At Stephens Gaskets, quality is never an afterthought – it’s built into every stage of our manufacturing process. Our clients trust us not only for our technical capabilities, but because they know they’ll receive parts that meet their specifications the first time, every time.
In this post, we take a closer look at our quality assurance process and certifications, from inspection to documentation. Whether you’re ordering prototypes, production components, or value-added assemblies, you can rely on us to deliver parts that meet your requirements with precision.
Why Quality Matters
In industries where components must perform under pressure – whether in aerospace, automotive, defence, or power generation – quality and traceability are non-negotiable. A gasket, washer, or shim that fails tolerance or lacks certification can cause project delays, safety issues, or compliance problems.
We understand that every part matters. That’s why we follow right-first-time manufacturing principles and apply thorough quality checks throughout the process.
Our ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Stephens Gaskets is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer, operating under a documented quality management system that is audited regularly. This certification demonstrates our commitment to:
- Continuous improvement.
- Traceability of materials and processes.
- Product consistency.
- Customer satisfaction.
- Risk management.
Being ISO certified ensures that our procedures meet global standards – giving our customers complete confidence in our capabilities.
Quality Checks at Every Stage
We don’t just inspect at the end. Our QA process involves controls at key stages of production to catch issues early and ensure compliance throughout.
1. Initial Review
We review all drawings, specs, and customer requirements before production begins. Tolerances, materials, and finishing needs are logged and confirmed.
2. Material Verification
We source materials from approved suppliers. Upon receipt, we verify each batch against documentation, ensuring traceability and grade compliance.
3. In-Process Checks
During manufacturing – whether it’s laser cutting, pressing, CNC turning, or moulding – we perform visual and dimensional checks to catch deviations quickly.
4. Final Inspection
Before dispatch, each order undergoes a final inspection. This includes:
- Visual checks for damage or surface defects.
- Dimensional checks with callipers, micrometers, or CMM (as needed).
- Sampling for batch consistency.
- Packaging checks to ensure correct labelling and traceability.
Only once the part has passed final inspection is it approved for despatch.
Traceability & Documentation
We know how important documentation and traceability are in today’s quality-controlled environments. That’s why we supply relevant certification with every order, including:
- Certificates of conformity (C of C).
- Material certificates (mill certs, BS/EN/ASTM equivalents).
- Plating or heat treatment reports.
- Batch numbers and traceability logs.
We can also retain manufacturing records and inspection results for specific contracts or industries that require extended traceability.
Supporting Industry Compliance
Our QA processes are designed to support customers working in highly regulated environments. These include:
- Aerospace: tight tolerance and full traceability parts.
- Automotive: PPAP and critical performance component documentation.
- Rail and marine: corrosion-resistant and metal-grade-certified parts.
- Medical and cleanroom: certified cleaning, materials, and processes.
We’re experienced in supporting compliance with RoHS, REACH, and conflict mineral declarations as part of global supply chain requirements.
The “Right First Time” Approach
Our goal is to prevent errors, not just correct them. That’s why we invest in:
- Staff training for quality awareness.
- Ongoing audits of suppliers and processes.
- Tool and gauge calibration.
- Root cause analysis if any non-conformance occurs.
We believe quality starts long before the first part is cut. It begins with clear communication, accurate planning, and a culture of accountability.
Why Clients Trust Our QA Process
- Certified to ISO 9001:2015.
- Material and process traceability.
- Full final inspection before despatch.
- Documentation support on request.
- Consistent quality across all orders.
From one-off prototypes to full-scale production, our clients know their components are in expert hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you provide inspection reports with every order?
We provide certificates of conformity as standard. Detailed inspection reports are available on request.
2. Can I request a material certificate for my order?
Yes. Material certificates (e.g. BS EN 10204 3.1) can be included upon request during quotation.
3. How do you trace batch production?
Each batch is logged with unique identifiers, material source, and operator records.
4. Are your inspection tools calibrated?
Yes. All our measuring tools are regularly calibrated against certified standards.
Final Thoughts
Quality isn’t just a department – it’s a culture. At Stephens Gaskets, our quality assurance process and certifications provide the foundation for everything we do. From material selection to final inspection, every part we produce reflects the standards we’ve built our reputation on.
Let us help you meet your quality goals with the service and traceability you need to move forward with confidence.
Ready to Work with a Trusted UK Manufacturer?
If your projects demand consistency, documentation, and reliable quality assurance, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is here to answer questions, support technical specs, and provide samples or documentation as needed.
Request a quote or speak with a QA-focused supplier today:
Phone: +44 (0)121 544 5808
Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk