Precision Connectors
The customer wanted to improve on a version of one of its electronic connectors for remote controlled radiator taps. A requirement was that the part had dimensional statistical capability of more than 1.33 cpk for critical dimensions. (In metal finishing, two widely known process parameters — Cp and Cpk — are used to determine the specification limits for monitoring a process.) AFT engineers achieved the customer's goal by testing the part more frequently and making very fine adjustments during the test phase.
In addition, the part had a tight finish requirement of 14 +/- 5 micron Cr (chromium) coating based on the part print. This is similar to military specifications. For this requirement, AFT found an excellent Hungarian vendor with experience applying Cr coatings in automotive industry applications.
Originally the customer's part had been produced by precision casting technology. The technological crossover offered by AFT was to manufacture the 2% Nickel Iron part using metal injection molding (MIM). The advantage of MIM is that the thread inside the part was formed in one step during the molding process using moving cores. The cost of a machining operation was eliminated.
If you are searching to improve your metal component manufacturing costs or are searching for leading metal forming technology, contact the experts at Advanced Forming Technology 303-833-6000 or visit www.pcc-aft.com. |
