nhbb :: quality assurance

quality assurance

The manufacture and assembly of thousands of quality custom bearing products per month demands the highest standard of quality assurance. In order to align quality control to its production capability, NHBB matches its system to its customers' application specifications. This includes sampling, inspection procedures, measurement and test equipment, functional testing, packaging and process control procedures.

NHBB's pursuit of ISO 9000 Certification marked two firsts in the U.S. Bearing Industry –– the first to have all of its manufacturing divisions ISO 9000 registered, and the first to have any of its divisions ISO 9001 registered.

In addition to the incoming material, first article, lot and in-process component inspection, the quality assurance staff maintains process surveillance on all production operations. The latest in performance and reliability testing equipment is on-line in NHBB's clean room facilities that house the bearing assembly operations. The critical tolerances governing the basic dimensions of the various components are measured and controlled. After assembly, the various performance functions are tested for compliance. Noise and vibration are also measured on finished products to further classify bearings for customer requirements.

All gauge setting masters used are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (N.I.S.T.) and correlation of gauges and gauging methods is performed by NHBB to assure that the products meet, or exceed, all documented specifications. NHBB participates in and supports programs such as World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Total Quality Management (TQM) as well as qualifying to specifications such as:

ISO 9001:2000
AS 9100 Rev. B
D6-82479

Due to these extraordinary efforts and further commitments to continued improvement, NHBB is regularly recognized with awards from its customers, in both the civilian and defense marketplaces.