As industries like mining, earthmoving, oil and gas push the boundaries of operational efficiency, the role of quality assurance in surface engineering has become paramount to ensuring sustained performance and compliance.
In this blog, discover how we maintain quality assurance throughout the workshop, learn what these methods are and how they consistently ensure high-quality outputs of the components we resurface.
Advanced Testing and Verification
As Quality Assurance in surface engineering has evolved over time, we have sought ways to integrate traditional practices with modern techniques.
Today our approach combines tried and tested methods, with cutting-edge technology to deliver consistency and high accuracy:
- Integration of Traditional and Modern Inspection Techniques: XRF scanning devices (PMI – Positive Material Identification), MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspection), liquid dye penetrant inspections and 3D scanning enhances defect detection and assessment accuracy.
- Robotic Control Systems in Quality Assurance: The use of robotic systems (Tomelleri Arm) in quality assurance allows for precise, repeatable inspections, especially in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas, improving safety and consistency.
- Thickness Uniformity Measurements: Recording pre-machine, finish grinding and machining size requirements helps us assess and measure coating thickness uniformity, critical for protective coatings.
- Surface Finish Analysis Methods: Digital Surface profilometry analyses the condition and roughness of surfaces or any finished component. This technique is employed to analyse surface roughness and texture, influencing factors like friction and wear.
- Real-Time Monitoring Systems: Implementing real-time monitoring in resurfacing processes enables immediate detection of deviations, allowing for prompt corrective actions to ensure consistent quality.
The Power of Documentation and Traceability
Our commitment to quality is embedded in every step of our process, starting from the initial inspection through to final verification.
Documentation process
Each component that comes through the workshop receives a unique job number, enabling complete traceability and documentation. Integrated with SAP, our documentation system can provide detailed digital tracking of previous projects. This includes:
- Specific component measurements
- Coating specifications
- Detailed procedures
- Historical performance data
This wealth of information enables us to maintain high standards, while continuously refining our processes based on decades of documented experience.
Third-party Assessors
When situations demand additional verification, we partner with NATA-approved third-party laboratories for specialised testing such as ultrasonic, eddy current inspections and coating adhesion testing. This multi-layered approach ensures that every component meets or exceeds industry standards.
Industry-Leading Standards and Certification
ISO 9001:2015 – Global Quality Management
This internationally recognised standard certifies that our quality management system meets the highest global benchmarks. It ensures we:
- Maintain consistent quality across all processes
- Follow documented procedures for all operations
- Continuously improve our systems and methodologies
- Meet customer and regulatory requirements consistently
OHSMS ISO 45001 – International Safety Standards
As the international standard for occupational health and safety, ISO 45001 certification shows our dedication to:
- Proactive risk prevention in all operations
- Creating a culture of workplace safety
- Continuous improvement in safety practices
- Global best practices in occupational health
- Maintaining a safe workplace for all employees
- Implementing comprehensive risk management procedures
- Following best practices in workplace safety
- Regular safety auditing and improvement
ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management
This certification validates our environmental management system and ensures:
- Responsible environmental practices
- Efficient resource utilisation
- Proper waste management procedures
- Minimised environmental impact
Training and Preventative Measures
While technology plays a crucial role, our success in quality assurance stems from our qualifies team of surface engineering specialists. Every operator receives comprehensive training, including our detailed handbooks for our processes, systems and tools. This ensures consistent excellence across all projects.
Our specialists combine technical expertise with rigorous attention to detail, ensuring that every component receives:
- Thorough initial inspection and documentation
- Precise machining and coating application
- Multiple quality checkpoints throughout the process
- Final verification of specifications and tolerances
Looking to the Future While Building on the Past
Six decades of experience have taught us that true quality assurance goes beyond meeting specifications. It’s about delivering components that consistently perform in the most demanding industrial environments. Our internal quality control systems, backed by generations of knowledge and experience, ensure that every project benefits from:
- 60 years of documented surface engineering expertise.
- Proven procedures refined through thousands of successful projects.
- Comprehensive training programs that preserve and build upon our knowledge base.
- Cutting-edge technology integrated with time-tested methodologies.
Through our combination of internal methods, certified global standards, and continuous investment in both technology and human expertise, we’ve created a quality assurance system that consistently delivers superior results.
For further information about how we ensure quality or questions about our process, please reach via our contact form.
