Northern Metal Products specializes in metal fabrication, metal bending, laser cutting, welding, assembly, as well as plastic forming, plastic CNC machining, and plastic fabrication in partnership with our sister company, Aubright. As part of our extensive service offerings, we’re committed to ensuring production quality during every phase from prototyping to shipment.
A Commitment to Quality
We are ISO 9001:2015-certified for quality management and follow internal quality control processes to ensure parts and part features meet customer specifications and defined tolerances. A vital component of our process is coordinate measurement machine (CMM) inspection. Learn more about this technology and how it assists our quality assurance program.
What Is CMM Technology?
A CMM takes precision measurements of objects and features on objects to verify dimensions against the defined dimensions and tolerances for that object or feature. Examples include measuring the length of a side, the diameter and depth of a drilled hole, or the flatness of a surface. Measurements are compared to specifications on a part print or other documentation to validate the part and identify if features are out of tolerance.
CMMs consist of an arm that moves in multiple axes and a measuring instrument. These fall into two broad types: “contact” probes that use a stylus and sensor tip to physically touch the object at points to take a measurement, and “non-contact” scanners that use a laser or other optical inspection technology to create an image of the object without touching it. Our CMMs include both touch probe and laser scanner capabilities.
CMMs serve as a quality assurance tool that can serve multiple functions at once, including:
Collecting data for in-depth product reports.
In-depth 3D mapping.
Periodic inspection of tooling used during manufacturing processes.
Testing products for errors or potential defects.
We use a 7-axis Romer CMM arm equipped with a laser scanner. This tool measures parts and then performs part-to-CAD analysis, which indicates problems or features that have slipped out of tolerance during manufacturing.
Advantages of CMM Inspection In Quality Control Procedures
Part inspection is an important aspect of manufacturing because it:
Improves uniformity.
Minimizes the need for rework.
Saves costs on labor for complex or multi-step inspections.
Helps to ensure proper fit and function in finished products.
Manual inspection is a valid and traditional option that is still useful in many situations. However, computerized inspection improves efficiency and reduces the risk of measurement or analysis errors. A CMM allows us to streamline inspection and gather accurate, reliable data across the manufacturing process.
At Northern Metal Products, we rely on CMM inspection because of its many advantages, including:
- Repeatability. CMMs perform measurements based on pre-programmed instructions, so each part and feature is assessed in the same way each time.
- Accuracy. CMMs can measure objects and features with extremely high levels of precision, which improves the quality of data gathered and the resulting analysis.
- Real-time feedback. CMM technology provides real-time measurement and analysis data that can be put to use immediately.
- Versatility. CMMs are compatible with plastic, metal, and hybrid components, as well as a variety of part sizes and shapes.
These advantages mean our customers can trust they will receive precision-manufactured components and assemblies that meet their required tolerances.
Quality Metal Fabrication From Northern Metal Products
Choose a custom metal fabrication company that is committed to quality. At Northern Metal Products, invest in quality control and quality assurance processes in order to give our customers well-made parts that meet or exceed their expectations.
Contact us to learn more about our quality assurance tools and procedures, or request a quote to start your next project.