| Quality
assurance is a primary concern. PIAD operates a thorough quality
assurance program which includes all aspects of the foundry
operation from the casting drawing to the raw materials for alloys
to the dimensional and visual in-process and final inspections.
In processing, PIAD builds in
quality right from the start. For each casting manufactured,
up-to-date casting and inspection drawings are kept on file. A
process description and an inspection and testing plan are
established for each part at the time of prototyping. Alloys are
mixed from virgin metals produced according to specifications. All
raw materials are covered by material certifications.
During the melt, temperature is
accurately controlled and test samples are poured and cast for
several quality procedures:
1. chemical analysis (to verify
the alloy composition); 2. mechanical testing (for hardness, tensile
strength, and notch-impact tests); 3. metallographic examination
(for crystal-structure and grain-size determination); 4. electrical
conductivity. When all aspects of the melt are correct, the metal
proceeds to the casting stations.
Procedures and sample plans for
in-process and final inspection are based on Military Standard 105.
Alloys are identified by heat numbers and are routinely checked for
electrical conductivity and hardness.
As a final control, finished
castings are inspected for dimensional accuracy and mechanical
properties. |
Quality Assurance
