The modern machine shop employs a number of advanced quality control tools and processes to ensure your parts are machined with the precision and repeatability you expect.
At Superior Machining & Fabrication, our CNC milling services and CNC turning projects often demand exceptionally complex parts with close tolerances and intricate geometries. The tools and methods we use to confirm the quality of those parts must therefore be as state-of-the-art as the machines and manufacturing processes we use to produce them.
Below, we take an inside look at some of the common quality control methods our shop integrates to ensure superior results for your products.
Precision Measurement Tools
- Coordinate Measuring Machines – CMMs provide us with precise 3D measurements of machined parts, confirming part geometry and all machining features meet specifications.
- Calipers and Micrometers – We use various precisely calibrated calipers and micrometers to measure specific part dimensions such as thickness, diameter, and depth, confirming all are within tolerance.
- Height Gauges – As the name suggests, these are used to measure the height of parts or features.
- Dial Indicators – We use specialized dial indicators to evaluate the flatness, straightness, and alignment of parts or subassembly components.
- Gage Blocks – Sometimes we employ gage blocks for machine/tool calibration, or otherwise to check and verify actual part dimensions.
- Surface Plates – Precision surface plates provide our quality control experts with a precisely flat reference surface for various part inspection processes.
Surface Quality and Harness Inspection
- Surface Roughness Testers – Also called profilometers, we use roughness testers to perform detailed measurements on the finish quality and surface texture of parts.
- Optical Comparators – We use optical comparators to magnify and project part profiles to closely compare them with design templates.
- Vision Inspection Systems – We also employ various optical systems for inspecting small part features and complex geometrical shapes.
- Hardness Testers – Finally, we accurately evaluate material hardness to ensure proper mechanical properties according to part specifications.
Our Quality Control Processes
- First Article Inspection (FAI) – Superior will perform a comprehensive FAI, a detailed inspection of the first part manufactured to confirm it meets your precise specifications and thus validate our machine setup for further production.
- Dimensional Inspection – A regular part of our quality assurance process, dimensional inspection confirms the product’s critical dimensions against your specifications.
- Statistical Process Control – We employ continuous monitoring of various machining process parameters to detect variations or other trends, potentially eliminating issues before they arise.
- Final Part Inspection – Finally, our quality control experts perform detailed evaluation of each part or a batch sample after machining and before delivery. From dimensional tolerances to the surface finish, we ensure you’re getting the exact results you expect.
Quality American CNC Milling Solutions Since 1995
Backed by more than 30 years of quality American manufacturing services, Superior knows what it takes to compete in today’s fast-paced market. With over 100+ CNC workcenters at our disposal integrated within our 100,000 sq.-ft facility, our company is one of the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art CNC milling service providers for the Muenster, Texas region and beyond.