In high-stakes laboratory testing, Proficiency Testing (PT), also known as Interlaboratory Comparison (ILC) or External Quality Assessment (EQA), serves as the gold standard for evaluating lab performance. These round-robin tests require multiple labs to analyse identical material samples, with results benchmarked against certified reference values. The outcome is a transparent, objective comparison of accuracy, repeatability and method reliability.
Composite Test & Evaluation (CTE), an ISO-accredited, independent materials testing lab, recently participated in a proficiency testing program organised by the German Institute for Proficiency Testing (DRRR). The specific challenge was the tensile testing of quasi-isotropic glass-fibre composite (GFK) under ISO 527 conditions.
In a field of 15 labs, CTE had to demonstrate not just competence, but excellence.
To ensure the most precise and repeatable results, CTE made a strategic shift away from traditional measurement tools like Clip-On Extensometers and Strain Gauges, which are prone to mechanical error, slippage and operator variability. Instead, they adopted the Vector B80, our non-contact extensometer that delivers accurate, traceable data without disturbing the specimen.
The motivation was clear: a robust system that ensures measurement integrity, repeatability and long-term confidence in results, exactly what’s required for a successful proficiency test outcome.
According to the final report from DRRR, CTE, designated as ‘Lab 14’, ranked among the top performers:
As shown in the data table, CTE’s five tests for Tensile Modulus yielded results of 23.5, 23.6, 23.6, 23.5 and 23.6 GPa. This remarkably low standard deviation of just 0.114 is visualised on the comparison charts as one of the tightest error bars of any participant, proving the exceptional repeatability of Vector.
The mean values for Tensile Modulus and Elongation at Tensile Strength were nearly identical to the certified reference data. In fact, CTE confirmed that the only deviation from a perfect match stemmed from a minor data-entry error, not from the measurement process itself. Vector’s raw measurement output was flawless.
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