QUALITY ASSURANCE
Our comprehensive quality assurance procedures are meticulously designed to ensure your product is of the highest standard and delivered punctually.
ISO9001:2015 Quality Certified
Our ISO 9001 certification showcases our dedication to upholding global quality standards. It's a testament to our commitment to consistently deliver products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations. This certification reinforces our ongoing efforts towards improvement, ensuring that every component we produce through additive manufacturing is of the utmost quality.
Recognising the indispensable value of quality to our clients, our ISO 9001 certification acts as a beacon of trust, signalling that our processes undergo rigorous audits and are refined continually to ensure unparalleled precision, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Quality Assurance Process
Our robust strategy for ensuring the quality of our manufacturing processes follows a systematic approach. By following these steps we ensure that every part is delivered to the highest quality with repeatable standards.
3D Printing Tolerances
| Technology | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.15 mm |
| Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.25 mm |
Sample Print for Verification
We understand that it is important to verify our manufacturing process is suitable for your production before proceeding with a large volume order. A benefit of additive manufacture is that sample units are produced on the same machinery to the same standards as low volume production runs.
We are offering a refundable sample part for your 3D printed production run. When the order for the production run is received we will refund the cost of your sample. This applies for orders of over 100 units exceeding a value of £1000 + VAT.
QUALITY ASSURANCE FAQ
+ What is Quality Assurance for Additive Manufacture?
Quality assurance encompasses design verification, process planning, machine maintenance, standard operating procedures, and audits. These steps help us prevent failures and uphold manufacturing standards.
+ What is the Quality Control process for 3D printing?
The Quality Control process ensures manufactured parts meet set standards.
SORT + ORDER PARTS
An initial visual inspection confirms parts are correctly printed.
CHECK PART QUANTITY
We count parts to verify the printed quantity matches the order sheet.
MEASURE DIMENSIONS
Critical dimensions are measured to confirm parts meet the required tolerance.
CHECK SURFACE QUALITY
Lastly, we inspect for minor surface defects and ensure post-processing finishes are of high quality.
+ How are SLS machines calibrated?
To ensure our SLS 3D printers produce dimensionally accurate parts, we include a calibration part in a build weekly. This part, with known dimensions, is positioned at a fixed orientation. Measurements are taken and compared to the 3D file. Discrepancies are noted, and the machine's scaling factors are updated.
+ How are MJF machines calibrated?
MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) printers are calibrated using a system that monitors the jetting of agents and the fusion process in real time. Periodic test patterns are printed and optically scanned to measure and adjust jet health, droplet uniformity, and layer thickness. Any deviations from expected results trigger corrective actions, ensuring a consistent printing process and high-quality parts.
+ Why is ISO 9001 certification important in additive manufacturing?
The ISO 9001 certification ensures that a company adheres to internationally recognised quality management standards. In additive manufacturing, this certifies that our processes are consistently monitored and improved for maximum quality.
+ What are the benefits of using an ISO 9001 certified 3D printing service?
Using an ISO 9001 certified 3D printing service guarantees that the provider follows a rigorous quality management system. This ensures consistent product quality, continuous improvement, and can boost confidence in the final product.
+ How do you ensure repeatability in 3D printing production runs?
Repeatability is maintained by consistent machine calibration, strict adherence to operating procedures, and periodic quality checks. Using the same 3D printing parameters and material batch also aids in ensuring consistent results across production runs.
3D files undergo inspection analysis to ensure the designs are suitable for 3D printing. Use our design guide to check that your parts meet the specifications.