Can you provide inspection reports for CNC parts?
- Home
- CNC Machining
- Can you provide inspection reports for CNC parts?
One of the advantages of CAD/CAM and CNC machining is that you can be very confident that the physical part you receive will be correct to the 3D CAD model. Once we have received a CAD model and checked it, the model is imported into our Mastercam software, and the toolpaths generated by our experienced programmers.
In addition, CNC machining is an inherently accurate production process. For CNC machined parts we quote a general tolerance of ±0.1mm if we don’t have a 2D drawing but the tolerances held are normally better than that. If customers require specific tolerances on critical features, we can usually achieve them – and we would query them at the quotation stage if we had any concerns.
Dimensional checks
Despite the accuracy of CNC machining, we take nothing for granted and always satisfy ourselves that the parts we supply to customers are correct. Every part we machine is therefore inspected visually and checked dimensional using various pieces of inspection equipment. After the machining process is complete and the part has been removed and vapour honed (if required), we check it again to be sure.
Inspection reports
Parts that we CNC machine might be used for visual models, proof-of-principle prototypes, functional testing, end use applications or almost anything else. Depending on a part’s requirements and the criticality of particular features, the customer might request a detailed inspection report.
An inspection report can cover dimensions measured with callipers or micrometers but it is more likely an inspection will be carried out by our inspector using various pieces of equipment
Inspecting and reporting on other features
In addition to callipers, micrometers and the CMM, we also have height gauges, feeler gauges, radius gauges, protractors, bore gauges and thread gauges. In other words, if we can machine it, we can inspect it and report on it.
Inspection of CNC machined batches
With our robot-tended 5-axis CNC machining centres, we can easily manufacture small batches of parts in metals or engineering plastics, either for prototyping or end-use applications. For batch production, we agree an inspection routine with the customer in advance. This might encompass a detailed inspection of the first-off part, followed by checks on key dimensions periodically throughout the production run. These dimensions might be measured manually or by running an inspection program on the CMM.
How do we know what to inspect and report on?
To provide inspection reports, we need PDFs of 2D drawings, with the dimensions and tolerances of interest clearly indicated. This enables us to prepare for the inspection, including programming the CMM if required, so the inspection can be undertaken as soon as the part has been machined.
Timescales
Inspecting parts takes time, so we cannot provide inspection reports for Express CNC machined parts that are shipped in three working days (though every Express part is checked as described earlier).
Depending on the number of features to be inspected and the complexity, we can provide inspection reports for parts produced using our Standard CNC machining services.
Although it takes time to inspect parts, producing reports is relatively quick. Inspection reports are therefore emailed to the customer on the same day that parts are dispatched.
Furthermore, because inspections take time, we have to charge for them and must be requested at the point of us receiving the RFQ. The additional cost of inspection reports is indicated clearly on our quotation.
Talk to us
If you want to discuss your requirements for inspection reports on CNC machined parts, call us on 01763 249760 or complete the enquiry form below to request a quotation.