Quality Assurance Concerns Your Fastener Distributor Can Help With

Quality assurance is made up of systems and processes designed to check whether a product or service is meeting certain quality standards. It is most often done during the development or manufacturing stages, although in some instances quality assurance procedures take place while the product or service is in use. Your fastener distributor can help you understand how quality assurance affects the fasteners used on your projects.
Quality In the Fastener Industry
Most quality assurance procedures take the form of inspections and occur throughout the manufacturing phase. They are done to ensure compliance with the standards set out by industry associations. Depending on the type of project, the fasteners that you use may need to meet building code standards, as well as any of the following:
*ANSI (or American National Standards Institute)
* IFI (or Industrial Fasteners Institute)
* ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
* SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers)
Your fastener distributor should be familiar with the standards currently issued, or at least be able to point you in the right direction when presented with the standards.

Common Standards
Common standards include the acceptable levels of quality, dimensional requirements, mechanical standards, recommendations from engineers and minimum performances expected of the materials and mechanical design.
There are also government standards to contend with, as well as industry specific issuances such as those from the American Petroleum Institute and the Association of American Railroads.
Can Your Distributor Save You Money When Quality Assurance Is An Issue?
There may be instances in which your fastener distributor has little choice but to supply you with a certain product that will fit your quality standards. However, in some cases specific standards do not apply and your distributor may be able to direct you to a more affordable option.
If your company does not need the added expense of following specific standards, such as those outlined by the Federal Consumer Protection Act, why take on the added expense? Carefully consider the needs of your application and follow the quality assurance procedures and standards that apply.
Your fastener distributor will be happy to supply you with products that meet the needs of each project. They will also work with you to follow industry standards and provide durable fasteners that do the job.