FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION is designed to give you easy access to specific solutions, answers and information. The answer to your question may be immediately available in one of the topics below. Please scan these FAQ prior to submitting your questions.

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS	Please your questions to us.
Is MIRDC a private or government entity? How do I check that a certain metallic item contains precious metals such as platinum? How could I avail of a particular training/seminar or any services being offered by MIRDC? Can you refer or give us the suppliers of equipment or metal components in the Phils? How long does it take for testing and calibration services? What are the terms of payment for test and calibration services? Do your laboratories conduct field jobs in testing and calibration? What are the size requirements on samples/specimen for testing? Is it possible to observe the tests conducted on our sample? Are your laboratories certified under ISO 9000? Do your laboratories entertain second party audits? What are the training courses offered by MIRDC? Are all MIRDC training programs have hands-on exercises? How long is the duration of your courses? What is the time-table? Are the training programs offered by MIRDC TESDA accredited? How can I make reservations for a particular course or training program? Does the seminar fee include meals and hotel/room accommodations? What is the mode of payment for seminar fees? Does MIRDC's welding courses lead to certification of welders in general? What machines/equipment are available at MIRDC for coco-coir processing? Glossary of terms used in Metrology
Is MIRDC a private or government entity?
The Metals Industry Research & Development Center (MIRDC) is a government institution whose operation is guided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
How do I check that a certain metallic item contains precious metals such as platinum?
The presence or absence of precious metals in a metallic item maybe verified by simple tests. The first test is to check whether the metallic item is magnetic. If it is magnetic, then it probably does not contain any precious metals, since gold, silver and platinum are not normally alloyed with iron. If the item is not magnetic, the next step is to check for the specific gravity of the metallic item. This is done by weighing the item and by taking its volume. The volume maybe estimated by calculation using formula for specific shapes, e.g. spherical, cubic, block, etc., or for irregular shapes, it can be estimated by water displacement method in a graduated cylinder, where applicable. The specific gravity is calculated by dividing the weight (in grams) over the volume (in cubic centimeters or milliliters for water displacement). A specific gravity of beyond 10 may indicate the presence of precious metals since silver has a specific gravity of 10.5, gold at 19.3 and platinum at 21.4. Otherwise, the metallic item do not contain considerable amount of precious metals. However, lead, which is not considered among the precious metals, has a specific gravity of 11.3, but has a low melting point. If a metallic item has a specific gravity of more than 10, take a small chip and attach it to the end of a steel wire. If the chip can be melted by subjecting it to a flame from a match or lighter, then it probably do not contain precious metals since precious metals melt at much higher temperatures than lead. If the metallic item is non-magnetic, has a specific gravity of more than 10 and does not melt under a match or lighter flame, a chemical or spectrometer test may be in order which is available at MIRDC.
How long does it take for testing and calibration services?
The lead-time of our testing and calibration services depend on the requirements of our clients, which includes: type of test and volume of samples. Our laboratories however, operate on a first come first serve basis. Normally, the lead-time can range from three(3) days for simple testing requirements (e.g. tensile testing of reinforcing steel bars, carbon or sulfur analysis) to one (1) month for complex calibration requirements. It is strongly advised that clients directly ask our laboratories on the lead-time of specific test and calibration requirements.

What are the terms of payment for test and calibration services?

A 100% full payment is required in most of our tests upon submission of the samples/specimen. We, however, allow downpayments particularly for those involving considerable amount of money and for field jobs. A downpayment is stipulated in a quotation submitted to the client and must be settled first before commencement of the job. The remaining balance must be paid upon issuance of the test certificate.

Do your laboratories conduct field jobs in testing and calibration?

ATD laboratories conduct field jobs in nondestructive testing, radiographic, ultrasonic and surface methods testing and in metallographic replications. Inplant calibration are likewise entertained, particularly on difficult or impossible to transport measuring equipment, e.g. universal testing machines, granite surface plates, fixed temperature measuring instruments, etc. It is strongly advised that clients directly communicate with our laboratories on their requirements and for scheduling.

What are the size requirements on samples/specimen for testing? For Chemical Laboratories, samples for Vacuum Emission Spectrometry must have at least 20mm diameter flat surface, while at least 50 grams of ferrous or non ferrous metals and alloys chips, powders, or bits is required for other methods (AAS, C/S Analyzer, UV-VIS and wet chemical methods).   For physical testing of metals and alloys, the size and shape requirements are provided for in different test methods. Clients must first communicate with our laboratories on the required specimen dimensions and preparation requirements.

Is it possible to observe the tests conducted on our sample?

Yes, for the following specific tests: Chemical Analysis with the use of Vacuum Emission Spectrometry and Carbon Sulfur Analyzer. All tests conducted in our Corrosion Laboratory All Physical Tests except for Radiographic Testing and Failure Analysis Witnessing of tests are not allowed for Calibration and Metrology Services. A fee of P250.00 is added to your account for witnessing of tests.

Are your Laboratories certified under ISO 9000? The ATD laboratories do not conform to ISO 9000 but rather to ISO/IEC 17025, "General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories". All our laboratories in Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila are accredited by the Philippine Accreditation Office (PAO) in accordance with PNS ISO/IEC17025.

Do your Laboratories entertain second party audits? Yes, we welcome second party audits, although we require that a request be sent to the Division Chief of ATD, preferably at least two weeks in advance. Upon concurrence of the specified laboratory, we will inform the client and agree on the schedule of audit. No unannounced or drop-in audits are entertained.

How could I avail of a particular training/seminar or any services being offered by MIRDC? The full range of seminars and training courses including all the other services provided by MIRDC with the corresponding schedules and fees are posted at the MIRDC Website under the category "Services" or "Seminars and Trainings".  Also posted is the MIRDC "Service Guide" to help you get the correct services and provide you the procedural steps involved in processing any services you wish to avail of from MIRDC. You will likewise find dedicated pages that list the various test schedules and fees for all the services. It also identifies the personnel whom you should contact should you have any query, comments, suggestions, or complaints regarding any of the following services. - Industrial Training - Technology and Business Advisory or Technical Consultancy - Analysis and Testing - Research and Development - Metalworking - Metalcasting - Information Dissemination If you are in the region, you may contact the DOST Regional or Provincial Office nearest you. Can you refer or give us the suppliers of equipment or metal components in the Phils? The MIRDC has published the 2004 Philippine Metal Products Directory which is a much-improved and user-friendly directory of the country's metal manufacturers. This edition is designed to help you find quickly the companies offering certain product line or service in the directory. Through this publication, the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) aims to promote the various quality metal commodities/services now produced/offered by local manufacturers. To obtain a copy, you may write or call the Metals Industry Research and Development Center, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila at Tel. No.: 837-0431 to 38 or Fax No.: 838-7878. What are the training courses offered by MIRDC? The MIRDC, through our Industrial Training & Staff Development Section of the Industry Assistance Division offers training programs in the areas of: - analysis and testing - engineering production and planning - metalworking technology - high machining technology - management and supervisory - productivity improvement,  - metalcasting technology - trainer's training program - quality management system An itemized list of courses per subject area can be accessed through our website with its brief course background, corresponding schedules and seminar fees. A complete Course Structure of each Program Title can also be downloaded through the said website. Are all MIRDC training programs have hands-on exercises? MIRDC's technical training programs have hands-on and demonstration exercises since our training program methodology comprises of 30% lecture and 70% hands-on. How long is the duration of your courses? What is the time-table? The duration of training courses varies per type of program. The shortest course has a twelve (12) hour duration which is conducted for two (2) days with a 9am-4pm time schedule.  The longest course has a 40-hour duration conducted for five (5) days with an 8am-5pm time schedule. Are the training programs offered by MIRDC TESDA accredited? MIRDC has no affiliations with TESDA. MIRDC is a government agency that operates under the umbrella of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The center is an ISO 9001:2000 certified government institution. Do you conduct in-plant training programs? The Center also conducts in-plant/in-house training programs through its packaged program scheme. This includes customized training programs required by any requesting company client.  Packaged programs are quoted based on the minimum participant requirement wherein a proposal is prepared based on the training needs requirement of the client, availability of equipment/facilities and resource person/s. A training contract is presented to the client in a form of Terms and Conditions stipulating the specific roles of both parties (MIRDC and Client) on the conduct of the training program and the amount due for said service. How can I make reservations for a particular course or training program? For public-run training programs:  Registration procedure entails the accomplishment of the official MIRDC reservation form (ITSDS 021) which can be downloaded through our website .  The duly accomplished/signed reservation form may be sent to us either through e-mail address: mirdc_training@yahoo.com or through fax nos. 837-0764 or 837-0430.  Verification of its receipt should be made by the client through our Industrial Training and Staff Development Section personnel through tel. Nos. 837-0431 to 38 locals 464/465/467 or 837-0764. Seminar reservation/s will be considered OFFICIAL upon receipt of the duly accomplished reservation form (ITSDS 021). Upon receipt of your reservation, a call from our ITSDS personnel can be expected by the clients in order to advise them of the status of their reservation/s and confirmation of their attendance to the chosen training program. Information regarding cancellation of reservation/s and issuance of certificate of completion are stipulated in the reservation form (ITSDS 021) under the Registration Information. For Packaged Programs or In-plant Conduct of Training Programs: Receipt of the duly signed Terms and Conditions initiates the business process. Arrangement on venue, schedules, training program facilitation and other details related to the conduct of the chosen training program shall be coordinated by MIRDC's Technical Program Coordinator with the requesting client. Does the seminar fee include meals and hotel/room accommodations? Our seminar fee is inclusive of meals (morning snacks, lunch and afternoon snacks), hand-outs, training certificates and other training paraphernalia.  It is exclusive of hotel or room accommodations for participants coming from the regions. However, we can provide assistance by giving information regarding the nearest hotel accommodations that you can avail. What is the mode of payment for seminar fees? Payment of seminar fees can be made on the first day of the seminar either in cash or check (payable to MIRDC). Please be advised that we do not accept Personal Checks and Post Dated Checks. MIRDC is a regular government agency and NON-VAT registered. Therefore, client shall pay in full as quoted, i.e. NO DEDUCTIONS/WITHOLDING TAXES. Does MIRDC's welding courses lead to certification of welders in general? MIRDC training programs does not provide trade-testing certification services of personnel. The center's training programs only concentrates on technology transfer through skills upgrading of personnel.  What machines/equipment are available at MIRDC for coco-coir processing? For maximum utilization of coco coir, the MIRDC has developed various types of equipment to produce viable export quality coco coir products. These equipment are designed to meet the growing demand for geotextile net or coco-net to control soil erosion, save human lives and improve the livelihood of people. Coco Husk Beater Machine. Use to crush coconut husk into small portions. It is made of B.I. sheet consisting of an impeller that is welded on a shaft and supported by pillow block bearing at end points. Decorticating Machine. The coco husk fibers are separated from its dust, peat and hard cover through the continuous hammering and crushing of rotating set of longitudinal blunt-tipped blades. Carding Machine. A fiber-cleaning machine that opens the decorticated coco coir flocks into individual fibers. The machine eliminates impurities, dust and reduces neps-short fibers. It is also used for blending fibers, fiber orientation and or alignment formation. The machine features rigid spring-loaded clamping rollers that secure the fibers throughout its width, gripping the fibers tightly without slippage during fiber separation. Winnowing Machine. A screen that acts a cleaning mechanism to dust the decorticated fibers. The machine consists of metal bars as its frame and plastic screen. Slivering Machine. Used for twisting the coir together in order to produce a rope-like strand. Two or more of these strands when intertwined forms a twine. It is a manually operated pedal-type machine which requires only one operator. Twining Machine. This machine produces 4-6 mm diameter two-ply rope by intertwining the fibers, it is powered by a 2-hp motor that drives the pulleys and gear mechanism. It attains the optimum condition and performance by employing speed control vis-à-vis quantity and volume of fibers coming from the conveyor, i.e., twice as much its usual capacity and this improves the fiber strength. Looming Machine. A stitching device that weaves mat, rugs and other products by crossing two sets of threads over and under each other. The maximum width of the coco coir mat that the machine can accommodate is up to 1500 mm. Latex Rubber Mixer. A rotary tumbler for mixing rubber compounds to make it soft and ready for spray on the coir mat. The sprayed rubber, acts as a binder and serves as an anti-slippage material on the coco coir mat. The coco coir mats are used in geotextile products such as coir logs, coco peat, plant liner and others. The tumbler has motor-driven rotating drum with steel balls inside that act as pulverizers for the rubber compound. Coco Mat Roller Press. A mechanized roller press used to flatten coco coir mats into a desired uniform thickness. This machine replaces the current practice of hammering the coco coir mat by mallet. The mat roller press remarkably increased production of geotextile products by 100 percent. Baling Machine. A lelver-type machine, handled by a single operator, that can produce 6 bales per hour with 28 kg per baling depending on the force applied. It is low cost, lightweight, easy to operate, mobile and can be operated on site. It has a horizontal stabiler to keep the machine from tilting during operation. For more information, you may write or call the Metals Industry Research and Development Center, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila at Tel. No.: 837-0431 to 38 or Fax No.: 838-7878.  Glossary of terms used in metrology   ACCURACY  A general term describing the degree of closeness with which the indications of an instrument approach the true values of the quantities measured. CALIBRATION  The process of determining the characteristic relation between the values of the physical quantity applied to the instrument and the corresponding positions of the index. CALIBRATION  All the operations for the purpose of determining the values of the errors of a measuring instrument (and, if necessary, to determine other metrological properties). CORRECTION  The amount which should be added to the indicated value, due regard being paid to sign, to obtain the true value of the quantity measured. DEVIATION  The divergence of the value of a quantity from a standard or reference value. ERROR OF MEASUREMENT  The discrepancy between the result of the measurement and the true value of the quantity measured. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD  A standard recognized by international agreement as the basis for fixing the values of all other standards of the given quantity. LEGAL METROLOGY  The part of metrology which treats of units of measurement, methods of measurement and of measuring instruments, in relation to mandatory technical and legal requirements. MEASUREMENT  The operations having the object of determining the value of a quantity. METROLOGY  The field of knowledge concerned with measurement. NATIONAL STANDARD  A standard recognized by a national decision as the basis for fixing the value, in a country, of all other standards of the given quantity. PARALLAX ERROR  A reading error which is produced when, the index being at a certain distance from the surface of the scale, the observation of the reading is not made in the appropriate direction. PRIMARY STANDARD  A standard of a particular quantity which has the highest class of metrological qualities in a given field. REFERENCE STANDARD  A standard, generally the best available at a location, from which the measurements made at the location are derived. REPEATABILITY  The reproducibility of the readings of an instrument when a series of tests is carried out in a short interval of time under fixed conditions of use. REPEATABILITY (of measurement)  A quantitative expression of the closeness of the agreement between the results of successive measurements of the same value of the same quantity carried out by the same method, by the same observer, with the same measuring instruments, at the same location at appropriately short intervals of time. REPRODUCIBILITY (of measurement)  A quantitative expression of the closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements of the same value of the same quantity, where the individual measurements are made under different defined conditions:    by different methods, with different measuring instruments; by different observers, at different locations; after intervals of time appropriately long compared with the duration of a single measurement; under different customary conditions of use of the instruments employed. SCALE RANGE  The difference between the nominal values of the measured quantities corresponding to the terminal case marks. SECONDARY STANDARD  A standard the value of which is determined by direct or indirect comparison with a primary standard. TRACEABILITY  The concept of establishing a valid calibration of a measuring instrument or measurement standard, by step-by-step comparison with better standards up to an accepted or specified standard. TRANSFER STANDARD  A measuring device used to compare measurement standards, or to compare a measuring instrument with a measurement standard by sequential comparison. TRAVELLING STANDARD  A measuring device, sometimes of special construction, used for the comparison of values of a measured quantity at different locations. UNCERTAINTY OF MEASUREMENT  That part of the expression of the result of a measurement which states the range of values within which the true value or, if appropriate, the conventional true value is estimated to lie. WORKING STANDARD  A measurement standard, not specifically reserved as a reference standard, which is intended to verify measuring instruments of lower accuracy.

Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) 
MIRDC Compound Gen. Santos Ave. Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila 
Tel. No. 837-04-31 to 38
Fax No. 837-04-30