Quality Control
Four-stage QC: IQC incoming control, IPQC in-process audits, FQC finished goods inspection, OQC outgoing inspection
TOP applies a four-stage quality control system across the production of graded card protection products: incoming material control, in-process audits, finished goods inspection, and outgoing shipment inspection. Every stage is documented and traceable to the production batch, so volume buyers get consistent dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and packaging integrity on every order.
The Four-Stage Quality Control System
Stage 01 — IQC: Incoming Material Control
Technical notes: Raw materials (TPU, silicone, PMMA/acrylic, aluminum alloy, glass, magnets) are verified against specification on every lot before release to production. Material certificates and test reports are checked for compliance.
Buyer concern: Ask for material test reports and compliance documentation (RoHS / REACH where applicable) so you can confirm the materials used in your program.
Quality checkpoints: Certificate verification; visual and dimensional checks on incoming lots; quarantine and disposition of non-conforming material.
Stage 02 — IPQC: In-Process Audits
Technical notes: During molding, stamping, CNC machining, finishing, and assembly, in-process quality audits are performed at defined intervals. Dimensional and visual parameters are checked against the process control plan.
Buyer concern: Confirm the sampling frequency and the parameters that are checked in-process — especially dimensional tolerance that directly affects slab fit.
Quality checkpoints: First article verification per batch; interval sampling during production; process parameter records; immediate correction on drift.
Stage 03 — FQC: Finished Goods Inspection
Technical notes: Finished protectors are inspected for dimensional accuracy, surface finish, material behavior, and function (e.g., closure retention, magnet strength). Inspection criteria follow the specification agreed at order stage.
Buyer concern: Agree the FQC defect criteria before production. Dimensional tolerance should be tied to the slab fit requirement, not just to nominal product size.
Quality checkpoints: 100% full inspection of key parameters on qualified units; per-batch records; defect classification and root-cause correction.
Stage 04 — OQC: Outgoing Shipment Inspection
Technical notes: Before shipment, finished and packaged goods are sampled under AQL 2.5 sampling levels covering quantity, appearance, packaging, labels, and documentation. Sample size and acceptance criteria follow the agreed AQL plan.
Buyer concern: Confirm the AQL level and inspection scope for your order. If stricter levels are required for your market, state them at order stage.
Quality checkpoints: AQL 2.5 sampling on outgoing goods; carton and label verification; packing list and documentation match; release only after approval.
Quality Standards
- Dimensional consistency: Products verified against specification to support reliable slab fit
- Surface quality: Inspection for defects, marks, and finish consistency
- Material verification: Incoming material checks on every lot
- Packaging integrity: Final inspection of packaged units before shipment
- 100% full inspection: from raw material incoming inspection to finished product and packaging inspection
- AQL 2.5 sampling: on outgoing shipments with agreed acceptance criteria
Reliability Testing
Beyond the four production stages, qualified products are subject to reliability laboratory testing covering:
- UV transmission — optical clarity of transparent protectors
- Scratch resistance — surface durability in handling and transit
- Closure retention — repeated open/close cycles for case and guard products
- Drop testing — impact protection performance on corner and edge drop scenarios
Certifications
Gstar Technology (Shenzhen) Ltd has obtained TUV Rheinland and SGS certificates, and operates under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, BSCI, REACH, RoHS, SGS, FCC, and CE compliance. Detailed QC criteria, test methods, and reports are available on request.
Quality Assurance for Buyers
Volume buyers can arrange sample inspection, production quality reviews, and per-stage tracking videos (raw material inspection, machining, assembly, quality inspection). Contact our team to discuss quality requirements, or review how the full manufacturing process integrates these checkpoints.
FAQ
AQL 2.5 (Acceptance Quality Limit) is the sampling level applied to outgoing shipments: the maximum acceptable percentage of defective units in a sampled lot under the agreed inspection plan. Stricter levels are available on request.
Key parameters receive 100% full inspection at the finished goods stage, and outgoing shipments are verified through AQL 2.5 sampling on 100% of finished goods lots. Combined, this covers both full-unit screening and batch-level acceptance.
Yes. Batch inspection records and QC reports are available for volume orders. Contact us to agree the reporting format and frequency at order stage.
Yes. Third-party inspections can be arranged during production, before shipment, or for sample verification. Timeline and scope should be agreed before production begins.
Critical dimensions are measured against the specification with tolerances defined at design stage, verified in first articles, and monitored through in-process audits and finished goods inspection on every batch.
Related Resources
- Graded card protector manufacturing — the full process from design to shipping
- TPU material guide — material properties and verification
- Acrylic material guide — rigid protector processing and inspection
- Custom OEM & ODM — quality requirements for custom programs
Process Details
Technical notes for B2B buyers.
Discuss Your Manufacturing Project
From prototype to production — our team can guide you through each step.