one MAJOR key is process control during manufacture
Measurement instruments....like for metal thickness, are checked on a regular basis, calibrated regularly and have a gauge R+R study done annually.
ISO standards require the above, so buying from an ISO certified builder is IMO, a Key Requirement.
Once you have a database, turn the math guys loose on it, you can build successful models of most anything. We used modeling extensively in semiconductor manufacture.
I expect fuses to have very regular materials....the right alloy, internal process control and a well-trained workforce working to the build specification.
Go to the littlefuse site and read around for further info. I saw a white-paper there about fuse ratings /
As for a test: It of course makes a huge difference. The test cycle could be anything from stuff like.....10 seconds on @80% fuse rating / 10 seconds off for 1 hour, followed by 'test to destruction'.
The other test cycles I'll leave up to your imagination. I just made that one up.