Inter Cars is one of not many automotive aftermarket spare parts distributors in Europe having its own quality control system based on QDA computer programming. Introductory tests of spare parts, before they are added to the product range, are performed in Intermeko Europe laboratory. The company has not long ago changed its location, and in the new place - as there is bigger space available – even more technologically advanced test benches are being used.
The laboratory was established back in 2005 and it is the place, where tests of spare parts, made by manufacturers that wish to become suppliers of Inter Cars, are made. Before being launched, the parts undergo a series of tests which check their compliance with all the technical norms and requirements in Poland and European Union. Samples are a subject to strict tests in line with the highest standards. All the parts undergo multiple tests and are being verified in every possible way, so that the final product can, first of all be safe for the user, but also to meet strict technical norms.
Intermeko is testing potential future suppliers of Inter Cars, but we are also performing spot quality checks of spare parts from manufacturers who are already our suppliers. This is to ensure continuity of delivering top quality products and their verification, in line with guidelines and user expectations. The laboratory also performs claim tests, on products returned by end users - in such case we are performing detailed analysis which is to find the reason why a particular part did not behave as it should have, as assumed at the beginning of its use.
Intermeko is first and foremost a place, where test of automotive spare parts for passenger cars and commercial vehicles are made, but not only. The most important tasks of the laboratory are material tests, which are to prove what material particular parts are made of. For this purpose the company uses technologically advanced devices, such as spectrometers, thanks to which it is possible to verify is a component is made of materials of a good quality and if it is in line with what the manufacturer declares. In this area, also quality controls are being performed - the company is a quality verification gate for spare parts being sold by Inter Cars. It has to be on a suitable level, and all - with no exceptions and exclusions - spare parts must increase the safety of drivers on the roads.
Intermeko mostly tests private brands, as in this part of the market there is most to be verified in terms of quality. Each new product from this segment is a subject to strict and detailed quality control, and before launching sales it has to be verified positively in the lab. The suppliers that Inter Cars has been cooperating with for many years are much more reliable, and often they have their own professional quality controls at their premises. But this does not mean that their products are not verified in Intermeko as well.
How does the process of testing new parts look like?
- Establishing contact with potential supplier and verifying the quality of their products (audit, checking production premises and production processes);
- Supplier sends samples for tests and performing introductory tests by Intermeko;
- Checking if elements are in line with all the quality norms and standards for automotive spare parts and Inter Cars standards;
- After a positive verification we establish preliminary cooperation, but the first batch of goods delivered from the supplier is once again undergoing detailed quality verification process. Only positive results of those tests cause that strict verification is not performed on all products from that supplier, but sample tests on various batches are being done.
Key tests performed in Intermeko:
- geometric measurements,
- tensile strength tests,
- material hardness tests,
- microstructure tests,
- functional tests.
Intermeko Europe Laboratory works in line with quality management system ISO9001. The certificate issued by DEKRA Certification confirms that quality management system was implemented and is being kept by Intermeko Europe, in compliance with ISO 9001:2008 norms.
Visit the new headquarters of Intermeko Europe:
Blizne Łaszczyńskiego,
ul. Warszawska 19 C
05-082 Stare Babice
phone: (+48 22) 469 89 70
mail: kontakt@intermeko.eu
Visit the new headquarters of Intermeko Europe:
Blizne Łaszczyńskiego,
ul. Warszawska 19 C
05-082 Stare Babice
phone: (+48 22) 469 89 70
mail: kontakt@intermeko.eu
