TECHNICAL BLOG

In the complex world of custom tube bending and tube laser cutting, precision and quality are not just aspirations but absolute necessities. As an ISO 9001:2015 company, quality is our primary focus. We operate under a defined Quality Management System (QMS), which is centered on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Our quality policy, which is displayed throughout our company, helps to give structure to what we represent, explaining in a concise way, what customers should expect.

In this blog, we will delve into some of the higher-level points that guide our approach to quality, including some specific examples that are used daily.

1. Control of documented information: having an established system to organize the versioning on documents so that employees have the most up to date information is critical for a solid quality control program. Examples of this would be work instructions for machine operation and preventative maintenance, scheduling, receiving material, material identification, as well as guidance on templates.
2. Continuous improvement: we approach this by giving all employees the ability to give suggestions and input on ways to improve processes and other aspects of the company. This is done through our Opportunity for Improvement form, available to all employees.
3. Identification & traceability: making sure that raw material is tagged, labeled, and checked into inventory properly when received allows for easy access to material location, allowing us to verify and track where material is during processing (e.g., tube bending, tube laser cutting, staging, shipping, etc.) and catching any discrepancies.
4. Customer-specific requirements: In some cases, customers may have specific quality standards or specs that we must meet. These can vary widely depending on the industry and application, and may include tolerances for bend angles, wall thickness, ovality, pressure, or other parameters to ensure that formed or cut tubes meet precise specifications.
5. Quality control checks: Quality assurance is an ongoing process. For this reason, quality control checks are integrated at multiple stages of production. This includes checks on dimensional tolerancing, material condition, smoothness of edges, or any aesthetic requirements that may be called out by the customer.

Ultimately the satisfaction of the end-user is the true measure of quality. Companies devoted to quality standards prioritize this customer-centric approach. They actively seek feedback, understand customer requirements, and tailor their processes to ensure that the final product not only meets but exceeds customer expectations.

For information about this topic, please visit our quality page or contact us to discuss your project.

This blog was authored by Chris Hernet, quality manager, Sharpe Products.