In the world of precision manufacturing, “good enough” doesn’t exist. This is especially true in aerospace and defense, where a single out-of-tolerance component can ground a fleet or compromise a mission.
For OEMs and Tier 1 contractors, vetting a machine shop isn’t just about looking at a parts portfolio; it’s about examining the rigorous systems that produced those parts. This is where the “alphabet soup” of certifications—specifically ISO 9001 and AS9100—comes into play.
While often mentioned in the same breath, these two standards serve different (though related) purposes. At Euro Machining, we believe in transparency about our quality systems. Here is why ISO 9001 is the non-negotiable baseline for your suppliers, and how the AS9100 framework adds a critical layer of safety for the skies.
The Foundation: ISO 9001:2015
ISO 9001 is the global gold standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It is industry-agnostic, meaning it applies to everything from software companies to machine shops.
When a supplier like Euro Machining is ISO 9001:2015 certified, it tells you that we don’t just “inspect quality in” at the end of the line. Instead, we have a documented, process-based approach to the entire workflow. It proves that we have:
Consistent Processes: We don’t wing it. Every operator follows the same standardized procedures.
Corrective Action Plans: If a deviation occurs, we have a formal method to fix it and prevent it from recurring.
Vendor Management: We vet our raw material suppliers to ensure the aluminum or titanium we cut is exactly what you ordered.
For many commercial industries, ISO 9001 is the ceiling. In aerospace, it is merely the floor.
The Aerospace Upgrade: What AS9100 Adds
If ISO 9001 is the foundation, AS9100 is the reinforced fortress built on top of it.
AS9100 is a standard written by the aerospace industry for the aerospace industry. It incorporates every single requirement of ISO 9001 but adds nearly 100 additional requirements specifically focused on safety and reliability.
The three biggest “add-ons” that AS9100 brings to the table include:
Risk Management: While ISO focuses on customer satisfaction, AS9100 demands “risk-based thinking” at every step. We must actively predict what could go wrong—from machine failure to supply chain disruption—and have a plan to mitigate it before metal is ever cut.
Counterfeit Parts Prevention: In a global supply chain, unverified materials are a major threat. AS9100 requires strict protocols to verify the authenticity of every raw material and component.
Product Safety & Configuration Management: This ensures that if a design change is made (even a revision to a revision), it is tracked, documented, and communicated flawlessly across the entire production run.
Euro Machining’s Commitment to the Standard
At Euro Machining, we operate with a “precision is our passion” mindset. We are proud to be ISO 9001:2015 certified, giving our partners in Silicon Valley and beyond the confidence that our documentation is as precise as our machining.
However, we know that our aerospace and defense partners require even more. That is why we are actively aligning our internal processes with the AS9100 framework. By integrating AS9100-level risk assessments and lot traceability into our existing ISO workflow, we are bridging the gap between commercial agility and aerospace rigor.
Whether we are verifying parts on our Mitutoyo CMMs or auditing our material suppliers, our goal remains the same: to deliver components that don’t just meet the spec, but define it.
Ready to partner with a shop that takes quality as seriously as you do? Contact Euro Machining today to discuss your next project.