Delivering quality products is a top priority at Gent Machine. We use instruments and procedures such as tool wear monitoring, part counting, optical comparators, micrometers, plug gages, and thread gages. We also recently implemented procedures using SPC software, also known as Statistical Probability Control. With SPC, we’re able to monitor the statistical variance of our parts. It works by checking 5 consecutive parts (1 part from each spindle) with a micrometer and caliper, which are electronically connected to SPC. SPC logs the measurement and automatically detects and notifies the operator if a dimension is more than 2 standard deviations away from the mean and, consequently, indicating excessive tool wear and possible tool failure.

Most notably, Gent Machine is working toward an ISO/TS16949:2002 certification. This certification is an automotive industry standard developed by the IATF or International Automotive Task Force. The ISO/TS certification is the result of the big three auto makers desire to improve the quality of automotive products. To hold this highly desired certification a company must implement many tracking and monitoring procedures such as chip control, strong coolant flow, proper gear movement, stock lots, and a lot of preventative maintenance procedures only to name a few. Once this certification is obtained a company can then, and only then, produce parts for the automotive industry. See the parts section for pictures of parts we make for the automotive industry.

Our quality procedures are managed by a mix of new and existing employees, which actually make up a quarter of our workforce. Everyday they perform secondary checks of every part running on the production floor to ensure the operators haven't accidentally overlooked a measurement.