In the competitive world of manufacturing, attention to quality matters. The discerning manufacturers who work with us place a high emphasis on delivering quality to their customers.As their manufacturing partner, we know that our commitment to quality is important for their success. As a result, we’ve integrated it into our processes and quality is a fundamental part of our daily operations. By prioritizing excellence in every aspect of our work, we provide our customers with the manufacturing partnership they need to serve their customers.
Establishment and Impact of the Quality Department
Quality assurance has always been a critical part of our operations. However, as Dane continued to grow in capabilities and manufacturing volume, it became apparent that there was an opportunity to evolve our focus on quality. Recognizing the need for a dedicated team to oversee quality control, we implemented a formal quality department in 2022. This team is tasked with ensuring that every product leaving our facility meets stringent quality criteria and to collaborate with the shop floor to implement solutions if issues arise.
Since its creation, the quality department has implemented significant improvements to our manufacturing operations. Through this strategic focus on quality, we’ve standardized processes, improved inspection accuracy, and created a culture of continuous improvement that positions us to serve our customers with excellence.
“The primary responsibility of our quality department is to ensure that our customer’s requirements and specifications are met and exceeded. If any requirements are not met, our department identifies the root cause and collaborates with our production team to implement corrective actions, preventing future issues. This collaborative approach fosters a culture of quality and continuous improvement, ensuring that every team has the tools they need for success. Here at Dane, quality is a part of everyone’s job.”
Peter Gilbert — Quality Assurance Engineer
Comprehensive Quality Assurance Processes
Delivering premium quality is a multi-faceted approach that requires intense scrutiny and attention to detail. We leverage both advanced technology and extensive leader, team and employee training programs to engrain a mindset geared towards quality throughout.
Our advanced manufacturing facility includes state-of-the-art testing equipment including the InspecVision P220 2D Vision System and a FARO Quantum Max Arm. The InspecVision system quickly and accurately scans flat parts after they’ve been laser cut or punched. This system identifies even the smallest imperfection, significantly improving inspection accuracy and speed. The FARO Arm allows us to measure complex parts with confidence when traditional calipers are insufficient.
Manual inspections are built into our processes too. Our forming team employs calipers, height gauges, and go/no-go fixtures to ensure parts meet specification and check regularly throughout the manufacturing process. Routine assessments are also incorporated throughout the different stages of manufacturing. Our welding team checks weld sizes using fillet gauges, and our paint line verifies paint quality with mil thickness gauges, hardness pencils, MEK rub tests and crosshatch adhesion tests. Collectively, these inspection techniques, integrated into our manufacturing process create a manufacturing process that is positioned to deliver consistent quality.
But process and technology will only get you so far. The most important component to delivering quality is our people. Our team leads play a critical role in maintaining quality and are trained thoroughly in all relevant processes and expectations. Within their teams, they are held responsible for training their teams and conducting multiple part checks to ensure consistent performance. These inspections help to identify and address any deviations early on, ensuring consistent quality and minimizing defects.
Maintaining a Culture of Quality
Staying on the cutting edge of the latest quality assurance processes is an ongoing pursuit. While our quality team is outstanding, we also look to outside sources to gain insights, hold us accountable, and identify improvements.
Dane Manufacturing is ISO certified and the ISO 9001:2015 certification is the backbone of our quality management system. It helps us standardize processes, focus on continuous improvements, and provides our customers with the confidence that we will consistently meet their requirements. This certification is integral to maintaining our high standards and reputation for quality. Through regular performance audits and thorough process reviews, ISO helps us ensure we are constantly evolving and improving our performance.
Our quality team is also a proud member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and continues to gain insights through their programs. This involvement keeps us updated on the latest quality control methods and industry standards, enabling us to adopt new technologies and improve inspection accuracy. Last, the most important quality check comes from the most reliable source: our customers.
Our quality department is always on the lookout for improvement opportunities, whether from customer feedback or suggestions from our employees. Feedback is reviewed and the quality department collaborates with relevant departments to implement effective solutions, continuously enhancing our processes.
Performance Focused for Our Customer’s Success
At Dane Manufacturing, our dedication to quality ensures that our customers receive reliable, durable, and precisely manufactured products. This means improved operational efficiency, fewer production interruptions, and a stronger finished product. As a result, our customers enjoy reliable consistency, 98% on-time shipping and a very low material defect rate. Because of this, they know they can trust us to perform as a quality partner should; with accuracy and reliability.
Have questions about our quality systems? Contact Us.