Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI), a leading materials sciences engineering solutions provider and part of the Murugappa Group, has recently attained a series of prestigious certifications, further solidifying its expertise in aerospace and defence manufacturing. These certifications, including EN9100 and STANAG 4569, endorse CUMI’s capabilities, regulatory compliance, and commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies and solutions in the field of material science for aerospace and defence applications.
In the highly regulated industries of aerospace, aviation, and defence, suppliers must meet the highest quality standards. CUMI has obtained the critical EN9100 certification, also known as AS9100D, which is a globally recognized quality management system standard for the Aerospace and Defence industry. This certification covers CUMI’s fine powders, composites, and precision machining facilities, allowing the company to directly supply its products to Aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide. Notably, CUMI’s composites facility offers advanced composite technology for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), making it a valuable supplier in this growing market.
Moreover, CUMI’s ceramic armour products have successfully met the rigorous STANAG 4569 Level 3 criteria, which sets global military standards for protecting occupants of light armoured vehicles from heavy artillery shots. Trials were conducted at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, where CUMI proved to be the only fully integrated manufacturer of silicon carbide armour products in India qualified for this level of protection. With this certification, CUMI becomes the first company in the country capable of supplying ceramic panels offering STANAG level 3 ballistic protection for armoured vehicles. This achievement aligns with the Indian Ministry of Defence’s indigenization initiative, which encourages the domestic production of defence items.
Additionally, CUMI has received the prestigious Process Certificate for Metallization of Alumina Substrates from the Space Applications Centre, ISRO. This recognition is awarded to CUMI’s Industrial Ceramics business unit, acknowledging its expertise in the 3-layer metallization process on Alumina substrates for flight applications. These substrates play a vital role in various electronic components used in satellites, and CUMI stands as the sole manufacturer of this product in India.
Furthermore, CUMI’s ceramic products for personal armour solutions have been deployed by esteemed Defence customers, meeting NIJ threat levels III, III+, and IV. This certification ensures protection for soldiers against automatic guns and armour-piercing rifles. CUMI offers a range of materials, including alumina, zirconia-toughened alumina, and silicon carbide, to meet specific threat levels for personal protection. Its lightweight ceramic ballistic solutions, engineered with these materials, provide ergonomic and customizable options for bulletproof vests.
Subbu Venkatachalam, Head of Marketing at Carborundum Universal Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to quality and accuracy in meeting the stringent demands of aerospace and defence applications. He stated, “As we intensify our focus on the aerospace and defence sector and align ourselves with the goal to build India’s self-reliance in this industry, these certifications are a great way to reiterate our focus on quality and accuracy.”
With a legacy of 70 years in the material sciences industry, CUMI has been at the forefront of innovation in ceramic powders, products, and panels for aviation, space, and defence applications. The company also manufactures world-class structural composites for aerospace applications, and through its joint venture, Wendt India, it specializes in precision machining of aerospace components. CUMI continues to contribute to India’s aerospace and defence sectors and is one of the first companies in the country to produce graphene for aerospace and defence applications.
Carborundum Universal Limited (CUMI) is a Mines to Market Company with integrated operations spanning mining, power generation, fusion, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. Employing over 5,500 professionals worldwide, CUMI serves customers in diverse industries, including engineering, fabrication, automotive, infrastructure, steel, glass, power generation and distribution, mining, and aerospace. With a global presence on six continents and exports to over 50 countries, CUMI remains committed to delivering high-quality material solutions and world-class services in abrasives, electro minerals, ceramics, refractories, and energy storage materials.