Global Fastener News

Hoffman at IFE: Zero Defects Demand Fully Automated Inspection

John Wolz

Looking to achieve zero defects? You need total inspection automation to get there, according to Terry Hoffman, vice president of Mectron Engineering Co.
Speaking at a conference during the International Fastener Exposition show in Cleveland, Hoffman said a good inspection system can utilize laser, digital eddy current or visual technology.
An effective sorter/inspection machine should be able to find product out of tolerances; locate heat treatment issues or missing secondary processes; identify cracks and seams; detect radial part defects; alert operates to raw material mixes; and separate bent parts, Hoffman explained.
Hoffman recommends an 8-laser inspection machine that provides a 16-point inspection process for eliminating defective parts before shipment, which is becoming an industry-wide demand from OEMs.
“Nobody wants one bad part,” Hoffman stated.
Hoffman insisted that parts-per-million level reduction is only attainable through 100% automated inspection.
Manual sorting is 80% effective at best, he said, noting that even the best QA people can make mistakes.
“Automation is key to zero defects,” Hoffman concluded.
As industry requirements force 100% inspection, the cost of supplier non-compliance justifies equipment purchase, according to Hoffman. Web: mectron.net \ �2007 FastenerNews.com