Metal Stamping Operations NDT Quality Inspection

Ensure Zero Defects for Stamped Metal Parts Via Resonant Inspection

Problem
An automotive parts supplier of air bag propellant diffusers was experiencing cracks during the drawing process. Customer complaints eventually caused manufacturing to require 100% visual inspection.
Solution
To keep up with the very high throughput rate of stamping operations, the extremely fast, NDT-RAM resonant inspection technique was implemented to detect frequency shifts by "ringing" flawed parts. The system objectively determines whole part inspection automatically at approximately 3 seconds per part, typical* using an industrial conveyor and a synchronized electric impactor to ring the parts. The quality analysis and control system listens for frequency shifts with a measurement microphone capable of "hearing" at more than twice that of human hearing.
Benefit
100% objective, whole part quality inspection is ensured and keeps pace with the stamping operation. The subjective errors and costs of visual inspection were eliminated AND customer confidence/satisfaction increased. The inspection system paid for itself in less than 14 months.

* Part throughput rate dependent upon part size, belt size, data acquisition setup parameters, and other part handling requirements

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