Image courtesy IPFL

JOSCAR is an accreditation system for suppliers in the defence, security and aerospace industries. Membership provides a standardised and cross-sector assurance of quality which enables primary contractors - such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ and Leonardo - and government bodies such as the Ministry of Defence to confidently trade with other contractors and suppliers in the industry. JOSCAR also serves as a supplier database, with members able to find customers, suppliers and collaborators in the knowledge that they meet the same standards.

 
The process to join JOSCAR involves having almost every aspect of a business being audited and scrutinised to ensure it meets the standards of best practice. As well as certifying the quality of IPFL's design, engineering and production capabilities, JOSCAR validates the company's industry-specific accreditations, financial history, information security processes and corporate social responsibility and ethics. In being granted JOSCAR membership and the right to display the accreditation mark, IPFL has proven that it meets the high standards required in all these areas.  
 
Adam Bloomfield, Additive Manufacturing Manger at IPFL said: "Gaining JOSCAR certification is both a big step forward for our business and a wonderful recognition of the effort and high standards that have always been part of the way we've worked. This accreditation opens up opportunities for us to bring our technology and expertise to more of the defence, security and aerospace industries."

Founded in 1969, IPFL has built a reputation for high-quality prototype and experimental plastic parts, embracing new technologies while retaining its expertise and artisanal skills. It adopted CNC machining in the 1980s and 3D printing in 2003 - making it one of the earliest adopters in the industry. The firm has continued to adopt the latest developments in technology, technique and materials and now offers quality and precision for prototype, bespoke and on-demand parts across various industries, including aerospace, defence and security.