QUALITY
is not left to chance at KNOTT
What we develop is tested. On in-house brake and endurance test rigs we test and validate our developments under defined conditions that are close to reality. In this way quality at KNOTT is not only promised, it is checked technically.
Quality is not a process, it is an attitude
Whether it is a trailer brake for a caravan or an industrial brake for a 200-tonne construction vehicle, brakes have to work reliably when it matters. This ambition shapes our work, from the choice of materials through development and production to testing and delivery.
At KNOTT, quality does not begin at the end of the production line. It is part of every development step and of all the relevant processes. Defined test and quality specifications, documented procedures and in-house test rigs create the basis for our brake solutions to fulfil their function reliably under demanding conditions as well.
Experience that makes the quality
Technology alone does not make a good solution. The people who develop, manufacture and test it matter too. Our long-serving employees bring in extensive practical knowledge and experience that cannot be captured completely in drawings, test plans or standards. This knowledge goes into our products and processes every day.
A zero-defect ambition
Safety-critical components allow no tolerance towards defects.
An integrated system
Quality is created in every process step, not only checked at the end.
Certified to the
highest standards
Our quality management system is audited regularly by accredited inspection bodies and certified to internationally recognised industry standards.
ISO 9001
The cross-industry standard for quality management systems, established at all the relevant sites of the KNOTT group.
Process quality
Defined procedures, inspections and quality specifications create reproducible processes, from development to series production.
EMAS validated
Audited environmental management to the European standard, because quality includes ecological responsibility.
Continuous audits
Internal and external audits, supplier audits and process reviews secure lasting effectiveness.
Quality begins at the drawing board
The most economical place to avoid defects is in development. That is why our quality experts are involved in every new product project from the start, following the methods of the automotive industry:
APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) structures the development process into defined phases with clear maturity criteria. FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) systematically identifies potential sources of failure, assesses their risks and defines countermeasures before the first component is manufactured.
With DOE (Design of Experiments) we optimise parameters on the basis of data and reduce the development effort. Virtual simulation (FEM, MBS) complements classic calculation and the test rig: components are loaded in the digital model before the first prototypes are built.
APQP & FMEA
Structured product development with systematic risk analysis.
Simulation & DOE
Virtual component testing and statistical design of experiments.
Quality along the
entire supply chain
From the supplier through our own production to the complaints process: quality means taking responsibility at every interface.
Supplier auditing
Strategic suppliers are audited on site and developed against clear KPIs: long-term partnerships instead of price pressure.
Initial sample inspection (PPAP)
Every new component goes through a formal release process with a dimensional report, material certificate and process capability study.
8D complaints process
Structured handling of every customer complaint, with an immediate measure, root cause analysis and a lasting corrective measure.
Continuous improvement process
Lessons learned from complaints, audits and employee ideas flow straight back into our standards and processes.
Quality management from experience & conviction
Test processes
and test rig technology
Every component goes through defined tests in development and in series production. Our in-house test rigs cover the entire spectrum, from incoming goods inspection to endurance testing.
In-house brake test rigs
Braking torques, friction values and wear behaviour are measured reproducibly under real load profiles.
Endurance and service life tests
Components are tested over millions of load cycles before they go into series production, faster than their real service life.
Climate and corrosion testing
Salt spray, temperature changes and humidity simulate extreme operating conditions around the world.
Measuring equipment and material testing
Our own measuring rooms with 3D measuring machines and material testing: every critical dimension can be verified.
100 % final inspection on critical parts
Safety-relevant components leave the plant only after every single piece has passed the final inspection.
Traceability by batch
Complete documentation from the raw material to the installed end product, for audits and complaints.
Downloads
Our current quality and environmental certificates for download.
QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR
QUALITY MANAGEMENT?
Would you like details about our certificates, a supplier audit or a complaint? Our quality team will answer your enquiry in person.
