Eligibility to get a IATF 16949 certificate for a Tier N>3 supplier?

[Genofear]

In semiconductors, specialty gasses DO become part of the finished product. Through chemical reactions (driven by factors such as heat, pressure, and the presence of other gasses), components of the gas remain as a solid in the semiconductor device. Example, through a chemical vapor deposition process, WF6 gas can be injected into a chamber with a silicon wafer, resulting in a solid film of W on the wafer.

The conformity of these types of gasses to stringent requirements is critical to the reliability of systems like airbag controllers and automatic breaking (not to mention lighting and stereo, etc).

Having said all that, in my experience many specialty gas suppliers are disinterested in obtaining IATF16949.

 

[Pjservan]

It is my experience that semiconductor companies or their supplier auditors have a tendency to make these type of requests. Many of these auditors/customers really do not have an understanding of IATF eligibility requirements. Last year, I was engaged in a situation where also a semiconductor customer had asked a supplier- a manufacturer of equipment for the production of semiconductors- the same. Even in their case it was clear cut that their product was not qualified but they made the supplier go through all the hoops to justify why they were not eligible.

 

[noratkhen]

I am in the “Don’t get Certified to IATF16949, unless there is a compelling business reason for doing so” camp.

Our automotive customers would either shop elsewhere or constantly make our lives an absolute misery if we did not certify to IATF16949, and if I had the choice we would stop at ISO9001 for our QMS.

For me it’s the equivalent of needing to cross a wide fast flowing river, and saying to yourself “sod the bridge, I’m going to swim across”.

Honestly, no one would do that unless they actually had to or had a really compelling reason to do so?

"compelling" business reason: can you give examples for "absolute misery"?

 

[noratkhen]

In semiconductors, specialty gasses DO become part of the finished product. Through chemical reactions (driven by factors such as heat, pressure, and the presence of other gasses), components of the gas remain as a solid in the semiconductor device. Example, through a chemical vapor deposition process, WF6 gas can be injected into a chamber with a silicon wafer, resulting in a solid film of W on the wafer.

The conformity of these types of gasses to stringent requirements is critical to the reliability of systems like airbag controllers and automatic breaking (not to mention lighting and stereo, etc).

Having said all that, in my experience many specialty gas suppliers are disinterested in obtaining IATF16949.

As far as we are concerned, we tried and obtained it in 2010 (at least 2 affiliates), but then the CB revoked it claiming that the gasses we supplied were not directly going into the car!! And I agree with you that part of the gas (the interesting element: Si, P, B etc.) stays in the chip, but not the gas as a whole, which brings the other funky question as to whether or not the technical specification of such gas makes it really fit for purpose.

 

[John C. Abnet]

we tried and obtained it in 2010

Good day @noratkhen ;
Consistent with most of the other council you have been given, I would also ask the question, "why" would you want to obtain it?

I am a private consultant and make a living helping companies build and/or improve their management systems (including IATF 16949) and the tools that those systems utilize, but would NOT recommend a company pay me to help them achieve IATF 16949 if not necessary.

As per the quoted items provided by @Rameshwar25 , your organization is not eligible. Regardless, I would recommend due diligence and ask the IAOB directly as suggested by @AndyN .

Customers often need tactfully educated because in these cases they are generally not the experts.
It is in your customer's best interest to use organization's resources for the customer's benefit, be efficient, and profitable. It is NOT in your customer's best interest for your organization to spend those resources and profits on an IATF 16949 registration that is not necessary. Shepherd them in that direction.

Hope this helps.
Be well.

 

[Rameshwar25]

I discussed with many co-auditors during our audits and everyone told me that lube oils and gases are consumables and can not be considered for IATF 16949 certification. Unfortunately, any version of rule book has not specified what are consumables and what are parts.
But, Recently one of audit team member, who is conducting audits for last 10 years, told me that he has conducted IATF 16949 audits for a client who manufactures lube oils for automotive vehicles. it is all confusing and a subjective matter.