How AS9100 Ensures Product Safety in Aerospace Components
- Andrew S
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
In aerospace, product safety is everything. Whether it’s a turbine blade, landing gear component, or precision-ground plate, a single failure can have catastrophic consequences. That’s why AS9100 requires organizations to prioritize product safety throughout design, production, and delivery. At AB Precision Grinding, product safety is not just a requirement - it’s a responsibility we carry with every component we produce.
What AS9100 Says About Product Safety
AS9100 expands upon ISO 9001 by requiring manufacturers to:
Establish processes that identify and manage safety risks
Ensure employees are trained and aware of product safety responsibilities
Maintain clean, controlled environments to prevent contamination or damage
Track and analyze safety-related incidents or nonconformances
Incorporate safety into design, production, and post-delivery activities
This systematic approach ensures that safety is built into every stage of the value chain.
The Link Between Grinding and Safety
Precision grinding may look like a finishing process, but in aerospace, it’s often the step that defines whether a component will perform reliably in service. Surface finish, flatness, and dimensional accuracy all directly impact performance. Any deviation could compromise safety once the part is installed in an aircraft or defense system.
By aligning with AS9100, we ensure:
Controlled processes that minimize variation
Inspection systems that catch potential issues early
Operator training to recognize and prevent safety risks
Traceability to investigate and resolve issues if they occur
AB Precision Grinding’s Approach
As part of our AS9100 journey, we’ve integrated product safety into our everyday operations:
Establishing process documentation that emphasizes safety-critical steps
Implementing Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention measures to protect parts
Training employees on the importance of safety and risk awareness
Strengthening communication with customers to ensure safety-critical specs are fully understood and followed
Why This Matters to Customers
For aerospace manufacturers, working with an AS9100-aligned supplier means:
Confidence that every part has been produced under safety-driven processes
Reduced risk of downstream failures or rework
Long-term reliability backed by documented controls and traceability
Closing
AS9100’s focus on product safety reflects the reality of aerospace manufacturing: the margin for error is zero. At AB Precision Grinding, we embrace this mindset as part of our culture, ensuring that every component we deliver contributes to safe, reliable, and high-performing aerospace systems.
