When looking for precision-crafted filtration products, quality and dependability should be your top two requirements. But how do you measure quality and dependability in the aerospace industry where safety and reliability are of the utmost importance? You abide by and get certified to the AS9100 Rev C. Standard.
In our industry, reliability and safety are key. Our expertly crafted filtration products are used in everything from military jets and nuclear submarines to applications in test & maintenance facilities and for customers such as General Electric and Lockheed Martin.
The parts we produce have to meet the demanding requirements of a wide range of jobs, and for that it was important to ensure we did everything right, which means following the most stringent safety and quality assurances standards around today.
What is the AS9100 Quality Management Standard / AS9100 Rev C.?
The AS9100 is an aerospace industry-specific standard that relates to ISO 9001 conformity and was established in 1999 by the aerospace industry as a means to help organizations that “design, develop, and produce aviation, space, and defense products” to maintain a more-than adequate quality of product.
Further, safety, airworthiness, product conformity, and reliability are all essential for aerospace applications. A unique set of standards were necessary due to the complexity and diversity of the aerospace industry’s supply chain, as even handling of the parts/materials could impact overall product performance.
A company who becomes certified to AS9100 is provided with:
- Performance based analysis aimed towards defect prevention methods and continual improvement
- Fulfilling certification requirements as approved suppliers for OEMs
- Improved customer satisfaction and reduction in audits and oversight by the OEMs
- A program for continuous improvement that follows a “Plan, Do, Check, Act” system.
- Enhanced performance and cost savings from operational consistency and reduction in rework and scrap
- A distinct advantage over the competition
- Prestigious international recognition
Besides adhering to all of the existing ISO 9001 provisions, AS9100 certified companies must meet roughly 100 other additional requirements that are specific to the industry as well. This is to ensure a more comprehensive qualification for producing, handling, and supporting aerospace-specific parts. The following parts of the supply chain and production process are affected by AS9100 standards:
- Configuration Management
- Risk Analysis
- Corrective and Preventive actions
- Design
- Purchasing
- Product Realization
- Product Monitoring & Measurement
Each of the aforementioned areas, under the AS9100 Rev. C standards require or define how that specific segment should be carried out. For instance, the design standards are in place to ensure that design-responsible organizations have a comprehensive design process that can meet the safety, reliability, and general demands of the aerospace industry.
For a more comprehensive overview of the AS9100 requirements, click here.
AS9100-certified products guarantee reliable quality
As a company, we pride ourselves on being able to provide our customers with a quality, traceable product capable of surviving some of the most demanding conditions on the planet. When you need parts for applications that can impact the safety of living people, you have to be certain you’re using only the best products—and you can trust that the AS9100 standards are some of the toughest around. That’s why at Fluid Conditioning Products, Inc., we made sure we’re designing and manufacturing our parts according to the standards developed by aerospace-industry experts.
