As an engineer or designer, you expect precision metal stamping manufacturers to provide uncompromised quality. Zero defects is no longer a goal; it is a mandate.
What are some of the processes and tools precision metal stamping companies use to ensure quality control?
SPC is just the beginning. There's APQP, DFM, FMEA, GR&R, IQ/OQ/PQ, and more.
So what do all these acronyms mean, and what impact do they have on precision metal stamping quality? In an upcoming article series entitled "Precision Metal Stamping Quality Control," we will drill down into many of these processes and explain their application for the precision metal stamping industry. For now, though, we'll shed a little light on what these acronyms generally mean:
APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning)
APQP is a process where the supply chain is engaged with the Original Equipment Manufacturer or originator of the service being planned. APQP ensures that Collaborative Product and Process Design takes place.
CPPD (Collaborative Product and Process Design)
CPPD is a way to ensure that the design not only meets with the customers' expectations, but also allows the intelligent inclusion and inputs of the supply chain and interfacing groups to discuss better ways to design out failures, increase productivity, and keep an eye on quality.
DFM (Design for Manufacturability)
DFM refers to the general engineering art of designing products in such a way that they are easy to manufacture. During DFM, the considerable background work required for the conceptual phases is compensated for by a shortening of later development phases.
SPC (Statistical Process Control)
SPC is an application of statistical methods and procedures (such as control charts) to analyze the inherent variability of a process or its outputs. Control charts help the users understand what is likely to occur next and when an unstable condition takes place requiring study.
DQ/IQ/OQ/PQ
Verification of machinery and equipment usually consists of Design Qualification (DQ), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ).
GR&R (Gauge Repeatability & Reproducibility)
Determination of the accuracy of a measurement (or test result) by establishing its repeatability (several measurements taken by the same person are identical in value) and reproducibility (several measurements taken by different persons are identical in value).
FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
FMEA is a tool used to prevent problems from occurring. It is a systematic team driven approach that identifies potential failure modes in a system, product, or manufacturing/assembly operation caused by either design or manufacturing/assembly process deficiencies. It also identifies critical or significant design or process characteristics that require special controls to prevent or detect failure modes.
More eye-opening details to come on how these acronyms can make the difference in controlling quality on your next precision metal stamping project.
