Model of quality management in development of new free-cutting Al-alloys

Purpose: of this paper: In this paper, an attempt to apply the general model of quality management indevelopment and machining of new ecologically more acceptable aluminium alloys for free cutting is made.Design/methodology/approach: The conventional approach has its limitations and that a new and innovative(alternative) approach is essential within the framework of an environmentally oriented quality managementsystem. Meeting the requirements of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000, the model ensures the fulfilment of the basicrequirements leading to the required quality of preparation processes and the end products.Findings: The properties of semi-manufactures, analyses of machining tests results and large economicadvantages confirm that the alternative procedure (press quenching methodcan be used for preparation of barsfrom free-cutting aluminium alloys. Besides better economy in terms of energy consumption, the alternativeprocedure is also ecologically more acceptable.Research limitations/implications: The restrictions resulting from legislation force us to develop new materialsand alternative technologies. This provides a technological challenge to the scientists and engineers andincreases the importance of ecological manufacturing as a competitive factor.Practical implications: The quality of a company,s product directly affects its competitive position, profitabilityand credibility in the market. Quality assurance system must undergo a process of continuous improvement,which extends from the deployment of preventive quality assurance methods to the application of closed loopquality circuits.Originality/value: One good example of the use of alternative processes, in the case of preparation of workmaterial, is the replacement of standard method for pre-forming and heat treatment of aluminium alloys byalternative method (press quenching). The second one is the substitution of lead with tin because it is harmfulfor human organisms and environmentally not acceptable element.