How We Ensure Every Piece Is Flawless – Our 7-Step Quality Control Process

Incoming Material Inspection (IQC)

What we check: Quality begins with raw materials. For stainless steel cutlery, we verify the steel grade — SUS304, SUS430, or SUS201 — to ensure it matches the specification. For glassware, we inspect raw glass for purity, colour consistency, and the absence of inclusions. For bone china, we check the raw clay and feldspar composition against GB/T 13522-2024 standards.

Why it matters: Material defects cannot be fixed later. If the raw material is substandard, every piece produced will be substandard. We reject any batch that does not meet our incoming specifications.

Reference standards: ISO 9001, GB/T 13522-2024 (bone china)[reference:7]

In-Process Control (IPQC)

What we check: During production, our quality engineers monitor every stage — stamping, forming, welding, polishing, glazing, and firing. For glassware, we check for proper annealing (stress relief), dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. For bone china, we monitor firing temperature consistency (1230–1250°C) and glaze application. For stainless steel, we check stamping precision and welding integrity.

Why it matters: This is where we catch issues before they become批量 defects. A slight deviation in temperature or pressure can affect thousands of pieces. In-process control ensures consistency.

Reference standards: ISO 9001, internal process control standards

First Article Inspection (FAI)

What we check: Before mass production begins, we produce a small batch of "first articles" for full inspection. These pieces are measured against the approved "Golden Sample" — the signed-off reference that defines the exact standard for the entire production run.

Why it matters: The first article confirms that the production process is capable of producing the required quality. If the first article does not match the Golden Sample, we adjust the process before producing the full order — saving time, materials, and cost.

Key checks: Dimensions, weight, colour, finish, decoration alignment, and functionality

Finished Product Inspection (FQC)

What we check: Once production is complete, every piece undergoes a finished product inspection. This covers:

• Size tolerance — ensuring dimensions are within agreed limits[reference:10]
• Surface finish — mirror, matte, or brushed finish consistency[reference:11]
• Weight consistency — uniform weight across the batch[reference:12]
• Visual appearance — scratches, bubbles, stains, or discoloration[reference:13]
• Decoration quality — logo placement, colour accuracy, adhesion

Why it matters: This is our primary gatekeeper. Any piece that does not meet our visual and functional standards is rejected and removed from the batch.

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) – AQL Sampling

What we check: Before any shipment leaves our factory, we conduct a statistical sampling inspection based on the AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) standard. AQL is the internationally recognised sampling method used to determine whether a production batch meets agreed quality requirements.

We classify defects into three categories:

• Critical Defects (AQL 0): Safety-related defects that make the product dangerous or unusable — cracks, sharp edges, broken rims, foreign materials[reference:17]
• Major Defects (AQL 2.5): Defects affecting function, performance, or customer acceptance — scratches, deformation, incorrect dimensions[reference:18]
• Minor Defects (AQL 4.0): Small cosmetic imperfections with limited impact — tiny bubbles, slight colour variations, minor surface marks[reference:19]

Why it matters: AQL provides a common quality language between buyers and suppliers[reference:20]. It gives you confidence that the shipment meets the agreed quality standard — and if it does not, we take corrective action before shipping.

Reference standards: AQL 2.5/4.0[reference:21], ISO 2859

Packaging & Labelling Inspection

What we check: Even flawless products can be damaged in transit if packaging is inadequate. We inspect:

• Carton strength — ensuring boxes can withstand stacking and handling[reference:22]
• Inner protection — foam, dividers, or trays that prevent movement and breakage[reference:23]
• Drop test verification — simulating the rigours of shipping[reference:24]
• Label and barcode accuracy — correct product codes, destination addresses, and handling instructions[reference:25]
• Container loading supervision — when required, we supervise loading to ensure safe stowage[reference:26]

Why it matters: A beautiful product that arrives broken is a failed product. Packaging is the final layer of quality assurance.

Documentation & Traceability

What we check: Every production batch is assigned a traceable batch number that covers the full process — from raw materials to final packaging. Our records include:

• Raw material batch certificates
• Production process records (temperature, pressure, timing)
• Machine and operator information
• QC inspection results at every stage
• Packing and shipment documents
• Test reports (lead/cadmium release, dishwasher resistance, salt spray test)[reference:29]

Why it matters: Traceability means we can identify and address any quality issue — even months after shipment. If a customer ever has a concern, we can trace it back to the specific batch, production line, and raw material lot.

Reference standards: ISO 9001 traceability requirements[reference:30]