Testing and experimental facilities for technical insulation materials

according to the test specifications of DIN EN 12667, ISO 8302 and ASTM C 177

• in the temperature range of -180 °C to 800 °C 

according to the test specifications of DIN 52613 and DIN EN ISO 8497

• in the temperature range of -70 °C to +300 °C mean temperature
• at 40 °C mean temperature for insulation materials for heating systems
• at 50 °C mean temperature for district heating pipes

• Dimensional stability under specified temperature and humidity conditions according to DIN EN 1604

• Maximum Service Temperature according to DIN EN 14706 and DIN EN 14707, EN ISO 18097 and EN ISO 18096

• for insulation systems
• for building components

• Classification of the fire behaviour according to DIN EN 13501-1, class E
• Non-combustibility test according to DIN EN ISO 1182
• Determination of the gross heat of combustion according to DIN EN ISO 1716
• Ignitability of products subjected to direct impingement of flame according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2
• Determination of a building product’s propensity to undergo continuous smouldering according to DIN EN 16733

• Characteristics, dimensions, thickness
• Apparent density according to DIN EN 1602 and DIN EN 13470
• Tensile strength according to DIN EN 1607, tear strength, transverse tensile strength
• Deformation under defined pressure and temperature conditions according to DIN EN 1605
• Compression behaviour according to DIN EN 826
• Shear behaviour according to DIN EN 12090
• Bending behaviour according to DIN EN 12089
• Coefficient of thermal expansion and contraction according to ISO/CD 23766 and following DIN EN 13471

• Determination of long term water absorption by immersion according to DIN EN 12087 when fully immersed
• Determination of short term water absorption by partial immersion according to DIN EN 1609 and DIN EN 13472
• Water vapour transmission properties according to DIN EN ISO 12572, DIN EN 12086 and DIN EN 13469

• Determination of volume percentage of open cells and closed cells according to DIN EN ISO 4590
• Cell gas composition with a gas chromatograph 
• Determination of trace quantities of water soluble chloride and pH according to DIN EN 13468
• Determination of airflow resistance according to DIN EN 29053, DIN EN ISO 9053-1
• Non-fibrous components (shot content)
• Determination of organic content according to DIN EN 13820
• Determination of the absence of silicon of insulation materials

• On-site measurements with heat flow meter, temperature sensors and/ or infrared camera

Technical insulation materials are used to insulate technical systems and industrial applications, whereas insulation materials in construction are primarily used for building envelopes. Technical insulation materials are exposed to significantly higher and more complex stresses. These include, among other things, high or low temperatures, increased requirements for water vapor diffusion, specific installation methods on site, and varying geometries such as pipelines, hoses, tanks, or system components. Typical applications include the insulation of refrigeration and district heating pipelines, containers, tanks, casting foams, or entire technical systems. Accordingly, the relevant testing properties also differ. For technical insulation materials, particular focus is placed on temperature-dependent thermal conductivity, the upper and lower application temperature limits, and the content of water-soluble chlorides.

FIW Munich carries out comprehensive testing of technical insulation materials. As an independent testing laboratory, we test according to established national and international standards. Our range of services includes both accredited tests and tests in accordance with other DIN EN, ISO, and ASTM standards or tests carried out in technical alignment with these regulations. We coordinate with you individually to determine which test and standard are most suitable in each case.

FIW Munich is officially accredited for a wide range of testing methods in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018. This accreditation confirms the technical competence, methodological reliability, and independence of our testing laboratory and ensures test results at a high technical level.
Further information on FIW Munich's accreditation: https://www.dakks.de/de/akkreditierte-stelle.html?id=D-PL-14116-01-00. 

At FIW Munich, we test a broad spectrum of technical thermal and cold insulation materials and related systems. These include mineral wool (MW), cellular glass (CG), flexible elastomeric foams (FEF), polyurethane (PU), phenolic foam (PF), vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), silica-based insulation materials, aerogels, as well as local and district heating pipe systems.

In addition, we examine many other materials and customized solutions. We are happy to clarify individually whether and how your product can be tested by us.

The required information depends on the respective test. Generally, we need information on the type of material, the desired test, and the temperature range. For better classification, the product name, details of the application area, and a brief product description are also helpful. This information allows us to determine the appropriate testing methodology - such as according to DIN EN, ISO, or ASTM standards - and to process your request efficiently.

Yes. FIW Munich is not only certified in accordance with EN ISO 17025, but also meets the high requirements of “KEYMARK registered labs” for insulation materials.

Test reports from FIW Munich can be prepared in either German or English. This ensures that the test results can be optimally used by both national and international customers, partners, and certification bodies.