Eddy current inspection can offer significant, practical advantages over other inspection techniques in certain situations. Unlike ultrasonic inspection, there is no need for any couplant; it can be used on wet surfaces and there is no need for consumables, unlike dye penetrant, wet film radiography and magnetic particle inspection (MPI) techniques.

Once a product leaves the assembly line, even the tiniest quality problem can quickly escalate into a big headache for manufacturing engineers. The key is to address quality issues on the plant floor and to build quality into every product. Unfortunately, that’s often easier said than done, even at world-class manufacturers.

An enterprisewide quality initiative means something different in terms of process reach and cost reduction benefits to each company that commits resources, time and technology to manage their quality initiatives. To get the most out of any quality initiative, companies should focus on a deep and wide approach to embedding quality processes and accountability metrics to every person, department and division within their organization and to every supplier, both local and global.

Accurately and reliably characterizing the physical attributes of the rotating component is critical in guaranteeing consistent production quality. From automotive controls and medical devices to packaging and consumer electronics, torque testing is an essential ingredient of product design and manufacturing quality control.

Numerous dimensional measurements are made at many places in the manufacturing process. No matter the type of part, from circuit boards to engine parts to plastic connector housings, measurements ensure that parts and processes are in control and of appropriate quality.

It is one of today’s biggest issues: Quality in Chinese manufacturing. Tainted toothpaste, lead in toys and poisoned pet food have brought the issue front and center, and it is creating a downward spiral of panic and over-reaction.

The age-old considerations for data collection enthusiasts have always stared them straight in the face while they attempt to select the perfect system for their company’s needs: Capability, flexibility, compatibility, expandability, durability, portability and affordability.

3-D laser scanning, which has matured during the past 10 years, is on the verge of revolutionizing the micrometrology market in automotive, aerospace and many other markets.

Magnetic particle inspection is a nondestructive test method that provides for the detection of linear, surface and near surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic (material that can be magnetized) test materials.

Ultrasonic flaw detection has been a valuable quality assurance tool for decades. Since the 1940s, inspectors have used the laws of physics that govern the propagation of sound waves through solid materials to detect hidden cracks, voids, porosity and other internal discontinuities in metals, composites, plastics and ceramics.