How to choose a CNC and laser processing supplier in Romania — a checklist for engineers and procurement

Selecting a CNC machining and laser sheet metal cutting supplier in Romania can make or break an industrial project. Mepro Sisteme, with over 18 years of experience in mechanical machining for clients in automotive, aerospace, medical, and energy sectors, has compiled the checklist below based on hundreds of audits received and its own audits of sub-suppliers.

Minimum certifications you should request

• ISO 9001:2015 — quality management system, mandatory
• ISO 14001:2015 — environmental management, increasingly requested by European OEMs
• EN ISO 3834-2 — quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials (for welded assemblies)
• IATF 16949 — for any supplier to the automotive supply chain
• AS9100 / EN 9100 — for aerospace
• ISO 13485 — for medical devices

Mandatory technical questions

Before signing a supply contract, request written answers to the following questions. A serious supplier will respond within 48 hours with documents, not promises.

• What geometric tolerances can you guarantee repetitively (Cpk > 1.33)?
• What metrology equipment do you have (CMM, optical scanners, roughness testers)?
• How do you ensure material traceability (certificates 3.1 / 3.2)?
• What is your available monthly capacity for my part type?
• How do you manage FAI (First Article Inspection) and PPAP?
• What SLA do you offer for lead times and what penalties do you accept?

Capacity vs. capability

Confusing the two is the number one mistake in procurement. A workshop might have 12 CNC centres (capacity), but without Renishaw probes, a climate-controlled room, and PPAP procedures, it lacks the capability to consistently deliver at Cpk above 1.67. Request actual statistical data from the last 3-6 batches for similar parts.

On-site audit: what to check in 90 minutes

A good factory visit doesn't mean a guided tour. Request access to the metrology area, the archive of FAI reports, the operator competency matrix, and the preventive maintenance plan. If any of these are missing or “under updating”, it's a red flag.

“A good supplier shows you unexpected data — scrap rates, delays, complaints. A weak supplier only shows you the brochure.”

Why Mepro Sisteme passes all these tests

We are certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and EN ISO 3834-2. We have a Zeiss CMM, a climate-controlled room at 20°C ± 0.5°C, and an internal MES system that archives every measured dimension per batch. For any quotation request, we provide a DFM report and control plan within 48 hours.