Testing for Suppliers

When it comes to Quality Management Systems for suppliers, most suppliers focus on paper – test reports, certifications, lot numbers, vendor qualifications and so on. For inspection, they may have the receiving department check if the item and the quantity is correct and do a minor inspect-to-identify process with simple plastic screw checkers. These are all administrative activities requiring no special equipment. 

Going one step beyond requires some dimensional inspection such as checking threads with ring gages, measuring heads and lengths - things we can check with calipers, and maybe recess and drive conformance. However, the most advanced suppliers will have some mechanical testing capability in house. That is the subject of this webinar.

Most suppliers think that mechanical testing is out of reach for their budget or technical expertise. This is not so. In fact, mechanical testing capability is the most value-added risk management tool that any fastener Quality Management System can employ. There are a variety of useful and easily available testing capabilities at our fingertips. 

We discuss the equipment needs, the expertise involved, the testing standards, sampling plans, and how to get started on a Fastener Mechanical Testing Program. We also discuss those tests that are beyond the realm of suppliers, but are must-have for manufacturers and importers, and when an independent testing laboratory is needed. The differences and similarities between inch and metric testing requirements, and fastener testing technical resources will be presented.

This is a technical program. It is primarily intended for quality professionals at all levels, technical sales and purchasing, and managers or owners. However, anyone who has a technical interest in fasteners - at any level - will benefit greatly from this webinar.

Testing for Suppliers is presented by Carmen Vertullo, owner and founder of Carver Labs.