Why AS13100 Compliance Matters for Aerospace Manufacturing

23 Jun Why AS13100 Compliance Matters for Aerospace Manufacturing

In aerospace manufacturing, precision isn’t just measured in thousandths of an inch – it’s measured by the systems and processes behind every component.

When a customer sends us an inquiry to produce an aerospace part, they’re trusting us with more than a component – they’re trusting us with their reputation. That responsibility is exactly why Mainstream chose to become AS13100 compliant.

Rather than simply meeting today’s expectations, we’re continually investing in the systems that help our customers succeed for years to come.

What Is AS13100?

AS13100 is a quality standard developed by the Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ) organization for manufacturers supporting the aerospace engine supply chain.

Built on the foundation of AS9100, it introduces additional requirements focused on process control, risk reduction, manufacturing consistency, and defect prevention.

One of its biggest advantages is standardization. Instead of suppliers navigating different quality expectations from multiple engine manufacturers, AS13100 establishes a common framework across the industry, helping improve consistency while reducing variation throughout the supply chain.

Why Mainstream Implemented AS13100

The simple answer? Our customers asked for it.

Many aerospace engine manufacturers, including companies like GE Aerospace, are flowing AS13100 requirements throughout their supply chains. Supporting those programs means meeting the same quality expectations.

But we didn’t view AS13100 as another requirement to satisfy.

We saw it as an opportunity to strengthen the systems we already believe in. Rather than treating quality as something that’s inspected at the end of production, AS13100 encourages manufacturers to build quality into every stage of the process: from planning and risk assessment to production and continuous improvement.

For Mainstream, that aligned perfectly with the type of manufacturing partner we’ve always been.

Building Quality Into Every Part

Traditional inspection identifies problems after a part has already been manufactured. By then, valuable time, material, and machine hours have already been invested.

AS13100 shifts that mindset by moving quality upstream.

To support this approach, Mainstream strengthened several key areas of our quality system, including:

• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) to identify risks before production begins.
• Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) to verify manufacturing capability before full production.
• Structured 8D problem solving to identify root causes and prevent recurring issues.

The result is a manufacturing process where quality isn’t inspected into the finished product – it’s built into it from the very beginning.

What This Means for Our Customers

Customers don’t choose a machining partner because of a quality standard. They choose one because they need confidence that every part will meet expectations.

Implementing AS13100 helps us deliver that confidence through:

Greater Consistency
Documented processes and standardized controls help ensure the thousandth part is produced with the same precision as the first.

Fewer Surprises
By focusing on prevention instead of detection, potential issues are identified earlier, reducing variation and minimizing disruptions.

Better Communication
AS13100 creates a common quality framework between Mainstream and aerospace engine manufacturers, making expectations clearer and collaboration more efficient.

Stronger Corrective Action
If an issue does arise, structured root-cause analysis and documented corrective actions help prevent the same problem from happening again.

Building on an Established Quality Culture
AS13100 builds upon the quality systems already in place at Mainstream, including:

• AS9100D certification
• ISO 9001:2015 certification
• ITAR registration
• Joint Certification Program (JCP)
• Advanced CMM inspection and metrology
• Documented manufacturing and quality processes

Combined with our integrated precision waterjet cutting and CNC machining capabilities, these systems help customers reduce supplier complexity while improving quality, traceability, and delivery performance.

A Better Partner for the Long Term

At Mainstream, we don’t focus on one-time jobs – we focus on long-term partnerships.

The aerospace programs we support span years, and our customers need a manufacturing partner they can rely on through every stage of production.

If you’re looking for a precision machining partner backed by advanced manufacturing capabilities, proven quality systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we’d welcome the opportunity to discuss your next project.

Contact Mainstream Precision CNC Machining & Manufacturing today.