CRI-SIL Silicones February 2010 Newsletter

Dear [FIRST_NAME],

This month has proved extraordinarily busy at CRI-SIL Silicones. In addition to working through normal day to day challenges, we also completed our annual ISO9001:2008 recertification audit by NSAI.

Although we have been ISO certified since 1998, this was the first year that the auditor took an in-depth look at our Sales and Information Technologies departments. To note, this year CRI-SIL received ZERO audit findings across all departments. Our certification has been renewed for another year. If you would like a copy of the new certificate, please contact our Quality Manager, Garnet Boudreau at gboudreau@crisil-silicones.com.

Below are a few of the comments expressed by the NSAI auditor in his final report.

"The manufacturing processes are well documented and controlled."
"The “Opportunity Tracker” system is a comprehensive tool for recording customer requirements and translating them into CRI-SIL specifications/tests."
"CRI-SIL’s training database is exceptional in regard to the detail of required training and records of training provided."
"The level of attention to detail in all company operations is impressive, including daily operations reviews and frequent Management Reviews."
"The internal audits show that they are being executed according to the program and their effective role within the management system is demonstrated by audit findings assessed and root cause analysis/corrective actions taken. There is high degree of reliance that can be placed on the internal audit process in monitoring system conformity and effectiveness."

Additionally, we have been busy improving our website. You can now find past copies of all the newsletters as well as the customer satisfaction survey online ( www.crisil-silicones.com ). Over the next couple of months we will be adding much more product information as well as Technical Datasheets. Please check back often!

Customer Satisfaction! - Thank you to all of our customers who have submitted a response to our customer satisfaction survey. The information, as usual, is outstanding and we are grateful for all the fantastic feedback.

If you have not received the survey and you would like to participate in the 10 question survey, please email Sue at sjohnson@crisil-silicones.com. If you prefer, you can also fill out the survey online at http://crisil-silicones.com/Survey/survey.html. Not only will you be helping us improve our product and service, you'll automatically be registered to win a brand new Nintendo Wii.

All survey's must be completed and submitted by March 1, 2010. The results will be published in the March 2010 newsletter after the data has been compiled and the lucky recipient has been presented the Wii. Your valuable input has helped us improve many of our processes in the past and we look forward to creating positive change based on your input in the future. Thank you.

HOW CAN CRI-SIL HELP MAKE YOUR BUSINESS MORE PROFITABLE?

Proper material selection is an important aspect of any quality engineered rubber product. Whether you mold or extrude, an in-depth cost-benefit analysis can ensure you get the highest quality parts while keeping costs to a minimum.

At CRI-SIL we look at five primary factors when helping you select a custom silicone compound. All of them play an important part in formulation development and material pricing. Without reviewing these key components, it would be difficult to be competitive in the marketplace and provide our customers with a product that works.

1. Specification - Clearly the most important consideration. This can range from the simple (e.g.. 45 durometer, white, no further specifications) to the complex (e.g.. ASTM D2000 M2FC714B14EA14EF11EF21EO14EO34F17Z1 Z1=Pantone 845C)

2. Cost-Effectiveness - Typically during the development of a new formulation, we will ask you to provide a price point. This helps us determine the best course of action during compound development. Our goal is to ensure your product meets your particular specification but is not over-engineered for your application. This helps reduce the overall cost of the product.

3. Efficiency - What is the best package and pre-form for your application? How can we deliver your product in such a manner that will allow you to process it with the least amount of handling or preparation?

4. Process-ability - How can CRI-SIL process the material with the least amount of labor and machine time without sacrificing quality to keep product costs at a minimum? Do we manufacture the product from polymer or with a purchased base material? Will the product be a heat treated material or can we make it without heat treatment?

5. Delivery - How fast can we deliver the product to you, our customer? Are the raw materials that make up the formulation common and easily accessible? Do we have secondary sources to ensure redundancy? If we cannot deliver the product in a timely manner, what impact will this have on your operation?

TECHNICAL TIP

DID YOU KNOW? - Addition-cured (Platinum) silicones can be easily contaminated by many other compounds. These compounds can inhibit or completely stop the silicones' ability to cure.

CRI-SIL products that have platinum in them are identified with a "P" in the product description (e.g. CST2446P-Nat) or they are a two part product (A:B). These products should never come into contact with any of the materials listed below.

The following are compounds that have the ability to inhibit platinum catalyzed products. This list is not all-inclusive.

Amines, amides, nitriles, cyanates, oximo, nitroso, hydrazo, azo compounds
Chelates
Sulfides (including latex gloves cured with sulphur products)
Tin (including tin-catalyzed silicone RTV's and release coatings)
Phosphines and phosphites
Arsines, stibenes, selenide, telluride
Chlorinated hydrocarbons that contain amine stabilizers
Ethanol, methanol, esters
Toluene, zylene, hexane, mineral spirits

For more information on this topic, email our Technical Manager, Matt Caldwell at mcaldwell@crisil-silicones.com

DO YOU KNOW THIS PERSON?

Donna Paquette - Shipping Receiving Clerk. Donna is a recent addition to the CRI-SIL team. Her duties include material handling, shipping, receiving, inventory control, cycle counting, and more. Donna comes to us with 20 years of supervisory experience in molding and manufacturing. Her background includes planning, quality control, inventory control, and purchasing. Her experience and positive attitude are a welcome addition to our overall team.

If you would like to contact Donna, please email her at dpaquette@crisil-silicones.com .

If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me at mcstevens@crisil-silicones.com or (800) 290-9192 extension 229. I would be more than happy to assist you in any of your endeavors.

Here's to a great 2010!

Best Regards,

Mark C. Stevens
Sales & Marketing Manager
CRI-SIL, LLC
Work: 800-290-9192 x229
Cell: 207-590-8206

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