ExOne Announces ISO 9001:2008 Certifications in North Huntingdon and Troy Facilities

While ExOne (NASDAQ:XONE) may be a leader, as well as a pioneer, in non-traditional manufacturing, they are still sticklers for good old-fashioned and much required, strict industry certifications. In supporting their customers with both wide-scale and smaller projects, using traditional materials ranging from metals to ceramics to glass in a multitude of innovative methods, ExOne promises superior, quality results no matter the concepts or complex designs. They are also a leader in providing 3D printers across the globe, and house two of the largest printers worldwide for 3D printing with sand and metal materials.

Today, ExOne has announced that they’ve gained new certifications to add to their list. For both ExOne locations in North Huntingdon, PA and Troy, MI, they have been certified to ISO 9001:2008 standards as Industrial Additive Manufacturers. The Performance Review Institute awarded the North Huntingdon location their certification, with the American Systems Registrar awarding certification to the Troy facility.

So what’s the point of these certifications, and what do they mean? First, they mean a great deal to ExOne’s client base, as when they are inspected regarding an end product or prototype or whatever they have produced using equipment or products supplied by ExOne, they have the ExOne certifications as a foundation to start with, while of course their own certifications are most likely required. It also means that they conform to the ISO 9001:2008 requirements of the ISO (International Organization for Standardization), which means in theory, industry-wide, that those with the certification are providing their customers with the utmost quality.

With the ISO standards being ‘generic’ and applicable to any organization of any size, they are meant to assure that the organizations consistently provide quality service and products and that they are continually working to improve, work within ISO requirements, and complete certifications. Over one million organizations in nearly 200 countries adhere to these requirements that ISO sets for voluntary international standards.

“Receiving ISO certification demonstrates that ExOne’s binder jetting 3D printing technology consistently meets our customers’ expectations and product quality standards for industrial usage,” said Tim Pierce, ExOne’s US Chief Operating Officer. “By earning this certification at all of our North American facilities, ExOne customers recognize that they can achieve a high-level of service and quality regardless of their business region or printing application.”

These certifications, now spanning all their North American facilities, certainly work to solidify their presence as a global leader not only in products and services but also in their other specialty, which is assisting and consulting with clients who are busy transitioning from traditional manufacturing to the use of additive manufacturing.

Do you work for a company that has been working toward or has achieved ISO certifications? How important do you think these standards are globally? Tell us your thoughts on the subject in the ExOne ISO 9001:2008 Certifications forum over at 3DPB.com.