Metal forming experts from design through production.

Our overall design and engineering process is the same for every customer to ensure consistent, quality output, one of the primary reasons why major manufacturers have trusted us to make their new or existing components stronger, lighter and more economical for more than 65 years.

The approach is simple: Control and verify the design of products, assign design function responsibilities, define technical interfaces and ensure final output meets or exceeds original design specifications.

STEP 1: GENERAL

Specific design responsibilities are assigned to appropriate activities inside and/or outside the Mills Products, Inc. organization.

STEP 2: DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

Design checkpoints are established to ensure that all contributing personnel are aware of their responsibilities. Checkpoint milestones will depend upon the product’s application, design complexity, level of technology being introduced, degree of standardization, similarity to existing designs and the customer’s implementation plan.

STEP 3: ORGANIZATIONAL AND TECHNICAL INTERFACES

Organizational and technical interfaces between departments/groups are designed, documented, distributed and reviewed as necessary.

STEP 4: DESIGN INPUT

Administration and marketing provide initial product requirements, including impact on form, fit, function, performance and/or durability as determined by the customer. Statutory and regulatory requirements are addressed as appropriate. Resolution of incomplete, ambiguous or conflicting requirements is accomplished through interaction with the customer.

STEP 5: DESIGN OUTPUT

Engineering department develops drawing and/or specification sheets to support the design. The engineering department is also responsible for coordinating the building and testing of models prototypes and pilots, applying required modifications to product specification or part number assignments, entering and maintaining stock masters and bills material and manufacturing routings to the information system.

STEP 6: DESIGN REVIEW

Design reviews are planned, conducted and documented. Technical personnel, in conjunction with design department representatives and any specialist personnel, are involved in the design review activities.

STEP 7: DESIGN VERIFICATION

Design verification is performed and documented at appropriate stages to ensure design output meets or exceeds original design input. Design verification methods may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Conducting and documenting design reviews with the appropriate personnel
  • Qualification testing
  • Comparing new design with similar proven designs
  • Conducting alternative calculations where appropriate
  • Verifying customers’ specifications to Mills’ specifications.
  • Verifying tolerances to standards

STEP 8: DESIGN VALIDATION

A final review is conducted to verify that the product meets the requirements of the original specification. The completed review is approved by administration, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, materials and quality assurance.

STEP 9: DESIGN CHANGES

Design changes are reviewed, verified and validated before implementation. Records of the results and changes are maintained internally.