Reaching almost 30 years of continuous ISO certification and 15 years of AS9100 certification is more than a milestone for Ben Machine—it’s a reflection of a company-wide commitment to quality, discipline, and precision. In an industry where even the slightest deviation can affect safety or performance, this achievement speaks to the consistency and rigor that clients expect in precision machining.
Certifications in the CNC machining industry, especially AS (Aerospace Standard), are critical for ensuring precision, quality, and safety in aerospace manufacturing. AS and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications signify adherence to rigorous standards for producing components that meet strict aerospace requirements. These certifications enhance credibility, open specialized markets, and ensure compliance with industry regulations, boosting customer trust and a competitive advantage.
What makes this milestone especially meaningful is that maintaining certification isn’t a one-time task. It requires yearly, multi-stage audits, system reviews, workflow refinement, technology adoption, and continual employee training. Every audit cycle tests whether processes remain robust, whether documentation is up to date, and whether the culture promotes continuous improvement.
Ben Machine’s dedication to this standard is also reflected in our ISO Class 7 Cleanroom, which also meets ISO Class 8 requirements. This controlled environment supports high-precision manufacturing for components that demand exceptional cleanliness and quality control—further reinforcing our commitment to excellence.
As audit season comes around again, it’s a timely reminder that AS and ISO certifications form the backbone of reliable CNC machining, especially in aerospace, defence, and other sectors where precision is non-negotiable.
Why AS & ISO Certifications Matter
AS and ISO certifications are benchmarks for quality and reliability in the CNC machining industry. AS9100 certification, for instance, focuses on stringent requirements tailored to aerospace applications, ensuring that products meet the highest standards for safety, performance, and precision. These standards involve rigorous assessment of processes, materials, and documentation, which is crucial for aircraft and space vehicle components where failure is not an option.
ISO certifications, such as ISO 9001, emphasize a systematic approach to quality management applicable across industries. They provide a consistent framework for maintaining high-quality outputs through process optimization, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
For clients—particularly decision-makers and design engineers—these certifications demonstrate that the machine shop has:
- Repeatable, validated processes
- Risk-mitigation controls, including non-conformance tracking and root-cause analysis
- Documented procedures and traceability
- Internal audits and preventive actions
- A commitment to continuous improvement, not just compliance
Both certifications enhance a company’s credibility and provide a significant competitive edge. They signal to clients that the manufacturer adheres to globally recognized quality standards, reducing risks and instilling confidence. For aerospace organizations, this confidence is essential when working with mission-critical components.
The impact of certification extends beyond quality teams—it involves engineers, machinists, programmers, inspectors, and support staff. Everyone contributes to the discipline required to meet AS and ISO expectations.
These internationally recognized certifications also open doors to international aerospace and defence markets, where compliance with AS9100 is often mandatory. For high-mix, low-volume precision CNC machining environments like Ben Machine, this reinforces the ability to serve clients who require flexibility without compromising quality.
Achieving and Maintaining Certifications
Obtaining AS and ISO certifications involves several rigorous steps. While the certification process itself is structured, the effort behind it requires collaboration, training, and an ongoing commitment across all departments.
Step-by-Step Certification Process
After completing these steps, the company enters a phase of continuous monitoring and improvement to ensure sustained compliance and readiness for future audits.
1. Preparation and Training
The process begins with a gap analysis to evaluate current practices against AS/ISO standards. Employees across the organization participate in training to understand the expectations of the Quality Management System (QMS).
2. Documentation
A QMS must be developed, documented, and aligned with AS/ISO guidelines. This documentation includes process maps, procedures, inspection criteria, material handling practices, and risk assessments.
3. Implementation
The documented processes are integrated into daily operations. This step tests whether the QMS works in practice and whether employees consistently follow procedures.
4. Internal Audit
Before third-party auditors arrive, internal audits help identify non-conformities. These findings then lead to corrective and preventive actions, reinforcing a culture of continual improvement.
5. External Audit
Certified external auditors evaluate the entire QMS to ensure every requirement is met. If any issues arise, the company must address them to maintain compliance.
6. Certification
After meeting the standards—or addressing outstanding items—the company is awarded certification.
Commitment Beyond Certification
Maintaining accredited certification is not a one-time accomplishment but an ongoing commitment to excellence. The certification must be continually renewed through annual audits, reviews, and updates. At Ben Machine, this includes integrating new machining technologies, refining workflows, and evaluating training needs to keep the team aligned with the highest expectations.
Every non-conformance is treated as an opportunity to learn and improve. This mindset strengthens the entire organization, from quality specialists who manage documentation to machinists who follow strict process controls on the shop floor.
With 15 years of continuous certification, Ben Machine demonstrates a track record of reliability and discipline—qualities that clients in aerospace and defence value deeply.
Certification Benefits for Clients
Adherence to AS and ISO standards offers significant benefits for clients and manufacturers, especially in industries where precision and reliability are essential.
Consistent Quality
Certifications ensure high precision and uniformity in CNC-machined parts, minimizing defects and maintaining tight tolerances across batches. This consistency is crucial for high-mix, low-volume projects where repeatability matters.
Reduced Risk
The rigorous frameworks behind AS and ISO standards reduce the likelihood of component failures—an essential factor in the aerospace sector, where reliability is directly tied to safety.
Elevated Trust
Certifications signal reliability and compliance with international standards, strengthening client relationships and supporting long-term partnerships.
Streamlined Communication
Standardized processes improve communication and transparency. Clients benefit from predictable workflows, clear documentation, and consistent reporting.
Competitive Advantage
Working with an AS9100-certified CNC machine shop helps clients meet procurement requirements and maintain their own compliance with aerospace regulations. This can shorten qualification cycles and accelerate project timelines.
Every non-conformance matters, every corrective action matters, every preventive measure matters. This level of discipline directly benefits clients by reducing delays, improving outcomes, and ensuring dependable part quality.
Ben Machine’s ISO Class 7 Cleanroom adds another layer of value, enabling the production of sensitive components where cleanliness and precision go hand in hand.
The Extra Mile with AS Certifications
AS certifications, particularly AS9100, are specialized quality management standards for the aerospace and defence sectors. These standards set stringent requirements that address the unique demands of aerospace manufacturing, including safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. AS9100 builds on the foundational elements of ISO 9001 and adds specific aerospace criteria, making it especially prestigious for machine shops serving this sector.
AS-certified machine shops demonstrate exceptional process control, robust documentation, and disciplined quality management. For clients, this means enhanced reliability and reduced risk in projects where performance cannot be compromised.
A Practical Example
Consider a flight-critical component requiring both tight tolerances and material traceability. In an AS9100-certified environment:
- Every step—from incoming inspection to final delivery—is documented.
- Material certificates are verified and traceable.
- Non-conformances are captured, investigated, and resolved with corrective actions.
- Auditors regularly validate that procedures are followed.
This level of oversight substantially reduces the risk of errors, making AS certification invaluable when lives and mission outcomes depend on precision.
Final Thoughts
Fifteen years of continuous AS and ISO certification highlight Ben Machine’s long-standing commitment to excellence in precision machining. These certifications are more than benchmarks—they represent a culture built on quality, discipline, and continuous improvement.
This year’s audit reaffirmed that commitment, with auditors highlighting the professionalism and dedication of our quality team. Their feedback is a testament to the standards we uphold and the pride we take in delivering excellence. We invite you to read the auditors’ own words about our team’s performance:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7399449567177580544-QcDE/
It’s a powerful reminder that certifications are more than just milestones; they reflect the people behind them who make quality a reality.
If you’re exploring CNC suppliers for your next critical project, contact us to learn how our AS9100-certified machine shop can support your success with precision components and reliability.
