stainless Steel (SS)?
Each metal type interacts differently with a metal detector. For metal detection Ferrous metals are the easiest to detect, non-ferrous metals are moderately detectable, and stainless steel the most difficult. Because of this, test standard sizes are typically smallest for ferrous, larger for non-ferrous, and largest for stainless steel.
During a metal detector test, do I need to run the test standards in a specific order?
There is no universal requirement to run test standards in a specific order, but consistency is key. Many facilities choose to run tests in the same sequence every time; often ferrous, then non-ferrous, then stainless steel to keep procedures simple and repeatable. The most important factor is that all required test standards are run, detected, rejected correctly, and documented according to your internal procedures and audit requirements.
What should I do if a test standard is damaged or becomes unreadable?
If a test standard is cracked, deformed, or the batch/traceability marking becomes unreadable, it should be removed from use and replaced. Even if detection performance appears unchanged, unreadable or damaged standards can raise concerns during audits and compromise traceability.
What do auditors typically look for when reviewing metal test standards?
Auditors generally focus on a few key items:
- The correct metal types and sizes are being used
- Test standards are clearly labeled and traceable (batch or serial numbers)
- Certification of the test standards is readily available
Clear labeling, legible identification, maintaining samples in good condition and consistent testing procedures go a long way in making audits smooth and stress-free.