Competing on Quality Control

It used to be that only the molding giants would make the investment necessary to automate their Quality inspection processes. Today the global market is extremely competitive and the high tech quality control solutions that are available, will differentiate those who plan to compete from those who actually compete for complex business opportunities. The cost of implementing these systems is significant, but not nearly as expensive as ignoring the markets requirements.

MDIs’ injection molding facility in Tempe, Arizona just completed the purchase and installation of such equipment to ensure our continued success as a world class supplier to the industries we serve including Medical Device, Consumer Electronics, Mining, Energy, Aero-Space, industrial products and other great industries.

The recent upgrade of our metrology lab includes a 28” x 40” fully programmable/automated Zeiss coordinate measuring machine (CMM) with advanced CAD software that allows us to measure and compare manufactured products to computer generated 3D solid models. With the incorporated articulating head, we can achieve 180 degrees of rotation and on-board tool changer allows us to accommodate various feature sizes on the same part.

Also included in the upgrade of our inspection equipment is a three axis, 18” x 18” fully programmable/automated RAM Optical system with built-in dynamic edge detection and up to 175 power magnification.

The final step of automating the inspection process was to use statistical process controls (SPC) to establish and monitor capable processes. In addition to on-board SPC software for the two pieces of equipment listed above, MDI also replaced all manual inspection equipment in their metrology lab to include wireless communication between hand held calipers, micrometers, height gages, etc.