ASU certificated to build sensitive aerospace, defense instruments in-house

The Instrument Design and Fabrication Core Facility, one of Arizona State University’s (ASU) Core Research Facilities, achieved AS9100D certification from Performance Review Institute (PRI) Registrar in late March, distinguishing them as one of only a few U.S. university facilities to do so. This certification allows the lab to provide custom fabrication services to in-house researchers, who previously faced the time-consuming and costly process of contacting commercial aerospace machine shops.

Instrument Design and Fabrication provides electrical and mechanical design, custom manufacturing, and additional research and development support for internal and external university researchers as well as industry clients. The new certification expands services the facility can provide to clients, and makes them a more attractive resource for large aerospace companies, says Brian Ipema, operations director for Instrument Design and Fabrication.

“To be able to partake in research and development projects, the specialized projects within all of the areas of aerospace, defense, Federal Aviation Administration, and space is not only a huge step for our facility, but the entire community we serve,” Ipema says. “We’re well-positioned to be specialized in research and development. We can provide a proof of concept that they can then scale up and put into production.”

The facility previously secured ISO 9001:2015 certification from INTERCERT in 2022, paving the way for AS9100D in March. A worldwide standard used by organizations of all sizes, ISO 9001:2015 is managed by the International Organization for Standardization and sets standards for quality management systems to ensure ongoing improvement, adherence to regulatory requirements, and customer satisfaction. AS9100D is an additional set of standards built atop ISO 9001:2015 meeting the requirements of the aerospace industry. It’s maintained by the Aerospace division of SAE Int’l and the International Aerospace Quality Group.

Paul Medina, assistant director of the Operations Project Management Office in ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise, worked with the facility to obtain both certifications. The years-long process included developing a documented quality management system that adheres to the standards set forth by ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D and is strictly implemented by all personnel. Through a series of audits, Performance Review Institute Registrar reviewed documentation, observed processes, and interviewed personnel to ensure compliance with standards. ISO 9001: 2015 and AS9100D are recertified every three years and audited annually to ensure compliance.

“That level of quality assurance was already ingrained in our process and culture,” Medina says. “We just took it the next step beyond, and we’ve done something that very few have done, especially at a university level.”

Certified Metal Craft acquired by Solar Atmospheres

Solar Atmospheres Inc. acquired Certified Metal Craft (CMC) located in El Cajon, California. With nearly 55 years of serving the Southern California region, CMC is established as a trusted and dependable source for heat treating and brazing services. With the addition of CMC to the Solar Family of companies, CMC establishes Solar’s sixth nationwide location and bolsters its West Coast presence. Tim Wiederkehr will immediately assume the role of VP of operations and report to Derek Dennis, president of Solar Atmospheres of California Inc. https://www.solaratm.com

Appointments

Dan Cope has been promoted to president of the Americas for CERATIZIT Group. Cope has more than 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, and previously served as executive vice president of Cutting Tools, CERATIZIT USA. https://www.ceratizit.com

Curbell Plastics Inc. appointed Scott Reed as senior business development manager for the aerospace market. Reed has 18 years of experience in the aerospace industry, enabling him to support Curbell’s commitment to providing high performance plastics for demanding aircraft applications. https://www.curbellplastics.com