Quality checks for Sheet Metal Fabrication made prior to shipping out parts can save a lot of time and even money by finding problems with the parts before they leave the facility.
Dimensional Checks Against Drawings
The dimensions of hole positions, edge lengths and bend angles are measured by inspectors with the aid of calipers or a CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) and checked against the respective dimensions stated in the drawing.
Visual Surface Checks
Look for scratches, weld spatter, surface staining and other marks on the surfaces. The presence of cut edge burrs will need to be removed as standard.
Weld Inspection Methods
Welds are checked for surface defects such as porosity, cracks or signs of incomplete fusion. Dye penetrant testing or other suitable non-destructive testing methods can be used on critical welds to detect any surface breaking defects that may have gone undetected by visual inspection.
More on Sheet Metal Fabrication can be found at https://dkmsheetmetal.co.uk/.
Flatness and Twist on Formed Parts
Inspection checks for sheet metal parts that have been bent or folded are laid out on a surface plate to check for any twist or bow in the part. This can affect the parts assembly and may not go together perfectly with other parts especially bracket type parts with close centres for bolt holes.
Finish and Coating Verification
The thickness of paint or powder coatings is measured with a gauge and then checked for adhesion using a cross-hatch test to determine if the coating is evenly distributed with no exposed bare metal surfaces, runs or bubbles.
First-Article Inspection Records
Is a First-Article Inspection (FAI) report available for your new order? This document summarizes all of the quality checks performed on the First Article part(s) for your order.
A clear inspection process reduces surprises when your parts arrive!
