GKN becomes one of world’s first fully IATF 16949:2016 certified metal Additive Manufacturing suppliers
May 15, 2018
GKN Powder Metallurgy has successfully passed the IATF 16949:2016 audit, becoming one of the first metal Additive Manufacturing suppliers in the world to be certified with the new standard, the company reports. The automotive standard is said to represent one of the most demanding certifications in the industry today.
The International Automotive Task Force (IATF) introduced the revised global quality standard known as IATF 16949:2016 in October 2016. The updated standard replaces ISO/TS 16949, one of the automotive industry’s most widely used international standard for quality management.
First introduced by the IATF in 1999, the original standard aimed to harmonise the different certification systems in the global automotive supply chain. The new IATF 16949 has been created with a stronger customer orientation and aims to develop a quality management system that provides for continual improvement and emphasises defect prevention, as well as promoting reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain and ultimately increasing customer satisfaction.
“The IATF certificate is a significant step on our path towards challenging established supply chains and industrialising 3D printing technology globally,” stated Guido Degen, SVP Additive and Business Development, GKN Powder Metallurgy. “Today we are already in production with automotive and industrial prototypes, small series and spare parts for the aftermarkets, but this is just the beginning. We strive for making AM mass productions, that provide the highest quality and productivity, accessible to the leaders of the automotive industry. “
GKN Powder Metallurgy comprises GKN Sinter Metals and Hoeganaes. GKN Sinter Metals is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision automotive components as well as components for industrial and consumer applications. Hoeganaes is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of metal powder. GKN Powder Metallurgy is in close proximity to its customers with more than 30 global locations and around 7,400 employees.
