Quality Assurance
February 28, 2024
7 min read
Quality Control Best Practices in Precision Manufacturing
JW
Jennifer Walsh
Quality Manager
Quality control is the cornerstone of precision manufacturing. Implementing robust quality systems ensures consistent results, reduces waste, and maintains customer confidence.
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
SPC uses statistical methods to monitor and control manufacturing processes:
- Control charts to track process variation
- Capability studies to assess process performance
- Real-time monitoring for immediate corrective action
Measurement and Inspection
Accurate measurement is fundamental to quality control:
- Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) for complex geometries
- Optical comparators for profile inspection
- Surface roughness measurement
- Regular calibration of all measuring equipment
First Article Inspection (FAI)
FAI ensures new setups meet specifications before production:
- Complete dimensional verification
- Material certification review
- Process parameter documentation
- Approval before production release
Continuous Improvement
Quality systems must evolve to maintain effectiveness:
- Regular process audits
- Root cause analysis of defects
- Employee training and certification
- Customer feedback integration