Precision engineering is a field that demands 100% accuracy, complete attention to detail, and the highest standards of quality. Here at Microtec EDM Ltd, we understand the importance of meticulous precision when it comes to our services which is why we take our critical role seriously. Inspection and quality control are at the centre of every product we manufacture and ensure the success of every project. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Importance of Inspection & Quality Control in Precision Engineering. We’ll showcase the services we provide including Wire EDM, Spark Erosion, Die Sink EDM, and Micro Precision EDM, and will highlight the critical importance of inspection and quality control processes.
Established in 2001, Microtec EDM Ltd specialises in all aspects of wire and spark erosion technology and quickly gained a solid reputation for producing high-quality precision parts at competitive prices. If you’re looking for precision engineering supported by unparalleled inspection and quality control procedures, you’ve found the answer with us. Get in touch with us today for more information.
What is precision engineering?
Before we explore the importance of inspection and quality control, we must first understand what exactly precision engineering is. Precision engineering is the process of designing and manufacturing products to tight tolerances with meticulous accuracy. Our precision engineering services find applications in a range of industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, healthcare and electronics. At Microtec EDM Ltd, we specialise in a range of precision engineering techniques, including Wire EDM, Spark Erosion, Die Sink EDM, and Micro Precision EDM.
Wire EDM
What is Wire EDM?
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a manufacturing process that uses electrical sparks to cut into the metal, create a desired shape and detach it from the metal sheet. Using a wire as the tool’s electrode, Wire EDM prevents the material from eroding from the wire itself by continually switching. The process of wire erosion is particularly suited to tough materials such as Inconel and hardened tool steels. It can also be used to cut parts made from tungsten carbide, titanium, aluminium, copper and other more exotic alloys providing that the material is electrically conductive.
Spark Erosion
What is Spark Erosion?
Spark erosion allows us to achieve intricate details inside components that would, otherwise, be too complex or impossible to obtain with traditional cutting methods. This technique is especially useful for the machining of hard materials such as mould tools or for the removal of broken taps. It also allows for a good surface finish and the drilling of very small and complicated shapes. As there’s no contact between the tool and the piece, intricate sections or weak materials can be worked on without distortion. If materials have a minimum electrical conductivity of 0.01 S/cm, then it’s likely they can be machined with spark erosion.
Micro Precision EDM Engineering
What is Micro Precision EDM Machining?
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a manufacturing process that uses electrical sparks to cut into the metal, create a desired shape and detach it from the metal sheet. Using a micro ‘fine’ wire as the tool, Micro Precision EDM Machining is particularly suited to tough materials such as Inconel and hardened tool steels. It can also be used to cut parts made from tungsten carbide, titanium, aluminium, copper and other more exotic alloys providing that the material is electrically conductive.
Our State-of-the-Art Machinery
Our two GF machinery CUT 1000 machines are specifically designed to meet micro ‘fine’ wire EDM demands in terms of precision, productivity predictability and repeatability of machining results. They are a benchmark in micro-wire erosion. Using wires of 20 μm, surface finishes of Ra 0.05 μm, 11 μm inside radii, 22 μm slits are now achievable. Production of both small and high-volume batches of components means that Micro EDM technology is of real benefit in the manufacture of connectors, medical components, watchmaking, as well as automotive, aerospace and satellite technologies.
With our recently acquired Sarix T1-T4 micro erosion machine SR-HPM we can now offer a micro EDM deep hole drilling service. This device can reach holes of 100 microns with stringent tolerances down to 3-5 microns.
The Importance of Inspection & Quality Control in Precision Engineering
So, now that you know what precision engineering is and how Microtec EDM Ltd can help, why are inspection and quality control procedures so important in precision engineering? When you come to Microtec EDM Ltd, you can rest assured that we uphold the highest standards of inspection and quality control and deliver accurate and reliable results every single time.
- Precision & Accuracy
Precision engineering can produce components and products that meet exact specifications and reach tolerances as tight as 0.0001. We have inspection and quality control processes in place to ensure that every part adheres to the required specifications and tolerances. Using advanced equipment, our expert team measure and inspects product parts with meticulous attention to detail, leaving no room for error.
- Product & Part Reliability
We produce product parts for several high-profile industries including aerospace, automotive, medical and healthcare and electronics. These industries rely on precisely engineered components with no defects to ensure the effective function of equipment, machinery and more. Our stringent inspection and quality control measures ensure that the products we produce remain reliable for the length of their lifespan.
- Cost Efficiency
Thorough inspection and quality control procedures can lead to cost savings and improved efficiency further down the line. Our measures can identify and troubleshoot any potential issues with product parts and can avoid repairs, rework and, ultimately, delays in the future. While inspection and quality control require an investment of time and resources, the benefits of undertaking these valuable procedures are indispensable.
- Compliance with Industry Standards
Industry standards are there for a reason, be it safety or function. Regardless of the reason, compliance with industry standards is non-negotiable. Inspection and quality control for precision engineering are in place to ensure that product parts and components maintain compliance with these required standards. Quality control and inspection procedures guarantee that your products meet standards without risk.
- Build Trust & Customer Satisfaction
Stringent inspection and quality control measures are vital in building trust and customer satisfaction. Many industries rely on precision-engineered components for the successful function of their equipment and machinery, therefore being able to provide defect-free products is of high importance. Inspection and quality control measures demonstrate a commitment to providing reliable and accurate solutions to clients and customers.
With stringent inspection and quality control procedures in place, you can be assured that your product parts meet the specifications set out, comply with industry standards and will remain functional and long-lasting. For more information about our inspection and quality control procedures, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Microtec EDM Ltd today!
How can Microtec EDM Ltd help?
Our move to our Shoeburyness site in October 2017 has allowed us to increase our inspection services with the addition of a Hexagon Global S Probe CMM machine to augment our existing Nikon Optical CMM capability which has also been recently upgraded.
Our air-conditioned inspection room boasts a large range of equipment including a borescope, microscopes, surface testers as well as traditional hand-held devices, fully calibrated in line with our AS9100D obligations. As part of our production service, you can expect in-process inspection and validation throughout each step of manufacture and at no extra cost. At the outset we will discuss your requirements and as necessary, will provide 100% full inspection and full documentation. Although there may be an additional charge for some services.
The quality of our products is verified by an in-house, dedicated inspection facility. We use advanced inspection equipment, including multi-axis coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), optical projection, hardness testing and gauge calibration. For over 20 years, we have specialised in all aspects of spark and wire erosion technology. We have a solid reputation for producing high-quality precision parts at competitive prices for a range of industries. If you want to be assured of a professional inspection & quality control service to complement any work that we do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.
If you’re unsure what kind of service you require, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our friendly and professional team would be happy to help and provide trusted recommendations.
The Critical Importance of Inspection & Quality Control in Precision Engineering
Precision engineering is a true testament to human innovation and the evolution of manufacturing technology. With applications in the aerospace, automotive, medical, healthcare and electronics industries, accuracy and meticulous attention to detail are vital. Here at Microtec EDM Ltd, we employ stringent inspection and quality control measures to ensure that our Wire EDM, Spark Erosion, Die Sink EDM, and Micro Precision EDM services produce accurate, long-lasting and reliable products for their intended applications.
Inspection and quality control procedures ensure that your production parts meet your exact specifications, comply with required industry standards and are cost-efficient for your industry. When considering quality control and inspection for precision engineering, there is no better company to come to than Microtec EDM Ltd. The quality of our products is verified by an in-house, dedicated inspection facility. We use advanced inspection equipment, including multi-axis coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), optical projection, hardness testing and gauge calibration. For over 20 years, we have specialised in all aspects of spark and wire erosion technology. We have a solid reputation for producing high-quality precision parts at competitive prices for a range of industries.
If you’re looking for precision engineering supported by unparalleled inspection and quality control procedures, you’ve found the answer with us. Get in touch with us today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What industries benefit from precision engineering?
Industries such as medical device manufacturing, microelectronics, aerospace, and automotive benefit from precision engineering due to the need for extremely small and precise components with tight tolerances.
How does inspection improve the reliability of precision-engineered components?
Inspection ensures that each component meets the required specifications and tolerances, helping to identify and correct any defects early in the production process. This enhances the reliability and performance of the final product.
How does Microtec EDM Ltd ensure compliance with industry standards?
Microtec EDM Ltd ensures compliance with industry standards through comprehensive inspection and quality control practices and continuous improvement initiatives to meet or exceed regulatory and client requirements.
How much do inspection and quality control for precision engineering cost?
Every project that we undertake is unique. This means that whether you require small or high-volume batch work, one-off products or prototypes, the cost will be tailored to you. Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements and receive a FREE no-obligation quote!
Why work with us?
Fully Accredited & Approved Team
Our highly qualified and experienced staff can provide a complete production service from CAD design assistance and prototyping to mass production of components incorporating full product traceability throughout the process. Further evidenced by Microtec achieving its long-held ambition of AS9100D accreditation in June 2022.
- 35+ Years of Experience
Our highly qualified engineers have over 35 years of combined experience. What’s more, Microtec has been operating for over 20 years. This means that your project is in safe hands. - FREE Quotations
We offer FREE no-obligation quotes on all our services. We take pride in being transparent with our clients, which means that from quotation to completion, there will be no hidden costs with us. - Range of Services
We are a precision engineering sub-contractor specialising in all aspects of wire and spark erosion for a range of industries including Aerospace, Defence, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Motorsport.
If you’re looking for professional & affordable Inspection & Quality Control Services, please don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Microtec today for a FREE quote!
