RE-ENGINEERING There is another benefit to having access to all this kit . As well as checking the quality of a fastener from a supplier , testing methods can be used to help re-engineer a component . For example , if you are not sure what material your fastener is made of , PMI testing could identify the material . Combining this with measurement techniques that provide the physical characteristics of the fastener could enable you to work backwards to identify an alternative part that would work in the same application .
well as OEM approvals and lot traceability certification you can check for . Certain industries have more rigorous certifications , such as Aerospace AS9100:2016 / 9120:2016 standards ( AS 9100D and AS 9120 ).
Good communication and full traceability between distributor and supplier is crucial . Consolidating your suppliers into one vendor managed inventory partner , or reducing the number of vendors , will make managing quality more straightforward .
TFC does all quality testing in-house to make sure that customers are receiving the correct parts , to specification .. We proactively check parts , so our customers don ’ t have to .
Anything we forgot ? If you need a supply of fasteners checked in a way that we didn ’ t mention , let us know . TFC is always happy to add equipment to its test lab to meet customer needs .
While the majority of fastener manufacturers have the equipment to fully interrogate fastener quality , not all distributors possess the same advantage . If there is a noncompliance report , it pays to work with a distributor that tests in-house , rather than outsources , as external quality testing can take four to six weeks compared with next day .
COMMUNICATE AND COLLABORATE To make sure they have the best possible chance of fastener success , manufacturers should be rigorous with their suppliers — ask to see their certifications and establish what quality measures they have in place . A good starting point is ISO 9001 , but there are other ISO and AS standards , as
For further information , please visit www . tfc . eu . com
Issue 47 PECM 65