Have you ever wondered if the company manufacturing your precise custom parts follows strict quality standards? ISO certification is important for these companies that produce advanced precision machining parts since it ensures high quality and consistent production standards.
As a custom precision manufacturing company, Zintilon has earned ISO certifications for their manufacturing processes. The certification verifies that the company has established an effective quality management system to consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. This certification provides quality assurance to Zintilon’s customers in industries like healthcare, energy and manufacturing that require precise, high quality custom parts and prototypes.
In the rest of this article, we’ll take a deeper look at what ISO standards in manufacturing are and their different types, why a manufacturing company needs this, and the kind of certification Zintilon has.
What is the ISO? What Does It Do?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent organization made of representatives from standards bodies around the world. Established in 1947, their goal is to help products and services work better together internationally.
The organization sets common standards for four things:
- Products
- Services
- Processes
- Systems
By making sure companies agree on common standards, the ISO helps trade run smoothly between countries. Imagine if products used different types of plugs or cables in every country. It means products from one country will be unusable in another country.
Thanks to the ISO, we have common standards so plugs, sockets, and cables all link up no matter where you are. And it’s not just electronics—the organization sets standards for things like cars, paper sizes, safety signs, and even photographic film speeds.
Some key things ISO standards can address include:
- Product specifications and testing methods
- Environmental management system requirements
- Information security controls
- Occupational health and safety guidelines
- Quality management system standards
The ISO brings together experts to figure out the best ways to manufacture products. Then they set common technical ground rules around the globe. Over the years, they have published over 20,000 standards covering almost everything.
Following ISO standards means products are a similar high quality wherever they’re made. It builds trust between businesses and customers worldwide.
ISO & Manufacturing: Why ISO Certifications Are Important?
Getting an ISO certification is of utmost importance for manufacturing companies. When customers see the ISO logo on a product, they know it meets certain quality rules.
It’s good for companies to get certified because then people trust their brands more. It shows that a company cares about making high-quality things by following proper manufacturing processes and systems.
Certification helps internationally too. If a company exports to other countries, they have to meet those places’ guidelines and regulations. The ISO standards cross borders, so one certificate works everywhere. This opens up new markets for businesses. It also makes it easier to work with partners overseas when quality is the same worldwide.
Some large businesses require ISO from their suppliers too. To get big contracts, companies have to prove they can provide products or services following the international standards. The certification is proof that they have good manufacturing practices. It keeps supply chains running smoothly between different factories.
Differences: ISO Certifications
Since its foundation, the ISO has implemented over 25,000 international standards for determining the guidelines of applying new technologies, improving product quality, and making standards for companies to increase their efficiencies.
Among all these standards, we’ll discuss three types of ISO certification for manufacturers of precision parts.
1. ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is a quality management system certification. It helps companies make sure they consistently provide good quality products and services to customers.
The certification requires that a company must meet an effective quality management system. This helps companies be more organized and improve what they do.
The standard discusses seven quality management principles (QMPs):
A Chart of Seven ISO 9001 QMPs
| Principle | Description |
| Engagement of people | People from all levels of an organization should contribute ideas and work as a team toward goals. |
| Customer focused | Prioritize listening to customers and finding solutions that meet their evolving needs. |
| Strong leadership | Provide a shared vision and support for employees for consistency in delivering quality outcomes. |
| Systematic approach | Connect each process to optimize efficiency and results across the entire organization. |
| Continuous improvement | Frequent review and analysis for short- and long-term success. |
| Evidence-based decision making | Making data-based decisions for generating the best results for your business. |
| Managing relationships | Nurture relationships with partners through collaboration, transparency, and mutual success. |
ISO 9001 does not tell companies exactly how to run their business step-by-step. But it provides guidelines in areas like:
- Documenting procedures
- Training employees
- Checking quality of products/services
- Fixing problems
By earning an ISO 9001 certification, a company can better satisfy customers and become more successful over time.
2. ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is an environmental management standard that helps organizations be more environmentally sustainable. It provides a framework for identifying and managing the environmental impacts of their activities, products, and services.
The standard aims to integrate environmental protection into business operations by mitigating hazards, preventing pollution, and continually improving practices.
For a precision parts manufacturing company, obtaining ISO 14001 certification can provide several important benefits. It can help identify areas where the company can save resources and cut costs. For example:
- It encourages regular audits of energy and material usage, which often uncover new ways of savings.
- Tracking waste generation and disposal more closely helps reduce these expenses over time.
- Recycling programs for byproducts, like metal shavings and solvents, bring in additional revenue.
ISO 14001 implementation requires staff training that builds an environmentally-conscious culture and mindset throughout the company. This culture is important for precision manufacturing where hazardous materials are involved.
3. ISO 13485
The ISO 13485 certification is mandatory for companies that are involved in designing, making, installing, fixing, and testing medical products. The certification provides a framework for a quality management system. It addresses things like document control, corrective actions if issues arise, managing suppliers, and quality records.
The certification is now essentially required to do business in the medical industry. In many places, like Europe, manufacturers need it to achieve regulatory compliance and approvals to market and sell medical products.
ISO 13485 is vital for precision medical parts manufacturers to remain competitive and ensure the quality and safety of the medical devices they supply.
Is Zintilon Precision Manufacturing Company ISO Certified?
Zintilon provides custom machined parts in CNC machining, sheet metal prototyping, and production across various industries. The company offers manufacturing services, ranging from low-volume to mass production. With advanced machining capabilities, it can produce geometrically complex or precise parts.
The company takes pride in their commitment to quality. They focus on product quality, customer service, on-time delivery, and competitive pricing.
Zintilon has received several important certifications for their management systems and manufacturing processes:
- ISO 9001:2015 for quality management
- ISO 13485:2016 for medical devices
- IATF 16949:2016 for automotive
- ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management
- AS9100D for aerospace
These certifications are a sign that Zintilon holds itself to high operational standards across key areas like quality products, standard management, and environmental impact.
And beyond these standards, the company’s quality processes undergo frequent audits to ensure everything from their document control to customer service meets the industry standards. It gives customers confidence that the company has the systems in place for delivering precision machining parts right the first time, every time.
Which Other Certifications Should a Precision Manufacturing Company Have?
Apart from the ISO certifications in manufacturing we’ve discussed above, a precision manufacturing company should have a couple more if it wants to expand its business scope and reach international clients.
Zintilion already has the IATF 16949 certification. It will get the AS9100D soon.
a. IATF 16949
Getting the IATF 16949 certification makes sense for any company that makes parts for cars. It helps parts makers run better and make higher quality products.
IATF 16949 is a standard for how parts companies should manage quality. It builds on the ISO 9001 standard but adds specific rules car companies asked for.
Quality and accuracy are critical when making small parts for things, like engines and transmissions. Cars have to work perfectly or it could cause issues. Having the IATF 16949 shows auto manufacturers that your company understands their quality needs. It can help you become a preferred supplier they choose to work with.
The IATF 16949 certification proves to car companies that a parts supplier takes quality seriously. It helps precision manufacturers grow their business and better serve the needs of the automotive industry.
b. AS9100D
AS9100D is a special certification for companies that make very precise parts. A company with this certification means that it has proven it can make parts perfectly for airplanes, rockets, and things used by the military.
The parts a precision manufacturing company makes have to fit together with no mistakes, so planes and rockets can fly safely. If a part is just a tiny bit off, it could cause big problems. AS9100D certified manufacturer shows customers that a company knows how to triple check drawings, use the best tools and machines, and train workers the right way. It proves the company can avoid mistakes.
Getting the AS9100D requires auditors visiting your company and inspecting everything, like how orders are made, quality checks, record keeping, worker training, and other things. Getting the certification opens doors to new, high-paying contracts for businesses.
Conclusion
ISO certifications are crucial for precision manufacturing companies to assure customers they meet strict quality standards. With certifications for quality management, environmental practices, medical devices, automotive, and aerospace, Zintilon demonstrates its commitment to producing parts reliably and responsibly.
To discuss your precision manufacturing needs and learn how Zintilon’s ISO certifications ensure quality, contact us. Our experts can help you with precision machining services.
