THE STORY
THE STORY
THE STORY
The founders of Ignis were involved in joinery and manufacturing of fire doors for a Cape Town-based fire door supplier. After quitting manufacturing, they developed a core for fire doors. This expertise and interest led to fire testing, research, and development, ultimately leading to their own furnace to test fire doors. This first furnace marked a significant milestone in the journey of building full-scale testing furnaces to support the building industry and sparked the formation of Ignis Testing. Since then, we have grown into a reputable company fulfilling a crucial role in the building industry, filling the gap for more testing facilities.
A significant development in the story of Ignis Testing occurred when Prof Richard Walls from the University of Stellenbosch, the only university in South Africa to operate a fire engineering research unit, reached out. This encounter cemented a collaborative relationship between Ignis Testing and the University of Stellenbosch, furthering the company’s mission to advance fire safety. Ignis Testing began supporting fire testing for postgraduate students aiding in crucial research and development. Notably, a team member, Dirk, co-supervised a master’s thesis and was referenced in academic papers submitted by postgraduate students. Dirk and the team continue to be involved in ongoing relevant research.
Fire resistance testing was well established by 2019. Ignis saw the addition of a cone calorimeter, the only one of its kind in Southern Africa, in 2020. This was the first step in establishing our cutting-edge reaction-to-fire laboratory. The full repertoire of our testing range allows for the classification of materials and enables research into fire properties, which supports the research and development of our clients. The Ignis team successfully collaborates and draws from the expertise of all the engineering disciplines, such as civil, mechanical, process, and electrical engineering. Adopting the ISO 17025 quality management system for laboratories was a natural evolution to ensure quality service.
Ignis Testing, with its passion, grew and evolved into an unwavering fire safety dedicated business. With numerous satisfied clients who value their support throughout the testing process, the company is “fired up” and poised for further growth and success in the future. This continuous commitment to excellence and a vision for a safer future drives Ignis Testing toward newer heights in the industry. Ignis Testing is currently designing a state-of-the-art testing facility with an 18m high roof, including smoke and gas scrubbing. The facility will enable Ignis Testing to offer more types of tests, such as enclosed façade, movable ceiling chamber, free burning, and other unique tests requiring ample space and a high roof.
WE ALWAYS PROVIDE:
WE ALWAYS PROVIDE:
WE ALWAYS PROVIDE:
WHAT WE DO NOT DO
WHAT WE DO NOT DO
WHAT WE DO NOT DO
The structural stability of an element under testing refers to its capability to withstand collapse when subjected to high temperatures. Integrity focuses on the element's ability to restrict the passage of flames and hot gases from one compartment to another, which is critical in preventing the spread of fire. Insulation refers to the component's effectiveness in limiting the rise of temperature on the un-exposed or non-fire side, thus providing a safety barrier for occupants and sensitive equipment.