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Production Process and Quality controls

We pride ourselves on having probably the most stringent quality controls of any company in the Inkjet Cartridges re-manufacturing industry. After passing the initial visual test, cartridge circuits are then electronically tested. Batch production ensures that we have full traceability of each cartridge recorded on a database. The re-manufacturing procedure is carried out using state of the art technology to ensure that colour matching, yield, sharpness and speed are the finest that can be obtained. Each individual cartridge is then print tested. Certain mixes are kept in a 21 days holding pattern and retested to ensure total usability every time.

The Quality Assurance Process

Each part of our process is carefully controlled using ISO 9000 as a guide. The following steps explain the process:

  • Detailed batch process cards are used to monitor all cartridges being processed, ensuring the traceability of the products.
  • Batch cards are stored for a minimum of 12 months after production.
  • All cartridges are either visually inspected or electronically tested and then 100% print tested.
  • Thorough visual inspections are conducted during the print testing stages.
  • Rejects are quarantined in a "hold area" to avoid contamination.
  • Daily quality control inspections are carried out at every stage of the process with an AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) of 2%.
  • Random shelf tests are conducted ensuring a perfect product is delivered to all our customers every time.
  • Any customer returns are dealt with within 1 week. Returns are quarantined and investigative reports are conducted. Any corrective action is advised in order to eliminate occurrences in the future.
  • Quality improvement project teams target root causes and use a variety of techniques such as cause and effect analysis and brainstorming.
  • Research and development is ongoing, improving among others, on the design of machines, process flow techniques, and new ink formulations.

Read more about the schematic of the remanufacturing process.

> This document was last modified: 29 August 2006