Among the quality assurance systems in the Metrology Department at Clamason, a Nikon Nexiv 3020 non-contact, CNC video measuring system featuring a through-the-lens laser autofocus facility ensures the repeatability of small, complex and highly toleranced parts from large batch production.
The system typically measures 60 sample pressings from a 30,000 batch in three axes, X, Y and Z, against a program written either from a customer’s CAD model or using a reference component. Lots of 30 are placed on a jig made by Clamason itself, and the Nexiv measures the programmed dimensions in a few moments using automatic component recognition.
The progressive data generated is stored in the Nikon Nexiv’s data management system for quality audit and exported as an Excel spreadsheet for analysis. Exported data can be put into capability and SPC charts.
Such identification and monitoring of trends in key features are vital in enabling Clamason to anticipate when and where adjustments need to be made to the process, well before a dimension moves out of tolerance. Two typical examples would be to compensate for tool wear, especially when processing hard stainless steels, and for variations in the mechanical and chemical properties of raw material from coil to coil.
Quality of product continues to keep Clamason competitive in world markets where the cost of quality is increasingly regarded as a major element in component price.
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