Caltronics’ Industry Certifications, Compliances, and Memberships
Manufacturing certifications to Caltronics represent a stamp of professionalism within the industry. It is an outward communication of our values and the commitment we make daily to deliver a quality product. This blog post will cover the various certifications and compliances we maintain.
ISO 9001:2015
What Is ISO 9001:2015?
ISO 9001:2015 is a revision of 9001 Quality Management Systems, which details top to bottom requirements for an organization rather than focusing on just the production processes. ISO states that ISO 9001:2015 specifies requirements for when an organization:
needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and
aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Why Is ISO 9001:2015 Important?
Gaining this certification shows that our processes for every product we manufacture have been certified with quality in mind, even though it doesn’t certify individual projects. ISO is modeled after seven principles that, once attained, show dedication and commitment by an organization. By staying true to ISO 9001:2015, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to:
Customer focus
Leadership
Engagement of people
Process approach
Improvement
Evidence-based decision making
Relationship management
Everything from how we document design inputs and customer requirements at the onset of an order, to completing our first run checklists, to the various inspections a product will undergo before it gets shipped off-site are subject to the ideals laid out in our quality manual and policy.
IPC-A-610
What Is IPC-A-610?
IPC-A-610 Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies (IPC 610) is an industry quality standard that dictates what is acceptability at the various classes of inspection. This standard is internationally recognized and accepted as the source for end-product acceptance criteria for circuit assemblies. In addition to the book (or eBook) which can be purchased and used as a reference, IPC also offers certification training.
Why Is Having an IPC-A-610 Certification Important?
IPC created the IPC-A-610 certification to ensure quality and reliability in electronic assemblies. Earning this certification demonstrates a strong knowledge of PCB assembly standards and gives the certified individual the skills needed to guarantee the quality of their own work and others around them. Caltronics is approaching having assemblers certified to IPC 610 as a top priority, since marrying the information with experience is the most effective way to ensure the standard is applied to our manufacturing processes.
ITAR
What Is ITAR Compliance?
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is a section of the United States federal government code that implements the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). This implements a set of regulations on the supply chain of defense and military-related technologies on the United States Munitions List. ITAR compliance is crucial for companies looking to participate in the defense or aerospace industries, and there are harsh penalties for missteps or non-compliance.
Why Is ITAR Compliance Important?
How Caltronics as a manufacturing establishment participates in this is by being a registered company and by maintaining an overarching procedure that complies with the requirements of the regulations, specifically by staying in compliance with security standards while handling technical data associated with our products. ITAR Compliance demonstrates a secure and thorough process that stays domestic, and Caltronics proves our commitment to these regulations by having success in both the military law enforcement sector and the defense and aerospace sector.
SMTA
What Is SMTA?
The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) is a group working worldwide to bring members of the electronics manufacturing community together for various events, webinars, and general networking opportunities that can further the success and working relationships of all attendees. Events like SMTA International 2022 give Caltronics engineers alternate perspectives and solutions to problems in the electronics manufacturing markets that we can then pass on to you.
Why Is Membership in SMTA Important?
Membership allows us to be engaged at the local community level with like-minded professionals. SMTA has over 30 North American chapters and 9 International chapters. This provides Caltronics with an opportunity to share industry trends, problem-solve, and ideate with other organizations while being a thought leader in the space. Caltronics team members to be present at learning events put on by those experts in the community.
ASTM
What Is ASTM?
What used to be the American Society for Testing and Materials, the ASTM is an international standards organization that publishes a variety of standards both individually and in a comprehensive annual book. The Annual Book of ASTM Standards has 80 volumes with over 12,000 standards. According to ASTM, “Many global industries and institutions choose our trusted standards. ASTM standards are used and accepted worldwide and cover areas such as metals, paints, plastics, textiles, petroleum, construction, energy, the environment, consumer products, medical services, devices and electronics, advanced materials and much more.”
Why Is ASTM International Membership Important?
Caltronics maintains a membership with the ASTM to retain access to new and historical editions of its standards as well as the other useful benefits, including the ability to tap into international markets with unique opportunities for collaboration both technically and strategically.
The Caltronics Design & Assembly Promise
Although none of these certifications or compliant statuses guarantee individual products, they do serve as evidence of Caltronics’ ongoing effort to refine our mindset of quality, transparency, and a culture of improvement. We’re eager to demonstrate how we’ve applied the accolades and quality standards mentioned. Contact Caltronics through the website or call 651.462.1440 to get started on your electronics project.