FAQ
- certifications & Accreditation
- Collaboration & Research
- Access to Services
- Access to Documentation
- Membership
- Diversity & Inclusion
Is CRM Group ISO 9001 Certified for Research and Laboratory Services?
Yes, CRM Group has been ISO 9001 certified since 2006 for research, testing, pilot line trials, and calibrations. This certification demonstrates our ongoing commitment to quality, consistency, and technical competence in all laboratory activities. As a result, our quality management system ensures impartial operations and reliable processes across every project.
In addition, we regularly monitor customer satisfaction to support continuous improvement. The accreditation also covers interactions with clients, regulatory authorities, and certification bodies.
You can find more details and our ISO 9001 certificate on our Quality Management page.
Furthermore, CRM Group holds ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for specific tests and calibration procedures. This is granted under the BELAC system, which follows ILAC's international framework for laboratory recognition.
For more information, you can access our most recent certificates here and here.
Which Laboratory Tests Are ISO 17025 Accredited at CRM Group?
CRM Group is accredited for several types of tests under the International standard ISO17025 in particular for:
- Mechanical tests on metallic materials: tensile at room temperature, hardness (Rockwell, Vickers and Brinell), toughness and bending;
- Chemical analysis of metallic materials: OES, C, S, diffusible H, Zn coating thickness, reaction to fire;
- Grain size determination of metallic materials;
- Non-destructive defect analysis: X-ray, magnetoscopy, die penetrant, ultrasound and visual inspection;
- Hydraulic testing of parts under pressure, He leakage testing and fire resistance testing of hydraulic components.
Our accreditation reference under BELAC is 267-TEST and details of the competences covered by this scope are detailed here.
Some of these tests are also offered as an on-site service for parts that cannot be transported to our laboratory facilities. Please feel free to contact us for further information or a specific quotation through our contact form.
Can CRM Group Calibrate My Tensile Testing Machine On-Site?
CRM Group offers both on-site and off-site calibration of tensile and compression test machines and their load cells in agreement with the requirements of standard NBN EN ISO 7500-1 and according the International standard ISO /CEI 17025. The range of load covered by our equipment is the following:
- Tensile test machine calibration from 0.1 to 1000 kN (dynamometry)
- Load cell calibration from 0.1 to 1000 kN (dynamometry)
The class of accuracy we can offer is 0,5 following the standard NBN EN ISO7500.
Our accreditation reference under BELAC is 267-CAL and details of the competences covered by this scope are detailed here.
Please feel free to contact us for further information or a specific quotation for a calibration intervention through our contact form.
Does CRM Group Calibrate Industrial Pyrometers and Infrared Sensors?
Yes, CRM Group can calibrate pyrometers from any brand or model, including those used in laboratories or industrial settings. Our calibration lab includes three high-stability black body furnaces with emissivity greater than 0.998. Additionally, we use two standard pyrometers and one platinum resistance thermometer for precise calibration.
This setup allows us to cover a wide temperature range from 50°C to 1600°C. We calibrate all types of infrared pyrometers: short or broad wavelength, two-color, multiwavelength, scanners, and thermographic cameras.
Moreover, for some devices, we can adjust the calibration curve if technical specifications are provided.
Currently, our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited range covers 300°C to 1600°C. This accreditation is granted by BELAC under reference number 267-CAL.
You can find full details of our certified scope here.
Finally, feel free to contact us for more information or to request a custom calibration quotation.
What Are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and How Is CRM Group Involved?
SDGs are the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the United Nations to promote global social, economic, and environmental progress. At CRM Group, sustainability is part of our core mission and guides all our innovation efforts.
Therefore, we aim to create long-term value for our customers, employees, and the planet—« for a better future ».
To reinforce this commitment, CRM Group launched a three-year sustainable entrepreneurship certification program in 2023. This program is overseen by the CCI Liège-Verviers and aims for UNITAR recognition in sustainable development.
As part of the initiative, we launched 30 sustainability actions aligned with five priority SDGs. In the first year alone, we successfully completed 10 impactful actions. For example, we evaluated our carbon footprint (including scope 3) and reduced our electricity use.
Additionally, we implemented biodiversity actions and developed a rainwater collection strategy. These actions are based on the “Swarmwise methodology”, which encourages employee-driven sustainability. As a result, CRM Group earned its first SDG certificate (ODD) from the CCI in 2024.
View our first SDG certificate here.
Is CRM Group a Recognized Research Center in Wallonia?
Yes, CRM Group is an accredited research center in Wallonia, recognized by the Walloon Region for its expertise and contributions to the steel industry and metal related sectors. All 19 accredited Walloon research centers are joint in the Wal-Tech npo allowing joint scientific and technological actions in a confidential environment towards the local industrial ecosystem.
Is CRM Group a Collective Research Center Under the De Groote Law?
Yes, CRM Group is one of the 10 collective research centers, which were established under the De Groote Law of January 30, 1947. This law laid the foundation for collaborative research efforts as they were set up by the respective companies of a given sector to promote and coordinate technical progress, research and information to serve all companies in their sector across various industries. All research centers established under this law are also known as the Innovaders.
Is There a Fee to Collaborate with CRM Group?
No, there is no entry or access fee to collaborate with CRM Group. However if you intend to work with us within the spirit of a bilateral partnership, we offer our CRM Group Membership that gives you access to additional advantages in exchange for an annual fee that depends on the type of company. We have approximately 45 CRM Group members which you can discover here. Make sure to reach out to us if you would like more detailed information about CRM Group Membership.
Can CRM Group Help My Company Secure Regional Funding or Grants?
CRM Group is actively participating in the follow-up, construction and execution of several regional funding programs. Hence we have a comprehensive overview of the potential calls available in Flanders and Wallonia either through the standard financing tools as well as the cluster oriented calls. We monitor the opportunities in the programs of MateriNex, Skywin, Greenwin, Pôle Mecatech, Logistics in Wallonia, the cluster Tweed and other relevant funding sources as a function of your localization like “Cheques Technologiques” in Wallonia, “KMO portefeuille” in Flanders or even “Credit d’Impôt Recherche” (CIR) in France.
Is CRM Group Actively Participating in the Horizon Europe Program?
Yes, we are currently active in more than 25 European projects of which 5 in the recent Horizon Europe program. To discover on which topics and with which partners we collaborate quickly check our Projects page and find your subject of interest thanks to our search engine. With the help of both Wallonia and Flemish NCP offices we monitor closely the call opportunities in line with the challenges of our partners and our competences.
Is CRM Group Involved in the RFCS (Research Fund for Coal and Steel) Program?
CRM Group is one of the founding partners of this collective coal and steel research program. On an annual basis we submit about 10 projects of which depending on the success rate 3 to 5 get accepted. Often we embrace the role of coordinator as we have extensive experience in mounting quality consortia and impactful research projects. We currently coordinate over 10 projects in different European research programs.
What Types of Material Analysis Services Does CRM Group Offer?
CRM Group offers a wide range of material analysis services, from simple evaluations to full product or process development. In addition, we support prototype creation and industrial implementation when needed. For initial assessments, we can conduct literature reviews and basic testing in our three main laboratories. These include a chemical characterization lab, an optical analysis lab, and a mechanical testing lab. As a result, we help optimize material performance, reduce risks and costs, and improve component selection for specific applications. Ready to explore a solution? Challenge us with your problem and get in touch.
Does CRM Group Perform On-Site Industrial Measurements?
Several of our analysis tools are valid for measuring on site when your item that needs to be investigated is too large, too heavy or simple needs to be tested whilst in service. The techniques that are available at your premises are: XRF chemical composition analysis of metals, OES portable chemical analysis of several metals (steel, titanium, aluminum, nickel and copper), non-destructive testing with ultrasound and X-ray (only in Belgium) and general measurements of visual inspection of metallic parts or metal/coating thickness, roughness, hardness measurements.
Can we help you ? Find out by challenging us with your problem and get in touch.
What Material Property Domains Are CRM Group’s Experts Specialized In?
What If Standard Product or Process Analysis Isn’t Sufficient?
When no obvious solution with existing materials or processes is found, a second step could be the development of new innovative product and/or process tailored to your needs including a support on tender invitations to acquire financial support allowing such research actions.
To get in touch with our research teams, leave your coordinates here and we will come back to you as soon as possible.
Can CRM Group Assist with Industrial Implementation of New Processes?
Competences such as prototyping, design and creation of simulation test benches are an essential advantage to the introduction and strategic positioning of an industrial project. With the involvement of our engineering service we can support your project with basic and detailed engineering specifications and even execution. In addition this can be complemented with the use or development of calculation tools, dedicated sensors and models to clarify complex physical phenomena.
Can we help you ? Find out by challenging us with your problem and get in touch.
What Are CRM Group’s Core Competencies in Research and Industry?
CRM Group’s key competences include metal analysis, behavior assessment in complex environments, and sustainable process development. Additionally, we support the industrial use of metals across a wide range of products and applications. In some cases, we start from scratch by testing concepts in a lab environment. Then, we seek relevant partners to scale the solution into a real industrial process or product. As a result, our expertise extends well beyond the steel industry, covering multiple sectors. For more examples, visit our Projects and Sectors pages.
Does CRM Group Offer Tailored Technical Training for Companies?
Based on its experience in the steel industry our experts can offer you tailored workshop hosted by our scientific teams on topics all along the entire steel production route. Feel free to contact us with your specific request and we will offer you different levels on insight depending on the target audience in topics like steelmaking, steel forming, cooling technologies, materials characterization, metallographic preparation, surface properties, welding and many more.
Please feel free to contact us for further information or a specific quotation on a dedicated training through our contact form.
Does CRM Group Provide Access to a Scientific Library or Archive?
Yes, CRM Group has a scientific library with approximately 6,000 books and wide access to scientific journals, both in print and digital formats.
If the book or article you need is not available, we can also obtain it from other institutions in Europe.
To use this service, your company must be a member of CRM Group and send the references of the required book or article to the following address:
Can CRM Group Conduct a Patent Search for My Company?
Yes, we can conduct patent or bibliographic searches for your company if you are a member of CRM Group.
Patent searches are performed using the Totalpatent platform, while bibliographic searches are conducted via Scopus.
You will need to provide a detailed list of keywords by email. The results will be sent to you in either an Excel or PDF file, according to your preference.
Additionally, we can set up patent watch or article monitoring services, providing you with periodic updates (monthly, bi-monthly, etc.) based on your chosen schedule.
How Can I Become a Member of CRM Group?
You can find all the necessary information here. If you're interested in becoming a member, please use our contact form to get in touch.
Is CRM Group membership mandatory to have access to the services offered?
No, it is not mandatory to become a CRM Group member to have access to our services. However if you intend to work with us within the spirit of a bilateral partnership, we offer our CRM Group Membership that gives you access to additional advantages in exchange for an annual fee that depends on the type of company. Make sure to reach out to us if you would like more detailed information about CRM Group Membership.
Who are the other members of CRM Group?
We have approximately 45 CRM Group members which you can discover here.
How Does CRM Group Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace?
At CRM Group we believe that diversity and equal opportunities are a source of enrichment, innovation and creativity that enhance the quality of our research and development activity.
The CRM Group is committed to:
1. Exclude any form of discrimination based on sex, alleged race, color, ethnic or social origin, language, religious or philosophical belief, property, birth, disability or physical characteristic, current or future state of health, age, sexual orientation, marital status or family situation, and to respect and promote the application of this principle of non-discrimination both in relations with its employees and with its external partners.
2. To ensure that diversity is reflected as much as possible in its workforce at all levels and to guarantee equal opportunities at every stage of the employee's career and in the many areas of human resources management: remuneration, recruitment, training, skills development and career development.
3. To implement a modern human resources policy in which everyone feels valued for their merits and has the opportunity to develop their skills throughout their career.
4. To communicate the commitment to the implementation of an equal opportunities and diversity policy to its employees and inform them of the results of the actions taken.
5. Raise awareness and train employees in charge of human resources management and managers on the challenges and implementation of an equal opportunities and diversity policy.
6. Respect and promote this policy with regard to its external partners (customers, suppliers, residents, temporary workers, visitors, etc.)
What Is CRM Group’s Commitment to Gender Equality and Equity?
At CRM Group, we believe that diversity and equal opportunities are a source of enrichment, innovation and creativity that enhance the quality of our research and development activity.
We believe that inclusion is an opportunity to make every employee a carrier of our company values.
The CRM Group’s Gender Equality Plan (GEP), which aims to promote gender equality and a culture of inclusion in its research and development activities, is part of :
• Diversity & Inclusion Policy
• Horizon Europe framework programme (2021-2027)
Want to know more? You can consult the document via this link