News

Team 1 Plastics Purchases New CMM for Improved Quality Process

Team 1 Plastics, a plastic injection molding company for the automotive industry, is focused on continuous improvement in all facets of its business – including quality control. As part of this focus, the company recently purchased a new coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to enhance both effectiveness and efficiency.

The new CMM is a Hexagon SF 7.10.7, which according to the manufacturer’s website, is a “rugged and robust coordinate measuring machine designed to excel in demanding conditions … it is ideal for frontline quality control.”

According to Dave Seedorf, Engineering Manager for Team 1 Plastics, the new CMM will improve efficiency of Team 1’s quality process because it “allows for pre-programming of layouts based on 3-D computer-aided design (CAD) models.” The CAD 3-D data is imported directly into the CMM to create a program. This will result in better timing of layouts. The machine also allows for off-line programming. A team member can work on creating a new program at a desktop computer at the same time that the CMM is running. No more waiting for the CMM to finish running before programming can be done.

Seedorf also said that the effectiveness of the Quality process is enhanced by the new CMM. “Once a layout program is created, rechecking becomes much simpler, more accurate, and more consistent … not only during Launch phase but also for the life of a part.” In addition, “annual re-certifications will be more consistent and quicker to produce.”