Manufacturers in the aerospace and defense industry operate under high standards with strict rules and regulatory requirements, especially when it comes to product quality. The biggest challenge for suppliers is getting AS9100 Rev D certified and building quality management systems that meet these standards.
At DiFruscia Industries, Inc, we work with manufacturers from all over the country serving a range of different industries. AS9100 opens the door to new opportunities with aerospace and defense organizations to further expand and improve our business standards.
AS9100 Standards
AS9100 is an aerospace standard that follows the same procedure and recognition as ISO 9001. Both of these certification standards follow the guidelines implemented by the Quality Management System (QMS).
This certification standardized the organization and operating procedures for the aerospace and defense industries. This standard is created by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG).
The AS9100 standard applies to the quality management system for companies that provide products or services to the aviation, defense, and space industries. The first AS9100 standard was released in 1999. Over the years, continuous revisions occur changing the requirements of the AS9100 standard.
- AS9100 – Released in 1999 as a global industry standard with 55 aerospace industry-specific requirements added to ISO 9001:1994
- AS9100 Rev A – Released in 2001 with ISO 9001:2000 updates while also allowing a legacy system based on previous ISO 9001:1994 standard
- AS9100 Rev B – Released in 2004 to eliminate the legacy standard and only include updates from ISO 9001:2000
- AS9100 Rev C – Released in 2009 with updates to elevate the requirements of risk management from ISO 9001:2008
Today, the current revision is AS9100 Rev D with updated requirements that must be followed to obtain or maintain proper certification.
What Is AS9100 Rev D?
AS9100 Rev D is a standard set by the IAQG to implement a Quality Management System for the aerospace industry. This standard is often confused with the ISO 9001 requirements.
A Quality Management System is a standardized way to systemize the processes, procedures, and responsibilities within your organization based on the imposed policies and objectives. Without a QMS, it is difficult to properly direct your organization and meet regulatory requirements consistently.
AS9100 Rev D brings the important factors from a QMS and standardizes it based on a specific industry with rules specific to aerospace companies. This standard is aimed to certify anyone who designs, develops, or manufactures in this industry.
This standard applies to anybody working with aviation, space, and defense manufacturers including:
- Aircraft components and materials manufacturers
- Designers of any aerospace parts
- Any quality management organizations that work with aerospace manufacturers
- Any third party company that also works in the aerospace industry consistently
The newest AS9100 Rev D update was released in 2016 and includes some significant changes worth mentioning. With the update in ISO to ISO 9001:2015, the new AS9100 update needed to reflect changes accordingly too.
Some of the notable AS9100 Rev D changes implemented include:
- New clause identifying product safety updates
- Counterfeit Parts Prevention added
- New risk clause to further emphasize operational process risk importance
- Awareness clause updated to improve ethical behavior guidelines
- Human Factors clause to include them under nonconformance and corrective action
- Configuration Management clause updated and improved
It’s worth mentioning that by obtaining an AS9100 Rev D certification, you also are getting an ISO 9001 certification too. They operate with the same standards as the AS9100 standard combines processes with additional IAQG requirements too.
DiFruscia Industries, Inc. AS9100 Certification
DiFruscia Industries, Inc. recently completed a thorough AS9100 audit and became a fully certified organization in 2021. Not only does this show how much DFI has grown over the years, but the opportunity for expansion and better serving customers is always a top priority.
DFI will now be exploring new projects and working closely with companies in the aviation, defense and space industries. This certification gives DiFruscia more supply chain access, improved products, more effective processes, access to large OEMs, and global recognition.
By becoming compliant and registered with aerospace manufacturers, DiFruscia Industries, Inc. aims to coat a wide range of new products. Becoming certified also includes DFI in the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS) maintained by the IAQG.
This searchable database is available to aerospace manufacturers looking for suppliers and vendors who understand aviation, space, and defense and how to accurately work with their products.
DiFruscia is looking forward to working with new aerospace partners with a new and improved Quality Management System in place.
DiFruscia also offers a full range of metal coatings, operating as a one-stop metal finishing shop with anodizing, electroplating, powder coating, and cerakote capabilities.
