Gent Machine has a dedicated quality department to ensure that Gent Machine follows the ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards. Below is a list of techniques and controls we adhere to:

We are in the process of integrating 1Factory (1Factory.com) software into our quality department. This is a web based software that will store all of our quality data in location: SPC data, gage calibration and tracking, in process inspections, first article (ISIR) and product audits.

Each inspector now has a computer work station at their desk. They login to 1Factory, pull sample parts and enter all inspection data at their desk. This beats the paper system we used for decades.

SPC data is currently collected in Lighthouse Systems SPC Light by the machine operators. Real time part measurements are loaded in to the software. Within the next month we plan to transition this data entry into 1Factory instead of the Lighthouse. The quality department monitors this data. We strive to achieve a 1.30 Cpk or higher. Dimensions that do not meet the 1.30 Cpk are stopped until the problem is fixed.

Gage tracking and calibration has been kept in GAGEpack. With 1Factory offering a one stop shop we are moving all of our gages into it's system. Each measurement device has an identification sticker listing the date the device was checked and the due date for the next check.

Quality and production personnel review every new job to ensure no detail is missed. ISIR samples can be provided as requested and this data is also collected in 1Factory. We can also provide a full Level III PPAP with a Control Plan, Process Flow and FEMA

In process checks and final inspections are performed daily to ensure the products are made within the specifications. An inspector will perform the in process inspection and then a separate inspector will perform a shift audit on the parts. This means 3 sets of eyes look at every batch of parts: the operator, in process inspector and the audit inspector.

To help facilitate routine inspections we have 2 comparators on the shop floor and 1 digital comparator in the quality lab. The digital comparator was added in the summer of 2024 and was a very welcoming addition.

All documents in the facility are controlled. Prints released to the manufacturing floor are controlled and this is documented in a log. Obsolete prints are stamped “Old print Do Not Use” to ensure they are not used. A job traveler is included with each job package along with a blueprint and inspection card. A training session is held with the operator before a new job is run. During this session the operator will learn how to measure each dimension and the key characteristics of the part.

Job specific gages and pin gages have been moved to a well organized drawer system. This can be seen in the picture to the left. This makes pulling the gages for each job easy and quick.

Please contact our quality department if you would like to learn more about quality at Gent Machine.