Carbon Nexus welcomes internationally-recognised quality certification

Deakin University's globally unique carbon fibre research centre has added another feather to its cap with the award of an internationally-recognised quality management certification.

The certification, ISO 9001:2008, covers development trials and collaboration with customers on research projects for carbon fibre processing, as well as training carbon fibre line operators.

Globally adopted in virtually all industries by manufacturers and service companies both large and small, ISO 9001 has become the most widely recognized Quality Management System standard.

Deakin University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Professor Lee Astheimer said that while Carbon Nexus has successfully conducted research projects with highly satisfied industry partners, the new certification is independent evidence of our service quality.

"It's unusual for a university research centre to receive this customer service certification, but Carbon Nexus provides training and research services at industry standards, so we are proud to now have this extra recognition, particularly as we only officially opened our doors nine months ago," Professor Astheimer said.

Carbon Nexus Director Derek Buckmaster said the certification was a significant milestone for the recently opened globally unique centre.

"It reflects our high level of dedication to excellence and meeting the needs of our research collaborators and customers in every facet of our carbon fibre processing operations and training capabilities," Mr Buckmaster said.

Carbon Nexus General Manager Steve Atkiss, who drove the implementation of the new Quality Management System and led the certification to the standard, said all staff within the centre were responsible for the certification being awarded.

"We are extremely proud of the Carbon Nexus operations team," Mr Atkiss said.

"Our certification to ISO 9001:2008 reflects not only the consistent high quality of the carbon fibre processing research and operations at Carbon Nexus, but also our commitment to continuous improvement in the future." 

The Carbon Nexus research centre is active in research areas including reducing the cost of carbon fibre production, developing higher-performance carbon fibres, improving the surface treatment of fibres and reducing cycle-times for composite part production.

"We are involved in a broad range of industries including aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, plus industrial applications. Carbon Nexus also offers a broad range of hands-on training courses utilising its world-class industrial pilot-scale carbonisation line and research-scale line," Mr Atkiss said.

"Our pilot carbon fibre manufacturing line embedded in our university is directly tied to research and industry, working on projects that will help drive the jobs of the future."

Carbon Nexus was certified as meeting the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 by SAI Global, a leading certification provider to the aerospace and automotive industries.

ISO 9001 is an international Quality Management System standard that specifies requirements for an organisation to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products or services that meet customer and legal requirements, enhancing customer satisfaction and opening the way to continual improvement.