Navigating Regulatory and Quality Compliance in Powdered Metal Manufacturing at Sterling Sintered Technologies
Like any type of manufacturing, powdered metal manufacturing has to adhere to various standards for quality compliance. There are standards for everything from the making of the powders themselves to quality testing done on the completed parts. While most of the quality standards are set by the ISO, like any other type of manufacturing, there are other regulations in the U.S. as well, some set by the EPA, and others by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF), which typically offers standards for powder metallurgy technology and manufacturing.
In order to navigate compliance with the different standards for powder metal manufacturing, and provide high quality components for our customers at the same time, Sterling Sintered has an extensive and unique quality control system.
Part-Specific Process Control Plans
At Sterling Sintered, we develop unique process control plans and quality control instructions for each project that comes our way. Our Customer Service team works with you to document exactly what your project requires, and then sends it over to engineering in order to plan the process that will achieve those requirements. These plans then orchestrate every single step of the subsequent manufacturing process for the part. By developing a unique plan for each project, we are able to ensure that we can be compliant with the regulations that our customers require.
Each Process Control Plan contains essential characteristics for control at each point of fabrication and inspection to ensure the output conforms to the specifications set. This includes dimensional targets, tolerances, measurement tools, frequencies, and control methods, all of which is available at each station.
More detailed information about each part is provided in the Quality Control Instructions. These contain drawings and photos for everything from gauging methods to visual inspection criteria. We are as thorough as possible so that no detail is overlooked. We also have a traceability system to assure that every shipment of PM parts can be traced all the way back to the raw materials used.
In addition to this, Sterling Sintered Technologies Inc. maintains an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system. The ISO standards are excellent for ensuring quality across the shop, as well as safety and efficiency.
Powder metal manufacturing is also a recognized green technology, and at Sterling Sintered, 95% of our raw materials are post-consumer materials. We are proud to promote these and other sustainable practices throughout our shop in compliance with the regulations set by the EPA.
Are you looking for a supplier of powdered metal manufacturing services? Sterling Sintered Technologies has been making precision powdered metal parts since 1955 for a wide range of applications. Check out our website to learn more about what we can do for you.
