Steel Tube Institute Announces HSS Product Certification Program

CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Steel Tube Institute of North America (STINA) announced today that it is establishing an industry-wide, structural steel tubing (HSS) Product Certification Program.  The Program is designed to provide assurance that the HSS certified by STINA's program has been produced to, and tested to meet, ASTM standards.  

"Right now it's virtually impossible to track the chain of supply of structural steel tubing (HSS)," said Bill Wolfe, STINA's executive director.  "It may be produced anywhere in the world, then travel through a series of distribution channels before it reaches the job site.  In addition, the documentation and standards have historically been self-certified."

Mr. Wolfe went on to explain the problems this can create.  "Recently substandard product was found at job sites, which created a significant concern among specifiers and end users throughout the U.S. and Canada.  The liability of a product like HSS can include the design and engineering firms involved in the project, as well as the fabricators, contractors and project owners.  Representatives of each of these groups have expressed concern about substandard products, or products which may not meet the proper quality standards," he explained.  

That's why the Steel Tube Institute of North America, and its HSS producers, became determined to create a system to authenticate and certify the testing procedures and documentation that accompany the product.  The STI's HSS members wanted to assure their customers that the HSS they were specifying and buying was indeed made to the ASTM standards they expected.  

The result was the formation of a partnership between STINA and Intertek, one of the world's largest product testing and certification companies.  Intertek is helping to develop the criteria and procedures for the program, and will administer the evaluation and product testing required for producing companies to earn certification.  

The HSS certification process will include an engineering evaluation of each of the participating companies' manufacturing locations and the testing at Intertek's Verification Center of sample tubes that have been produced at the participating companies' mills.  

Mark Menzer, Intertek's senior director, association affairs and programs development, explained that a participating company would receive certification after it successfully completes Intertek's initial assessment of its facilities and product testing.  After a company receives Production Certification, Intertek will visit each of their facilities twice a year to review receiving records of steel coils, production processes, post production test reports and to obtain samples of manufactured tubes for testing by Intertek.  

STINA's HSS Committee members participating in the certification program include the leading U.S. and Canadian producers of HSS:  Allied Tube & Conduit, Bull Moose Tube, Evraz, JMC Steel Group, Leavitt, Hannibal Industries, Southland Tube, Valmont, Vest and Maruichi.  

While an exact timetable for certification is not yet available, testing by Intertek of STINA's member companies is expected to begin in December.  

Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world.  From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace.  Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 26,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world. www.intertek.com

The Steel Tube Institute of North America was formed in 1930 when a group of manufacturers joined forces to promote and market steel tubing.  Their goal was to mount a cooperative effort that would:  improve manufacturing techniques and inform customers about their products' utility, versatility and competitive advantages.  This, along with providing a forum for the discussion of issues impacting the industry, remains the basic motivation for the Institute's efforts.  

STI's membership consists both of Active Members — producers of steel tube and pipe — and Associate Members — companies that supply raw materials, equipment and support services.  Members obtain information about new products and production techniques; develop a rapport and exchange information with companies in the industry and work to support and advance the steel tubing industry.  

The STI's website is located at www.steeltubeinstitute.org.  Bill Wolfe, Executive Director, may be contacted by calling (847) 461-1701 or emailing [email protected].  

SOURCE The Steel Tube Institute of North America