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Since we bear the entire risk of poor quality, we are very selective about our Chinese Partners.
(Both are ISO-9002 Certified) Through the "Blended Supply" program, if parts do arrive wrong,
we will make them here so you do not miss a delivery.
Our quality process in China is part of what makes us hard to beat on Quality. Most of this
information is proprietary to the company, but following is a brief overview of our procedures:
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- 1. All items are produced domestically first to be sure that the part is proven out on the machines. We determine critical dimensions to be inspected and prepare at least 5 samples.
- 2. Samples are shipped with detailed drawings complete with notes on each operation.
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- 3. Samples are completed and sent for CMM testing.
- 4. Samples are also sent to the Shanghai International Trade Metal Test Centre for Chemical Composition Testing using ASTM standards, and Hardness Testing when applicable.
- 5. Samples and applicable reports are shipped to Ashland for re-testing and approval. (Production does not begin until parts are approved by Ashland.)
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- 6. Our two mobile engineers visit each of our Joint Venture Factories and oversee each job. They develop the inspection procedures, checking fixtures, go/no go gauges, etc. for each part and show operators how to properly inspect the parts. During this phase the operators inspect 100% of the parts using the idiot-proof checking devices designed by the engineers.
- 7. Engineers randomly select parts for inspection during the process to ensure job is on-track, and parts meet quality and finish requirements. Engineers have the original samples to compare.
- 8. Additionally, a representative from Ashland visits each factory once per quarter to review progress on all projects.
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- 9. Using AQL Level 1 Inspection Procedures and Requirements (Same level as required for US military jobs). The appropriate number of parts are randomly selected for full inspection by Engineers. AQL Level 1 mandates that the entire job is rejected and fully inspected if there is even one critical defect, or more than 1% major defects, or greater than 2.5% minor defects.
- 10. Once parts arrive at Ashland, QA Manager randomly selects the required sample size using AQL Level 1 Inspection Procedures. They use the original checking fixtures to inspect quality. If there are any defects in selected parts, the entire order is inspected for quality. Customers only receive approved parts, scrap parts are discarded.
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