Estes Achieves AS9100D Certification, Expanding Aerospace and Defense Capabilities!

Based in Indianapolis, Estes Design and Manufacturing has earned the AS9100D certification, validating its quality management system for the design, manufacture, and assembly of fabricated sheet metal products. This certification is a significant milestone, as it demonstrates Estes’ adherence to stringent quality management standards established by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) for the aerospace, space, and defense industries.

The AS9100D certification underscores Estes’ commitment to meeting the demanding requirements of the aerospace and defense sectors, where precision, quality, and safety are critical. This accreditation highlights the company’s ability to produce mission-critical aerospace products, components, and services, ensuring that Estes meets the highest standards in quality and safety controls across its operations.

Tim Estes, President of Estes Design and Manufacturing, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “Estes’ commitments to quality, state-of-the-art technology, and continuous improvement are central to everything we do. In addition to broadening the scope of our capabilities, we have also expanded to serve additional markets and clients with our Lean Manufacturing and Estes Accelerator Product Development and Prototyping.”

In line with its growth in the aerospace and defense markets, Estes has also expanded its manufacturing capabilities. The company recently added CNC machining to its portfolio with the acquisition of an Okuma 30 HP, 15,000 rpm Genos M560-V vertical machining center. This advanced machine is capable of processing a variety of materials, including titanium and aluminum, with exceptional precision. Its 5-axis capabilities ensure tight tolerances, making it ideal for the stringent requirements of the aerospace and defense industries. Although the machine was not included in the initial AS9100D certification scope due to the timing of its acquisition, Estes plans to have it incorporated into the certification by July 2025.

Additionally, Estes has commissioned a robotic laser welding unit that combines an IPG Photonics LightWELD laser welder with a FANUC CRX-25iA Collaborative Robot (cobot). This cutting-edge technology enhances the company’s ability to perform fast, repeatable, and precise robotic welding, critical for the high-quality welding demanded in the aerospace sector. With a repeatability of ± 0.002″, the six-axis cobot ensures consistent, high-quality welds, elevating Estes’ manufacturing capabilities.

Estes specializes in light-gauge sheet metal fabrication for a range of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Its part processing capabilities extend from plate materials up to ¼” thick to bar and tube stock, and the company can also fabricate additional material types and alloys upon customer request. With its new certifications, expanded capabilities, and state-of-the-art equipment, Estes is poised to continue supporting the growing needs of the aerospace and defense industries with high-performance manufacturing solutions.