Quality Certifications

ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System Certified

Kubota's quality management system has been qualified to ISO 9001:2000 standard. The quality management system effectively incorporates customer feedback and continuous improvement.

TSSA standard for ASME pressure piping

The Technical Standards and Safety Authority is responsible for administering the Technical Standards and Safety Act, which among other public safety services, regulates boilers and pressure vessels in the Province of Ontario. The TSSA also provides authorized inspection for pressure equipment on behalf of the other Canadian jurisdictions. Kubota Metal has a good working relationship with the TSSA including a certificate of authorization to supply pressure components according to ASME B31.1 , ASME B31.3 and the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII, div.1.

Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EC)

Kubota Metal is certified to supply pressure parts into the European Union according to the requirements of the Pressure Equipment Directive (97/23/EC). Quality system is certified by SGS UK certificate PC/1153/001.

Secondary Standards Program

KMF performs over 100 chemical analyses every day. We use a Philips simultaneous X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to determine the majority of the elements. To calibrate the instrument we have all commercially available standards. Since Kubota has so many proprietary alloys, we have also invested in secondary standards to ensure the accuracy of the chemistry measurements. Each secondary standard has been qualified by at least 6 independent laboratories.

Statistical Process Control

KMF implemented a program of continuous quality improvement based on statistical process control methods in 1986.

SPC was initially applied in the foundry to sand processing where it contributed to an improvement in the surface quality of static castings, higher yield, reduced scrap and significantly lower sand costs. These positive results encouraged more employee training in SPC and prompted changes in the infrastructure needed to apply the process to other parts of the manufacturing stream.

KMF has taken a leading role in using SPC to attain consistent cast tube quality. Variations in composition and microstructure, each of which influences mechanical properties, are maintained within well-defined limits. Reproducible microstructures and consequently consistent properties are achieved through the control of the casting variables identified as governing solidification rates.

This procedure allows KMF and its customers to quickly assess the state and quality of an order at any stage during the production run and to have a meaningful summary at completion.