DomCast China Inc. facilities overseas operates within a documented quality system. The Quality Policy and Quality System are described in the Company Quality Assurance Manual. An independent third party member of the Registrar Accreditation Board has certified our Manufacturing Facilities Quality System to ISO 9002 and/or QS 9000.

Some of the highlights of our Quality System are described in this profile.

What is the CE Marking

A valid CE marking affixed to a product indicates that it complies with the relevant European 'New Approach' product safety Directives.

NEW JOB START UP
All new jobs go through a start-up and testing process. This process includes dimensional testing and verification as well as chemical and physical analysis, depending upon customer requirements. Either destructive or non-destructive testing for soundness can be performed. Customers are requested to provide feedback on the machining results of the test lot prior to production. Any of the aforementioned can be tailored to meet customer needs.

HEAT DATE CODES
Castings are identified with a heat date and logo in a permanent unmachined area. Traceability of castings is critical for maintaining our quality level. It is essential to be able to investigate the conditions existing when the casting was produced. A computer database is used to trace each serial number or heat date associated with a particular casting back through shipping to the actual Plant and Production times.

NON-CONFORMING MATERIAL
Internal reviews take place daily by members of the Quality Organization and Supervision to discuss non-conforming materials. The review results in assigning cause and corrective action to the defects; feedback and follow-up ensure problem resolution.

CALIBRATION AND TESTING OF ALL MEASURING EQUIPMENT
All testing and measuring equipment is routinely inspected and traceable to the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology).

INTERNAL QUALITY AUDITS
Internal quality audits are conducted no less than twice per calendar year in order to assure compliance with the guidelines of our Quality Assurance Manual. These audits are performed by our Quality Department with assistance from designated manufacturing personnel. A checklist is used to determine compliance with each procedure. Written notification of noncompliance is given to the Department Supervisor.

Corrective actions are then taken and are approved by the Quality Assurance Manager. A follow-up audit is made to assure compliance.

STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL
Our employees are trained in the philosophies of statistical process control (SPC), construction, interpretation and uses of attribute as well as variable control charts. Managers and supervisors serve on project teams to analyze process capability and improve processes. Production employees are trained in application and interpretation of control charts and histograms for process improvement.

We provide computer supported SPC on all major processes including metal chemistry, metal pour temperature, tensile test, Brinell hardness test, sand properties, and mold and core coatings.

TOTAL EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
As an element of DomCast's corporate commitment to customer awareness, total teamwork, elimination of waste and participatory management, we encourage our employees to constantly think of ways to improve the company. We formally recognize their input in areas relating to quality, productivity and safety.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Because improvement in quality, cost and innovation are necessary for world class leadership in today's marketplace. DomCast is involved in a continuous improvement process. As part of this effort, we have implemented a Just-In-Time strategy to improve quality and reduce costs, lead times, work-in-process and inventory.