9.4 Tests (Q-Certificates)
The wide variety of factors affecting ceramic technologies
require continuous monitoring in all areas of production.
A consistent quality standard is guaranteed by an extensive
quality management system. The quality steering measures that
accompany the manufacturing process are documented in test
schedules which form part of the manufacturing schedules.
Routing slips, quality-control cards and test protocols provide
the ability to check all the documented process steps and
guarantee traceability back to the raw materials.
The tests mainly emphasise
- monitoring incoming raw materials and semifabricated
products,
- monitoring material data as per test specification,
- process monitoring in order to obtain a consistent, predictable
and regulated process , and
- final testing.
Tests range from the 100 % testing of certain parameters,
integrated with automatic manufacturing, all the way to extensive
long-term tests on random samples. Statistical testing plays
an important role in the final check by the manufacturer and
the incoming tests carried out by the customer. Although the
delivery of products that are free from defects is the basis
of every delivery agreement, the ability to certify the quality
level is indispensable for legal and commercial reasons. The
need to access the Acceptance Quality
Level (AQL) therefore makes it essential
to obtain a statistically formed judgement on the basis of
random samples.
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