Software Upgrade Helped to Win NADCAP Approval

Brenda Grove, managing director of Stainless Plating Ltd, Sheffield is pleased to announce accreditation of her metal finishing facility to NADCAP, as of this month. The company has been running Metfin software, from Sumari Business Systems, since 1995 to route batches to more that 170 vats, but needed to upgrade to the latest Windows version to prepare for the NADCAP audit.

Despite the company name, Stainless Plating offers 14 different processes including anodising and phosphating, in addition to plating processes. One of the few metal finishers that continues to offer cadmium and chrome plating, the company has managed to absorb compliance with Reduction of Harmful Substances (RoHS) legislation into current business practice.

Brenda is currently chair of the Metal Finishing Association, and a member of the Surface Engineering Association's IPPC club, which assists with the implications of the Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control legislation.

Stainless Plating currently treats effluents using a number of different methods including reclamation, ion exchange and chemical treatments. All these have the aim of reducing pollutant levels to enable water to be discharged or reused internally. At present Stainless Plating are able to meet discharge limits but are aware of the potential for further legislation.

Metfin software is used to organise and plan all the company's administration, and production operations. With the facility to store all parts (with pictures), and all finishes and operations, the entering of batch cards is simplified. The benefit of controlling the full process from booking in, right through to invoicing, meant that only minor modifications were required to accommodate the requirements of the NADCAP procedures.

Brenda Grove,
Stainless Plating Ltd