Importance of Quality Control in CNC Manufacturing

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) manufacturing is a competitive world. In the CNC manufacturing market, precision and quality go hand-in-glove. Quality is not just an added benefit—it is an absolute necessity. The United States has long been a global leader in precision manufacturing. Our country supplies high-quality components to industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and defense. The importance of quality control in CNC manufacturing is foundational. Maintaining high output standards, strict quality requirements must be in place. Quality not only defines acceptable part geometry and tolerance, but it has tremendous impact on efficiency and profitability.

Accuracy and Quality

Regardless of markets served, precision is foundational in CNC machining. All facets of the manufacturing process flow through quality control. This includes production, first-article inspections (FAI), in-process monitoring/reporting, all are incorporated into an integrated quality system and all are necessary elements for producing consistent precision parts.

Another element used in modern CNC machining to monitor and measure quality are advanced metrology tools like coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and laser scanners. These tools allow manufacturers to measure and independently verify very accurate dimensions, both during and post machining. Utilizing these quality system devices also helps reduce the risk of producing defective parts and minimizes expensive rework.

Industry Standards and Compliance

Most industries have some audited form of accredited standard(s) for the purpose of compliance and regulation. Most modern CNC machines have measuring and recording capabilities. This machine controller functionality serves to enhance oversight of industry standards.  CNC manufacturers utilize their machine tools for compliance and reporting to industry standards.  A globally recognized standard is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO standard is used across a broad spectrum of manufacturing. It is a set of requirements for quality management systems (QMS). Intrex Aerospace has a 9001: accreditation.

In aerospace the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) created the standard. It is the AS9100. It is a quality management standard for the aerospace industry that sets guidelines for aviation, space, and defense organizations. Intrex Aerospace the AS 9100 accreditation.

There is an additional standard for CNC manufacturers that produce parts for DOD applications. It is ITAR. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are a set of U.S. government rules that control the export of defense-related goods and services. ITAR standards also limit access to defense-related technical data and physical materials. Intrex Aerospace is ITAR registered.

Cost Reduction and Increasing Efficiency

Cost is always a consideration in manufacturing. One may see the introduction of Quality as adding an increase to cost, but factoring in “all” overall costs, a properly implemented quality system can add significant reduction to costs.

At Intrex, utilizing Six Sigma has become one of the most reliable tools used to achieve both quality and cost control. By statistically modeling manufacturing processes, our trained Six Sigma professionals can identify where problems occur so that our managers can develop target plans to improve these failure points. The final goal is to control the process to achieve zero defects. When combined with Lean process flow, the results for an aerospace manufacturer can be exceptional.

The net “cost” effect is reduction in scrap, minimal to no rework, less interruption to production flow, less labor intervention, meeting promised deliveries, and satisfying customer needs, At Intrex, we continue to make substantial investments in CNC machine tools, and we continue to make proportionate investments in quality equipment and system software.

Customer Satisfaction

One of the intangibles in evaluating a quality system is customer satisfaction. At Intrex Aerospace we take great measures to make sure the products we supply meet or exceed our customers technical specifications and delivery expectations. For a number of years, we have maintained world class metrics for Parts per million (ppm) and  On time delivery (OTD).  In the age of global competition, a manufacturer’s good reputation is everything. CNC manufacturers that consistently produce high-quality components will build strong relationships with clients, earn repeat business, as well as grow new opportunities.

Conclusion

Achieving quality control in CNC manufacturing takes focus and intention. Being successful goes beyond just  meeting industry standards. It takes a high level of commitment. At Intrex Aerospace we are committed to providing the highest levels of quality parts on time. We know it is the key to our success.

If you would like to have more information about Intrex please click here.