3D printing certifications

What is the basic principle of the requirements of IATF 16949?

Behlert: While ISO 9001 applies across all industries and describes rather general minimum standards for a quality management system, the requirements of IATF 16949 are typically oriented towards the automotive industry and follow the principle of risk management. This reflects the expectations of the major automotive manufacturers, which demand a differentiated and industry-specific QM system based on consistent risk and process orientation as well as comprehensive CIP measures from their suppliers. The stringent avoidance of waste and errors plays a significant role in such demands. Certification according to IATF 16949 clearly indicates to the OEM that the series supplier has its processes under control and has a complete understanding and command of every aspect involved. For us, this certification represents a key strategic step on our journey to becoming an automotive series manufacturer.

FKM has been supplying laser-sintered components made of engineering plastics to customers in the automotive industry for quite some time. What will change now as a result of the IATF certification?

Behlert: We have indeed been working for a number of large system suppliers and OEMs at the level of product development and pre-series production for a number of years. However, as a supplier of small and medium-sized series for automotive applications, we have so far only been able to assert ourselves in exceptional cases, for example with special components made of PA 11, PA 12, PA 6 or TPU. With the certification of our quality management according to IATF 16949, we are now proving that we have the fully-fledged system and process quality of a modern automotive series manufacturer. As a result, we are a trustworthy partner that meets the customer-specific requirements of the OEMs.

What impact does the IATF catalogue of measures have on FKM’s day-to-day business?

Behlert: In detail, the provisions of IATF 16949 go far beyond those of ISO 9001. The adaptation of our previous QM system and its expansion according to the extended specifications already ready involved a huge additional package of tasks, which kept our team extremely busy for about twelve months until the certification at the end of April this year. At the moment, everything revolves around implementing the process and work descriptions in accordance with the standard in our day-to-day operations.

What does this mean in concrete terms?

Behlert: This means, for example, that some employees have to follow new processes, we have to comply with an increased documentation and verification obligation, we are required to adhere to the requirements of a stricter performance evaluation, we need to be even more observant when it comes to detecting potential sources of error and much more. Throughout the company, we are now focusing on actively implementing the new standard and the corresponding processes described. The realisation that many of the IATF-related changes at FKM have already led to significant process improvements and simplifications helps to facilitate and accelerate this implementation.

Can you illustrate this with some examples?

Behlert: Even during the introductory phase, we noticed that we were achieving greater transparency in our key figures. As a result, many processes in production and administration can now be better controlled, and we can react to market changes and customer requirements more flexibly. It is also very noticeable that our error transparency has already improved significantly, which enables us to eliminate deficiencies and deficits much more effectively than was previously possible. I am sure that further positive effects will soon become visible. Supply bottlenecks are likely to be ruled out in the future, the use of materials will continue to improve, and the number of errors is likely to be further reduced. On the whole, our processes will improve in terms of both transparency and stability.

How long will your current IATF certification remain valid?

Behlert: In principle, the certification, which was completed in April, is initially valid for three years. Its validity will be confirmed annually by an accredited company – until we are required to have our quality management system fully recertified in 2025.

Mr Behlert, thank you for the interview.