Company:

Original Equipment Manufacturer

Objective:

Meet customer’s quality requirements without over-processing.

Situation:

The customer was introducing an undercarriage crossmember for a new truck model. The print defined a tolerance on the width dimension that would require machining after welding. D&S had manufactured several crossmembers for other truck models using the same nominal frame rail width and had met form, fit and function requirements without machining the parts.

Solution:

D&S performed a process capability study on several crossmembers to analyze width dimension and tolerance issues. When the data was presented to the customer’s design, weld and quality engineers, it was determined that the print could be revised to eliminate the need for machining after welding.

Bottom Line:

The customer’s quality requirements were achieved without incurring the additional expense of a secondary machining operation.