	COMPETITION	CROSBY
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION The most effective method of assuring that the product you are purchasing is as reliable as possible is to purchase components supplied by companies of known reputation who maintain consistent and adequate quality. The company should clearly mark its components and finished products with the company name or logo, the component size or working load limit, and a code that is actively used by the manufacturer to control material and processes.	Ask: Do they have a traceability system? Ask: If yes, is their traceability system also utilized for cast fittings, swage fittings and all load bearing components?	Crosby forges the Product Identification Code (PIC), each item’s size or Working Load Limit (or a cross reference code to working load limit) and “Crosby” or its logo into each product.
MATERIAL TRACEABILITY A forged in identification code should be used to record the material grade and origin. This record should trace the material to the heat lot of material of steel as rolled at the supplying mill. Verification checks of all materials purchased for forging must be done to insure that the steel supplied meets the specifications required. This verification should be traceable by a forged in product identification code. In summary, the source and verification of material actually used in each forging must be able to be determined through appropriate documentation.	Ask: Do they have a permanently marked code in each product that traces material back to a verified certification? Ask: Do they test each heat of steel with their own testing facilities?	Crosby uses the Product Identification Code (PIC) to maintain material control from the steel mill, to receipt at our plant, to verification, and throughout the manufacturing process. Crosby can provide certified material analysis for each production lot, traceable by the Product Identification Code (PIC). Crosby, through its own laboratory, verifies the analysis of each heat of steel. Crosby purchases only special bar forging quality steel with specific cleanliness requirements and guaranteed hardenability.
MANUFACTURING CONTROL The permanent identification code should be used to maintain a record of which manufacturing facility produced the product as well as the approximate production dates. All quality records should reference the product identification code so that a history can be maintained. All product performance testing for audit and engineering purposes should also reference the product identification code.	Ask: Do their products have a permanent code that is used to maintain control as product is manufactured?	Crosby uses the Product Identification Code (PIC) to maintain control of its products as they are manufactured.
PERFORMANCE AND APPLICATION DATA Detailed performance, application, and warning information will assist you in the proper use of products. This information is most effective when provided in supporting brochures and engineering information. An identification marking must be used to reference this information by use of a cross reference between the product code and the literature. Proper performance data should include each item’s working load limit, proof load and design factor. It should also include the item’s manufacturing processes, such as heat treatment and galvanizing, and list any specification the product meets or exceeds.	Ask: What performance and application information do they provide? Ask: Are there markings in products to aid in the proper use of the fitting? Ask: Is a comprehensive product warning system provided? Ask: What training support is provided?	Crosby provides a detailed catalog that comprehensively describes each product’s performance. The Crosby Product Warning System provides detailed application and warning information on selected products. In addition, training seminars and videos are also available. Selected products incorporate markings forged into the product to aid in the proper use of the fitting.