Quality

Our Quality Policy

PH Tool is committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and meeting the expectations and requirements of all parties by: 

• Delivering quality products and services the first time; without error or deviation from customer requirements
• Ensuring effective operation and continual improvement of our Quality Management System. 

ISO 9001:2015 Certified 

PH Tool's Quality System is certified to ISO 9001:2015, effective March 5, 2023. This standard is based on a variety of quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the dedicated involvement of top management, commitment to producing quality products, and continual improvement. Implementing ISO 9001:2015 helps ensure our customers continue to receive consistent, high-quality products and services. Everyone at PH Tool is excited to share our commitment to the improvement and growth of our quality program - from customer service to machining capabilities - and further solidify our reputation as the leading experts in the NDT industry.

Meeting the requirements of the Nuclear Power Industry

We maintain compliance with the requirements of 10CFR50 Appendix B, NQA-1, and 10CFR21 to support the Nuclear Power Industry.  PH Tool undergoes regular assessments by NIAC member companies, and the results are available to share between NIAC members.  

Quality Assurance Program

In addition to being ISO 9001 certified, PH Tool maintains a stringent ISO 10012 compliant Quality Assurance program governing the precision manufacture and accurate, repeatable inspection of NDT reference standards and test blocks. The quality program at PH Tool has been designed to meet the requirements of these specifications:

• ISO 9001:2015 Certified
• ISO 10012 Compliant
• 10 CFR 50 Appendix B
• NQA-1, 1994 Ed. through and including 2008 Ed., 2009 Addenda
• ANSI N45.2
• ASME Section III Division 1
• MIL-I-45208
• MIL-Q-9858A

What kind of paperwork comes with standard test blocks?  All calibration test blocks ship with a NIST-traceable Certification Report stating that the block meets applicable specifications.  A Material Test Report (MTR) is also included to maintain heat or lot traceability of the raw material to the producing mill.  PH Tool also includes a Positive Material Identification (PMI) Test Report with all standard blocks, showing the results of a chemical analysis obtained in-house with our XRF analyzer. The PMI report adds an extra level of certainty that the correct materials were used in manufacture.  If this is not enough, customers also have the ability to purchase a Full-dimensional Inspection Report, showing all of the as-built dimensions of the block.  This is not merely a close approximation of accuracy; the dimensions must be carefully obtained and compiled into a report detailing all of the critical dimensions of the block design.     

Custom EDM Notch, FBH, or other NDT reference standards include a NIST-traceable Certification Report as well.  The as-built dimensions of the EDM notches, FBHs, or other machined features are always included on the report so that you know the precise size.  In cases where PH Tool supplies the material, the MTR and PMI Reports will also be included.  

Quality Assurance Equipment

Some of the equipment we use to inspect standards includes:

• Keyence IM-7030 Dimension Measurement System
• Keyence VHX 7000 Digital Microscope
• Multiple Micro-Vu Manual Video Measuring Systems
• Coordinate Measuring Machine
• Micrometers, verniers, height gauges, bore gauges
• Pin gages
• Gage blocks
• Microrule Master Scale
• Climate-controlled laboratory environment
• Pratt & Whitney Vertical CMM
• Dial indicators
• Granite surface plates
• Specialized inspection equipment

100% Inspection

That’s right, every reference standard and test block manufactured at PH Tool undergoes a comprehensive 100% inspection and certification traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Standards containing EDM notches, flat-bottomed holes, side-drilled holes and micro-holes include reliable Certification Reports containing as-built dimensions. Standard test blocks are issued with certification reports stating compliance with applicable block specifications. Material Test Reports (MTR) are issued on all standards where PH Tool is supplying the raw material and ensures that heat/lot number traceability has been maintained. All Measuring and Test Equipment (M&TE) used at PH Tool is calibrated in accordance with:

• MIL-STD-45662A
• ISO 10012-1
• ANSI/NCSL Z540-1

Quality Assurance Manual

The current revision level of our Quality Manual is Rev. 3, dated August 31, 2017. The current revision level of our ISO 9001:2015 Quality Manual is Rev. 1, dated January 24, 2023. If you are interested in receiving a controlled copy of either of these manuals, or to schedule an on-site quality audit, please contact Pam Martin at 267-203-1600, ext. 102 or pam@phtool.com.