Testing and inspection play a key role in ensuring spring performance in regulated industries. As a leading ISO-certified manufacturer of precision springs, Argo Spring Manufacturing Co., Inc. adheres to AS9100D manufacturing guidelines to deliver high-quality products for applications across a broad range of industries, including aerospace, medical, oil & gas, commercial agriculture, direct military agencies, electronics, and transportation.
Core Spring Testing Methods
When it comes to critical component design and engineering methods, failure is not an option. Potential risks must be identified and mitigated to maintain the highest levels of safety, quality, and reliability. At Argo Spring Manufacturing Co., Inc., our core spring testing methods include checking the rate, solid height, free length, and functional performance of a spring to determine performance capabilities.
Load Testing and Rate Verification
To ensure precision, Argo Spring Manufacturing Co., Inc. utilizes stringent control measures, such as AS9100D-certified load testing and Rockwell hardness testing, which verify heat treatment and material strength, two factors critical to overall durability. Load testing measures the amount of force exerted by a spring when it is at an extended length or compressed, for verification of load and rate tolerances.
Dimensional and Visual Inspection
Our dimensional and visual inspection processes include the use of calipers and optical comparators to verify the following parameters of our spring products:
- Coil count
- Free length
- Solid height
- Wire diameter
Quality Systems and Certifications
For over 60 years, Argo Spring Manufacturing Co., Inc. has focused on quality control, maintaining a steadfast commitment to achieving the highest level of excellence in our manufacturing processes.
AS9100D and ISO Requirements
We are certified according to AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 standards, which assures strict compliance with customer-defined tolerances. AS9100D is a universally accepted quality management system that was designed for the aerospace industry by the Society of Automotive Engineers and the European Association of Aerospace Industries. The standard aligns with the current version of ISO 9000, with additional requirements related to overall safety and quality of products and services. Most aerospace suppliers and manufacturers require strict adherence to AS9100D standards as a condition of conducting business with them.
To ensure uniform compliance, the AS9100D standards encompass the following five core processes for the aerospace, military, defense, and aviation sectors:
- Management responsibilities
- Measure of improvement
- Product realization
- Quality management systems
- Resource management
Benefits of AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Through strict adherence to AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 standards, we can achieve the following benefits:
- Assessment of risk. We can quickly identify and mitigate risks in the initial design phase.
- Data-driven decision making. We can make informed decisions based on collected evidence and data for greater reliability.
- Enhanced efficiency. Monitoring processes enables us to boost productivity through streamlined operations.
- Improved quality control. Our manufacturing processes often meet or exceed customer expectations.
- Regulatory compliance. Ensures uniform compliance with reliability, quality, and safety requirements.
- Waste reduction. Reducing scrap and waste costs contributes to improved cost efficiency.
Reducing Risk Through Process Control
Adhering to stringent spring testing and quality standards ensures the performance and reliability of our custom spring solutions, protecting production timelines and end-use safety.
Our state-of-the-art measuring and control systems are complemented by our Statistical Process Control (SPC), Just in Time (JIT) delivery, and value engineering services. These processes combined with our 45,000 sq. ft manufacturing facility and unsurpassed design and engineering expertise enable us to produce top-quality precision spring solutions at a competitive price.
First Article and SPC Practices
With customer approval, we conduct a mandatory first-article inspection of our springs, a comprehensive overview of the first produced part to ensure it meets the exact specifications in the CAD drawings. To ensure optimal performance, we also conduct functional testing to evaluate spring behavior under simulated conditions.
Contact a Leader in Custom Spring Manufacturing
Unlike other companies that only produce spring testing machines, Argo Spring Manufacturing Co. offers a comprehensive line of precision springs with capabilities that range from .003 wire to 2.00″ diameter bar, working with exotic metals such as Inconel, Hastelloy, Monel, MP35, titanium, and more.
Our purchasing and product control methods incorporate a computerized job tracking system to ensure total control from quotation to shipment. By embracing a customer-centric approach, our skilled team delivers personalized service, responding to questions and concerns for total customer satisfaction.
Contact us today to discover why customers repeatedly turn to Argo Spring Manufacturing Co., Inc. for high-quality springs that meet both regulatory and industry standards for quality and safety.