Inspection on the Shop Floor

If you're working in a high mix/low volume job shop, how do you manage your inspections? I'm thinking about things like frequency, do you write down the results, do you analyze the results to determine how good you are at controlling your processes? Do you have software that helps you?

Everyone should have established processes. Often what has been done at places which I have worked is that we will have paperwork which includes every feature of a print listed and columns where the dimensions are written in once checked to verify operator verification.

1st part is checked and proven by the operator/machinist and once it is right it is taken to QC for verification 1st article. Once bought off then the way it can be done is that the 2nd and third part are thoroughly checked in the same manner as before and then say every so many parts there are critical checks say every five pieces.

It depends too. Paperwork is important yet it can be the case where people lack the discipline to be conscientious about inspecting while running and so from time to time someone is sent out with measuring tools to check parts run off a machine. They will also check to see that the last check was valid and that the machinist is managing to keep his checks current.

Some things are so large and expensive that there are 100% checks done. It all depends on how any shop wishes to proceed past their basic practices and requirements. Another thing done is to ensure all precision tools owned by machinists are calibrated and listed and verified into a database. This must be done at intervals and when a new man or woman comes in new. Anything which is not 100% is rejected and the operator must either take it home as most often happens or it might be something a machinist has altered to basically set each time it is used. That might be allowe if it has a valid use yet it will have a mark on it-such as dial calipers which have various steps machined for roughing in ID groove locations.

Want to see the QC man overload tell him how you might use spring ID calipers.
Lol

buddy checks are a good practice especially when the QC is buried. As someone is having a long run every so many parts they must take a checked and completed part to QC to be checked. It might be required for a part to go off to QC so many times per shift.