Quality

Overview: Our Approach to Welding Quality

At Able Hardware, “quality” is an engineered system—not a final inspection step. For robotic MIG-welded shelving, frames, and carts, we build quality into drawings, welding procedure control, operator qualification, in-process checks, and verification with clear, export-ready documentation. Units are metric throughout (mm, °C, N, μm).

What “export-ready QA” means for OEM/ODM buyers

Export-ready QA means you receive controlled welding procedures (WPS/PQR), qualified operators, traceable materials and finishes, dimensional/CMM data where needed, clear acceptance criteria (ISO 5817), and packaging that protects coatings and edges throughout international transit—plus documentation aligned with your PPAP/basic element expectations.

How this hub is organized (Documents · Standards · Testing)

Use this hub to navigate our quality content:

• Documents → see deliverables and templates in QA Documents
• Standards → acceptance levels, symbols, and weld classes in Weld Standards
• Testing → corrosion, NDT, and functional testing in Testing

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Quality System & Certifications

We operate a formal quality management approach consistent with ISO 9001 (scope available upon request). Welding quality is aligned to ISO 3834 principles, with scope and depth defined by contract.

Welding quality requirements & process control (ISO 3834)

ISO 3834 guidance anchors our process control: contract review, WPS/PQR availability, consumable control, welder qualifications, calibrated gauges, and inspection planning. The level of control is tailored to your risk and compliance needs.

Procedures & personnel (WPS/PQR, ISO 15614-1/AWS D1.1, ISO 9606-1)

• WPS/PQR qualified to ISO 15614-1 (or AWS D1.1 when specified)
• Welder/operator qualification to ISO 9606-1
• Work instructions tied to part numbers, weld symbols, and acceptance levels

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QA Documents We Provide

We document what we build so you can release parts faster with fewer questions.

COA, first-article, dimensional/CMM reports, PPAP basics

Deliverables can include: COA, in-process inspection sheets, FAI (first-article), dimensional/CMM or laser-scan reports, and PPAP basics (agreed element list such as Part Submission Warrant, control plan, FAI, capability where applicable).

Traceability, material/finish records & change control

We maintain traceability for materials, welding wire/lot (if requested), coatings, and finishing parameters. Change control ensures revisions are logged and approved prior to implementation.

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Inspection & Measurement

We combine visual checks with fixtures, gauges, and metrology to control geometry and finish.

Visual inspection (ISO 17637) & acceptance (ISO 5817)

Visual inspection follows ISO 17637; weld acceptance levels are defined by ISO 5817 (typically B or C as specified). Weld symbol definitions conform to ISO 2553 to avoid ambiguity.

Dimensional controls (fixtures/CMM), ISO 13920 & ISO 2768

• Checking fixtures and gauges for in-process control
• General welded tolerances per ISO 13920
• Machined features per ISO 2768
• Thermal cut quality per ISO 9013 (where applicable) For FA/PPAP, we can provide CMM or laser scan datasets.

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Weld Standards & Acceptance

Clarity up front reduces rework and accelerates approvals.

Symbols & callouts (ISO 2553) and quality levels (B/C)

Drawings should use ISO 2553 symbols with legible size/length fillet callouts, throat sizes, intermittent patterns, and any contour requirements. Specify ISO 5817 quality level B (stringent) or C (general) by joint—especially on visible or high-load seams.

NDT options (MT/PT/UT/RT) per ISO 17638/17640/17636

When required by contract, we can coordinate NDT:

• MT (magnetic particle) / PT (penetrant) per ISO 17638
• UT (ultrasonic) per ISO 17640
• RT (radiographic) per ISO 17636 Scope, coverage, and acceptance criteria are defined with your quality team.

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Testing & Validation

We validate coatings and function before shipment, with sampling plans as specified.

Corrosion/finish tests (ISO 9227, ASTM D3359/D4060)

• Salt spray (neutral) per ISO 9227 to agreed hour targets
• Adhesion per ASTM D3359
• Abrasion per ASTM D4060 (Taber)
• Paint thickness checks with calibrated gauges

Load/functional tests and sampling (ISO 2859-1)

For carts/frames, we can run static/dynamic load, cycle testing, and brake/holding tests. Sampling plans per ISO 2859-1 (AQL) may be applied where specified.

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Packaging & Shipping Quality

Robust packaging preserves cosmetic and structural quality during global transit.

KD/nested methods, protection, ISPM-15, labeling & barcodes

We use KD/nested packing, edge/paint protection, and stretch/bubble wraps. ISPM-15 pallets/crates are available. Labels/barcodes (SKU, PO, revision) improve inbound accuracy for your warehouse teams. See Packaging & Shipping.

Export documentation and inspection checklists

Export packs include packing lists, photos, and inspection checklists. If requested, we align packaging to your inbound QC SOPs.

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Supplier Readiness (PPAP Basics)

We support OEM/ODM onboarding with pragmatic documentation.

Element list by agreement (control plan, FAI, capability)

A PPAP basics set is agreed per part family: control plan, FAI, material certifications, and capability studies (as applicable). This reduces launch risk and speeds approval.

MSA/Gage R&R and periodic audits (as applicable)

When measurement risk is high, we conduct MSA/Gage R&R. Periodic process audits confirm continued compliance to agreed standards.

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FAQ

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Call to Action

Ready to align drawings, acceptance levels, and packaging for export-ready deliveries? Upload your drawing and get a quote:

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