QUALITY AND PROCESS CONTROL

At ABQC "Quality Systems" and "Process Control" aren't just buzz words, they are an actively managed and integral part of our business.

In 1996 ABQC became one of the first metal finishers in the world to achieve ISO registration. Not just a certificate to hang on the wall, ABQC utilizes its ISO 9001:2000 system in the management of its entire business. The management review process is not just used to satisfy the requirements of the ISO standard. Rather, it is ABQC's primary business planning and measurement tool.

Our process control system is second to none. All process tanks are specifically labeled with the tank's contents, make-up chemistry requirements, temperature requirements, capacity and waste stream. The "Process Master" is a databank of all operating requirements, and includes action and control ranges for all appropriate process variables. Chemistry is monitored on a predetermined basis by the company's chemical maintenance department and chemistry modifications are made on a timely basis to ensure that adjustments are made long before the chemistry reaches the limits of its control range.

The company is consistently engaged in a series of continuous improvement programs. Production related programs are managed by ABQC's QLF (Quantum Leap Forward) and Speed Teams, groups comprised of 6 managers representing every discipline of the organization. These team's ensure that ABQC remains on the cutting edge of plating technology and production efficiency, to ensure that we continuously improve our ability to serve the needs of our customers.

ABQC utilizes state of the art technology including a Fischer x-ray fluorescence thickness and composition testing unit, Magnetic Induction Thickness Testers, a Perkin Elmer Atomic Absorption Unit and a beta backscan unit.