The A2LA Mechanical field of testing relates to tests, measurements, and evaluation of physical properties of materials, components, and assemblies across a wide variety of industries and products.

Materials tested in the A2LA Mechanical field can include metals, plastics, rubber, textiles, wood, paper, coatings and paint on products that range from raw materials all the way through the final product. The Mechanical field can also include dimensional testing (not dimensional calibration).

A2LA has accredited laboratories in the Mechanical field in numerous industries, including, but not limited to automotive/transportation, aerospace/defense, medical, consumer product testing, power production, construction, protective equipment and electronics.

Program Requirements

• ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Accreditation of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
• Optional Requirements for the Accreditation of Field Work
  • A2LA also offers additional requirements for laboratories performing tests in the field (i.e., at other than a permanent laboratory site).
• Optional Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements related to testing of medical devices.

Mechanical Testing Subprograms

In addition to the general Mechanical field of testing, subprograms have been developed within this field in the following areas, each of which has associated with it additional, specific requirements for accreditation. These subprograms include:

• GE Aviation S400 Program
• Consumer Product Safety Testing (CPSC)
• EPA Energy Star Program