electronics manufacturing Archives - Page 13 of 13

Evolution of AS9100 from Rev C to Rev D

June 9, 2017 By meiadmin

Evolution of AS9100 from Rev C to Rev D

AS9100 is the internationally adopted Quality Management System (QMS) for the aerospace industry. It is currently being updated from Rev C to Rev D. The latest changes to AS9100 reflect the needs of a changing marketplace.

After September 15, 2018, AS9100 Rev C will no longer be valid. All organizations are required to transition to AS9100 Rev D by this time. The revisions incorporate changes made by ISO TC176 to the embedded ISO 9001 standard.

Improving Quality and Reliability

The overall performance and success of an organization relies on the quality of its products and services. Customer expectations in regards to quality and reliability are getting more and more stringent in the aerospace and defense sector. This is reflected by the importance being placed on AS9100 to drive consistent quality and reliability through the supply chain.

In today’s competitive business environment, evolution of the QMS is quickly becoming necessary as executives attempt to improve quality and performance. The new AS9100 is based on the updated ISO9001 with the addition of aviation, space and defense industry requirements. The focus of the revision is to add clarity and enhance ease of use.

Preparing for the Update

Rev D represents a major change. As such, it requires leadership and facilitation. It’s important for organizations to think about the required changes, prepare for them being continuous and manage any resistance within their organization.

Organizations must identify any organizational gaps that need to be addressed in order to meet the new requirements. Appropriate training should be given to all parties that have an impact on the effectiveness of the organization. The existing QMS must also be updated to meet the revised requirements.

Benefits of AS9100 Rev D

When implemented and managed well, there are many benefits to AS9100 Rev D. It allows organizations to produce and improve safe and reliable products that meet and exceed customer and regulatory expectations. The processes necessary to perform day-to-day business are well defined and managed and documentation accurately reflects the work being performed.

10 Best Cleanroom Practices

April 28, 2017 By meiadmin

10 Best Cleanroom Practices

Many products manufactured today are extremely sensitive to dust, vapors and other airborne particles. The production of these products requires a clean environment and clean manufacturing operations. This is especially true for products produced by semi-conductor and bio-pharmaceutical companies. A cleanroom is a controlled environment that is specially designed to reduce contamination.

Avoiding Contamination in Cleanrooms

Cleanrooms must be kept clean and free from all types of contamination. Increasing cleanliness, minimizing contamination and keeping equipment running smoothly requires the use of materials, tools and processes that will not affect the cleanliness of the finished product.

Cleanrooms and clean manufacturing requires a solid commitment from staff. Cleanrooms that are properly maintained allow for cleaner products and manufacturing facilities, increased potential for new markets and the opportunity to present the production facility as a selling point to customers.

Top 10 Cleanroom Maintenance Practices

Keep tools and test equipment inside the cleanroom. Having to clean tools before bringing them inside the cleanroom not only wastes time, it also increases the likelihood of contamination.
Staff should be fully trained on cleanroom protocol. Staff should understand how even a quick visit to the cleanroom without the proper attire can release millions of particles, requiring immediate cleaning and potentially downgrading cleanroom classification.
Keep a supply of vinyl gloves inside the cleanroom. Over time, workers can develop latex allergies. If worker’s hands become red or develop a rash after removing latex gloves, they will need to use vinyl gloves instead.
Adjust practices to allow for seasonal changes. During the spring and fall, filters should be changed more frequently to offset increased outdoor particle counts.
Enforce routine preventative maintenance. Every few hours, workers should check their workstation with a surface particle counter. If particle counts are high, all surface areas should be wiped down and the particulate source located.
Changes to the facility or equipment should not affect the finished product.
Clean manufacturing must be a plant-wide commitment.
Vendors should always follow proper cleanroom procedures.
All equipment used in cleanrooms should require little to no maintenance.
Cleanroom maintenance should be everyone’s responsibility. Every worker should know how to properly clean work areas.

Means Engineering, Inc. offers cleanroom facilities for a variety of industries. Please contact us for more information.

The Right Electronics Manufacturer Could Mean the Difference Between Ordinary and Extraordinary

April 14, 2017 By meiadmin

The Right Electronics Manufacturer Could Mean the Difference Between Ordinary and Extraordinary

There are many factors to consider when choosing an electronics manufacturer. Key features can mean the difference between ordinary and extraordinary. A little knowledge can go a long way towards finding a manufacturing company that best suits your business’ individual needs.

Choosing the Right Electronics Manufacturing Company

Not all electronics manufacturers are created equal. Finding the company that best suits your business requires a practical approach. To find the right fit you will need to take a few things into consideration such as the size of the company in relation to yours, the complexity of the products they produce, the volumes they build and the types of accounts they work with.

Your chosen company should be one that has a well-managed supply chain, the proper equipment and experience to build, configure and test your products, and the capabilities to work with you to deliver what you want, exactly when and how you want it.

Quality Control

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a manufacturing company is the quality control procedures the company has in place. The company should be able to communicate issues before and during the manufacturing process. This can save your company a considerable amount of time and money.

Customer Service

Equally important to quality control is the relationship that you have with the manufacturer. This should be someone that you feel comfortable leaving your project with. You will also want to figure out who your point of contact will be at the manufacturing company. This is the person you will be expressing your company’s needs and concerns to.

Communication is extremely important during the manufacturing process. Make sure that you can freely communicate with the company that you are working with. Companies located in the U.S. are easier to communicate with than companies based overseas.

High Quality Electronics Manufacturing in Southern California

Means Engineering Inc. provides electronics manufacturing services for a variety of industries. We work directly with our clients to create solutions to a number of problems. Our team strives to provide clear communication and top quality customer service.

Please contact us to find out how we can help your business with its electronics manufacturing needs.

Key Features of Vertically Integrated Manufacturing

April 7, 2017 By meiadmin

Key Features of Vertically Integrated Manufacturing

Manufacturing processes have changed a lot over the past few years. As demand for increased quality control, efficiency and lower costs have grown, so has the need for vertically integrated manufacturing.

Controlling the Value Chain

Manufacturers are able to achieve vertical integration when they control or own the elements within a value chain.

A company’s value chain consists of all of the businesses and individuals that play a part in the manufacturing process. The value chain begins with the people that supply the raw materials and ends with the customer that buys the finished product. Vertical manufacturing refers to the vertical integration of a value chain.

The basic idea behind vertical integration is that companies are able to control the beginning as well as the end of the supply chain.

Benefits of Vertical Integration

Vertically integrated manufacturing provides significant benefits when it comes to product manufacturing, assembly and supply. Vertical integration can reduce lead times, control quality requirements and help to keep costs low.

The most obvious benefit of a well-executed vertically integrated strategy is the ability to increase profit margins and reduce prices for customers, without negatively affecting the quality of a product. There are also numerous customer service benefits to vertical integration. When a company handles the manufacturing, transporting, marketing and retail of its products, they have the unique opportunity to improve their customer’s experience.

Increasing Efficiency in the Manufacturing Process

Vertical integration allows manufacturers to extend their reach as well as their process. When done properly, vertical integration improves process flow and expands the manufacturer’s offerings and capabilities.

Vertical integration increases efficiency and allows for beginning to end quality and engineering support that is compliant with international regulatory requirements. This can significantly decrease the time and money spent on bringing products to market.

Vertically Integrated Manufacturer in Carlsbad, California

From the design and engineering of complex devices through high-volume manufacturing, service and repair, Mean Engineering Inc. offers unparalleled vertical integration capabilities. Even when buying from our customer’s Approved Vendor List, we exercise our vast integration knowledge base to ensure that suppliers are performing to expectations. This helps our customers reach their vision in the most effective and economical way possible.

Means Engineering Inc. offers high quality, comprehensive product development and manufacturing services. We work directly with our clients from concept to completion. For information about our vertically integrated manufacturing services, please contact us today.