Viton® News 1 - Article 16

Viton® from DuPont Dow Elastomers Achieves ISO/TS Certification, Meeting Quality and Technical Standards for Auto Industry

To purchase Viton® o-rings and seals, call certified dealer Problem Solving Products at (303) 758-2728.

News Release from Dupont Dow Elastomers

5/17/2004

ISO certification for Viton

DuPont Dow Elastomers has achieved another rigorous quality standard - ISO/TS 16949:2002 for Viton® fluoroelastomers- to serve the world's largest automotive manufacturers. ISO/TS 16949:2002 certification is the new technical standard for automotive production and OEMs.

"By earning the ISO/TS 16949:2002 certification, DuPont Dow is assuring our global customers that Viton® is backed by an internationally recognized quality system. At the same time, automakers will know that Viton®, which has long been the industry standard for under hood sealing, will meet their specific individual needs," said Bob Bernacki, Global Business Director - Viton®.

The ISO/TS 16949:2002 technical specification uses the ISO 9000 standard to meet the specific needs for the automotive and OEM industries. Together they specify the quality system requirements for the design, development, production, installation and service of automotive related products. Additionally, ISO/TS 16949:2002 has customer specific requirements (CSRs) that are set by individual vehicle manufacturers. The new standard specifies that companies have to monitor customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

The new technical standard aligns existing U.S., German, French and Italian automotive quality standards within the global automotive industry. ISO/TS 16949:2002 was written by the International Automotive Task Force, which consists of an international group of vehicle manufacturers, all of the major automotive companies, as well as national trade associations.

DuPont Dow - Viton® received certification for its manufacturing sites, laboratories, customer service and supply chain in the U.S. and Europe. ISO/TS 16949:2002 replaces ISO 9000 and QS 9000 of which DuPont Dow - Viton® was previously certified.

Viton® fluoroelastomer is well known for its excellent (400°F/200°C) heat resistance and resistance to aggressive fuels and chemicals. New types of Viton® based on Advanced Polymer Architecture (APA) were recently developed to meet specific end-uses, changing regulations and demanding processing needs.

DuPont Dow Elastomers, a global supplier of specialty elastomers with headquarters in Wilmington, Del., is a joint venture between the DuPont Company and The Dow Chemical Company, with more than $1 billion in sales. The company is a leading producer of chloroelastomers, ethylene elastomers and fluorinated elastomers, serving the automotive, chemical, construction, general rubber, plastics and wire and cable industries.

To purchase Viton® o-rings and seals, call certified dealer Problem Solving Products at (303) 758-2728.

Next Article: Viton® With APA Offers Improved Processing, Ideal for Injection Molding Technology

Viton® is a registered trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers.