The objective is to eliminate or minimize waste within the process without impacting the outcomes. May 1, 2020 Mark Kaganov KEYWORDS ISO standards / lean manufacturing / management systems / procedures The authors of the sample procedures here started from title blocks and tables that did not contribute to the purpose. Such “decorated” documents are difficult to read and impede the focus from the content. Lean approaches are beneficial for the development and maintenance of management systems compliant with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001 ISO 45001 standards and 21 CFR 820 FDA regulation. An excessive number of documents, over-detailed... Continue reading

What Will Manufacturing’s New Normal Be After COVID-19? History teaches us that short-term measures taken in response to global crises lead to changes that last for decades. Artem Kroupenev APR 21, 2020 Most of us hope that the COVID-19 pandemic will end within months, and things will go back to normal. In fact, many aspects of our society may never return to normal. In an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus, governments have taken extreme measures reserved for global wartime situations and the use of military-grade surveillance technology to enforce social distancing. With millions of people in complete... Continue reading

The Gage Selection Conundrum The correct selection of measuring devices will ensure the quality, price and delivery of the products we manufacture and use. May 1, 2020 (By Mike Oddy) The goal is to ensure we have the correct inspection tools to ensure the quality of the product produced. Selecting gages and other types of measuring tools can be challenging. It does not matter if you are an experienced or novice gage user, tool crib manager, lab manager or buyer. In some cases, these decisions can have detrimental effects on the finished product. In others, the gage cost and calibration... Continue reading

In March 2020, METSUCO, and every company in the world, started to feel the impact of COVID-19.  Not just financially.  Our way of doing business had to change.  The virus was bringing about new social interaction norms, questions about how to work safely, and thoughts of how to work more remotely. As we started looking at how to adapt our own business, we also started hearing from some clients.  “Can you get hand sanitizer?”  “Do you have gloves by any chance?”  “I’m completely out of disinfectant, any idea who carries that?” As a niche distribution company, we had never been... Continue reading

A 5-Point Guide for Buying Hardness Test Blocks Buying hardness test blocks may seem like a straightforward process to some.  It is not. Test blocks come in all different scales, sizes, and hardnesses and can be confusing for clients. As a distributor, we work closely with clients to help determine the right test block that meets their needs. Often, the test block that meets a client’s needs is different than the test block specified in the RFQ. To help our clients, we have developed a 5-point guide that we are pleased to share. Determine the hardness scale that corresponds to... Continue reading

Purchasing quality-testing equipment and consumables at universities is different from our commercial clients.  One of METSUCO’s largest clients, The University of Houston, states: “The mission of the Purchasing Department is to facilitate best practices and to achieve savings opportunities when procuring goods and services necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the University.  Purchasing ensures those goods and services represent best value, quality service, timely delivery, and are expended within the regulations and guidelines mandated by the State of Texas and federal sponsors.” We serve several other universities with a similar philosophy. At METSUCO, we ensure the success of... Continue reading

February 1, 2020 Author:  Genevieve Diesing Source:  Quality Magazine, Feb 2020 As 2020 marks the 100-year anniversary of the world’s first commercial hardness tester, the technology is as significant as ever.   Today’s hardness testers, including the Universal 4000 from Buehler, can help with increasing quality demands.   Component manufacturers across the manufacturing spectrum—such as in automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, energy and other fields—must ensure that their parts meet engineers’ specifications. In addition to metrology, mechanical testing and nondestructive testing methods, among others, hardness testing is an important method of testing part quality. Material hardness testing gauges a material’s strength by measuring how well... Continue reading

Buying a hardness tester is not an expense but an investment.  At METSUCO, we recommend our clients understand four main factors affecting their decision.  Of course, pricing is always a consideration for our clients, but we can help them choose the best tester for their needs.  We help our clients evaluate four key buying criteria. Portability Do you need to take your hardness tester to different locations and work sites?  If so, you need a portable hardness tester.  Benchtop hardness testers are more durable and useful for certifying parts and processes but won’t be transportable. Quality Construction It doesn’t need... Continue reading