Kurtz Systems: New Quality Standards
The quality demands of the customers of the two Moulding Machines divisions are constantly growing. Our customers can expect the special without having to compromise. With this in mind, we have launched a quality offensive at Kurtz.
In discussions with customers, Kurtz employees learned that the demands on the quality level of production systems are increasing – and we want to and will meet these demands! The increased requirements led to optimization measures being tackled. With a new head of quality assurance and a strong and motivated team, the quality standard has been significantly raised in recent months – and will continue to be optimized. The aim is to consistently offer Kurtz Ersa customers the flawless quality that is expected from one of the leading manufacturers of foundry and particle foam machines.
What was actually done?

The topic of quality is now reflected in all areas and processes. It is also reflected in customer communication in the form of an irrepressible desire for continuous improvement. The focus was and is on establishing sustainable development, supplier and procurement quality. Improved assembly, test field and service quality will also ensure corresponding customer satisfaction. In 2023, there was a large-scale quality offensive in all previously mentioned areas with the reorganization of quality assurance and machine commissioning. With the aim of uncovering optimization potential, there was an open exchange with suppliers with whom Kurtz Ersa works in partnership. Since then, so-called quality assurance agreements (QAA) have been used to develop and promote quality. There are also audit visits with defined, measurable and target-oriented key performance indicators (KPI).
Furthermore, it has been worked on the job’s identification to ensure that everybody associates more strongly with the tasks at hand and approaches the work with the appropriate care and performance. Shop floor meetings form the interface to all project-related departments. In addition, “quality tools” are now in use which constantly put process performance up to machine cycle optimizations to the test. So-called “cause and effects” with influencing variables such as man, machine, method, measurement, material and the environment also play a role here. Since the quality offensive, attention has been paid to the sustainable optimization of the machine acceptance quality.
A new level of quality was achieved thanks to the great willingness of all employees to approach all quality issues together and to continuously optimize the quality level. At the same time, the team effort promoted an open communication and strengthened cohesion among and within the departments. The quality of the Kurtz machines was the starting point – the winners are the customer and the entire team at Kurtz GmbH & Co. KG!

Examples of the quality offensive
With regard to machine acceptance, the following measures have been defined for every system that is handed over from Kurtz.
- Short Life Tests – 4-digit test cycles under real conditions
- Video records
- Tests for mechanics, electrics, and software come along with a safety matrix, i.e. in-depth testing of the system under real conditions including the testing of steam and mould simulations, customer tools and original materials
- Ensuring “robust design” in line with maximum functionality, utility value and reliability
- Defined process operations as permanent “Q-gates”
- Quality reviews: everyone involved fully identifies with all processes
- Promotion of individual responsibility with defined assembly checks
- Deviations are consistently classified and processed to avoid error repetition and “not added value”
- Digital acceptance protocols that evolve and which consider the exchange of experience with appreciation
- Claim to 0-defect machines after all service life tests as a “win-to-win” team effort