In the world of aerospace manufacturing, measurement inaccuracies have enormous negative consequences on timelines and bottom lines. Finding the weakest link and the correct answer is the job of every quality assurance professional in aviation.
Surgeons have no room for error in the operating room. Likewise, just-in-time medical parts manufacturers cannot machine scrap if they want to be competitive, let alone profitable. Tech Machine (Colorado Springs, CO) combines probing, toolsetting, calibration and pallet fixturing technologies in an automated, quick part setup and machining system to ensure that complex-geometry parts are spot-on every time.
Aircraft testing ensures aircraft safety and helps develop new aircraft designs.
An aircraft endures various load forces and harsh environments during flight. In order to ensure the optimal performance of materials used in aerospace applications, it is necessary to fully understand the materials' behavior under various loading conditions. The list of loading forces and harsh environments is seemingly endless. Stress, strain, impact, fatigue and susceptibility to fracture only begin to scratch the surface.
Height gages are among the most versatile measuring instruments in manufacturing.
Height gages measure the height of components and product features by measuring the distance from a reference point, usually a granite surface plate, to the component or product.
Portable arm coordinate measurement machines efficiently measure large or bulky parts on the shop floor.
Portable coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are a viable solution to making the power of coordinate metrology flexible. Traditionally, when engineers think of portable CMMs, the first image that comes to mind is an articulated arm CMM. Articulated arm CMMs offer portability and are available in many different configurations.
Look at the spine of this issue of Quality Magazine. On it is written volume number 45. We begin the celebration of our 45th year of publication with this issue.
Thousands and thousands of manufacturers struggle every day trying to guard the back door of their organization to stop defective products and services from reaching the customer. For the most part, it is a thankless and impossible job. Many times there are toe-to-toe, nose-to-nose arguments and even an occasional fistfight.
Value stream attribute mapping presents a new way to characterize value streams.
While training and facilitating value stream improvement teams, it has become apparent that there should be an easier, leaner way to characterize the flow of value through an organization.