Matrix Tool has a long history of quality management system (QMS) certification, including past registration to the ISO 9001:1994 standard, ISO 9001:2000 standard, ISO 9001:2008 standard and the QS 9000 automotive standard.
Matrix is currently registered to the ISO 9001:2015 quality system standard as well as the international standard specification for the automotive industry, IATF 16949:2016.
These internationally recognized QMS standards emphasize the identification, interaction and management of key organizational processes to provide for continual improvement. These includes defect prevention, the reduction of variation and waste and to meet customer requirements.
Matrix has consistently met our quality demands and proactively offered suggestions for quality improvements.
The scope of Matrix Tool’s certifications is for the design and manufacturing of plastic and metal injection molds as well as plastic injection molding of components. Adherence to both quality management system standards is vital in the products and services of mission critical plastic parts.
While our quality certifications ensure a company-wide framework of operational standards, there are a few key business practices that drive consistent quality results throughout all areas of the company. Continuous Improvement is part of our DNA as we continually strive to better our processes and services through incremental and breakthrough improvements. We focus on Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to quantifiably measure the company’s performance and success versus our established targets and objectives.
Each Manager at Matrix reports on Business Metrics during our weekly, quarterly and annual meetings. Although the major KPI’s are posted throughout the plant, there are dozens of other KPI projects that are worked on throughout the year.
Some of the main KPI’s we track are On-Time Delivery, Internal & External Scrap, Capacity Trends, Quality Scores, Unscheduled Downtime, and Vendor On-Time Delivery to name a few. Given our dedication towards improvements, it is not a coincidence that all Major KPI’s continue to trend in a positive direction year after year. Managing and tracking these key business metrics have resulted in consistently high customer satisfaction scores.
There are many keys to outstanding Quality, but at Matrix it begins with a deeply experienced and well-trained workforce. Approximately 10% of our entire workforce have either Plastics or Mechanical Engineering degrees. Combined with industry-leading equipment and technology, outstanding results follow.
Overall, Matrix is a world-class supplier with excellent technical support, technology and business processes. Matrix is a tremendous partner to have in our supply chain.
Matrix Tool has standardized on two principal injection molding presses throughout our molding facility: Nissei and Sodick. Our Advanced Precision Molding Room is equipped with (26) Nissei presses ranging in size from 55 to 237 Tons of clamping pressure. Our Advanced Micro Precision Molding Room is supported by (14) Sodick Micro Injection molding machines. Both press manufacturers are noted for their extreme reliability and consistency for producing injection molded parts. For more information on our injection mold equipment, visit our Equipment Page.
Another key to our consistent quality metrics is our plant wide use of in-mold, RJG technology. We have multiple RJG certified master molders on site who train all our molding processors, technicians and quality staff as well. Matrix uses RJG, decoupled-3 technology—which provides the greatest control of the process, cycle time and part quality.
Many of our presses are also equipped with process and quality improvement technology options that include in-line visual inspection systems, robotics with cavity separation, specialized EOAT, thermal imaging and process control software.
Matrix Tool’s Quality Department supports full First Article Inspection as well as in-process dimensional inspection services. We utilize optical non-contact / Video Inspection Equipment, OGP Optical Comparators and additional support equipment. As a general standard, Statistical Process Control (SPC) is used for production part approval process. All inspection is done by highly trained Plastics Engineers and Quality Assurance personnel.
