In-Process Inspections
- In-process Inspections
- Accurate setting of measurement system conditions
- Models with easy operation
- Well-managed operations, including inspections
At production sites, performing accurate measurements is important for guaranteeing the quality of all products going through the process.
In recent years, the increase in manufacturing of portable electronic devices and transportation equipment has resulted in growing demand for high-precision mechanical processing. Depending on the product, measurements of an order a whole digit higher than conventional methods have become necessary, leading to a need for inspection systems capable of matching these requirements.
For any process, creating products with uniform quality on the basis of predetermined specifications is a necessity. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to accurately define conditions for measuring instruments within the inspection process and to ensure an environment that enables correct measurements during the operation of the manufacturing line.
Examples of Measuring Instruments Used
- Vernier calipers
- Micrometers
- Dial gauges
- Gauge blocks
- Dedicated jigs
Key Points for Selecting a Measuring Instrument
- Instruments must be easy to operate in order to enable proper use by on-site operators.
- The longer an inspection takes, the greater the impact will be on the operation of the manufacturing line, which decreases productivity. Therefore, it is important to select a measuring instrument that can perform measurements quickly and accurately.
Precautions for Measurements
- Specialized jigs are sometimes created in advance at mass production sites. If these jigs are used for a long time, caution must be taken to prevent errors that may arise from factors such as jig wear and contamination. It is essential to perform periodic inspections and to have management methods put in place.
- Wear gloves when handling gauge blocks. Touching the gauges with bare hands may affect the results due to thermal expansion or contamination. Also, gauge blocks must be allowed adequate time to adjust to room temperature as they do not attain temperature equilibration quickly.
- In-process measurement data is used not only in quality inspections but also as statistical data to clarify variations in measured values and to identify the causes of these variations.
