One of the most important tools for achieving consistent quality in sheet metal fabrication is systematic measurement and inspection performed at different stages of the production process. In this article, we look at what measurements should be taken during the quality control process in sheet metal fabrication.
What to Check After Cutting
Dimensional Accuracy
Whether the cut part's length and width measurements fall within the tolerance range specified in the technical drawing should be checked. This check should be performed at regular intervals, especially in high-volume production, using a sampling method.
Edge Quality
Whether the cut edge shows dross, burr, or excessive roughness should be checked visually and, when needed, with a surface roughness gauge.
Hole Tolerances
The diameter and position of holes, especially those critical for assembly, should be verified with calipers or measurement devices.
What to Check After Bending
Bend Angle
Using an angle gauge or digital protractor, the bend angle should be checked against the target value. This measurement should be taken separately for each bend, especially on parts with multiple bends.
Overall Dimensional Check
The overall dimensions of a bent part can be checked with templates or 3D measurement systems to verify assembly compatibility.
Surface Quality
Whether the bend zone shows marks, scratches, or deformation should be visually checked.
What to Check After Welding
Visual Weld Seam Inspection
Visible defects in the weld seam such as cracks, porosity, or lack of fill should be checked.
Dimensional Verification
Due to potential deformation that can occur after welding, the overall dimensions of assemblies should be checked again.
Sampling Strategy
In high-volume production, individually inspecting every part may not be practical. In this case, using statistical sampling methods to check parts at defined intervals provides quality assurance with a reasonable use of resources.
Measurement Equipment Calibration
Regularly calibrating calipers, angle gauges, or other measurement devices used is critical for the reliability of measurement results. Measurements taken with uncalibrated equipment can lead to incorrect quality assessments.
Keeping Quality Records
Recording measurements and results both provides traceability and allows quality trends to be tracked in future production runs.
DMK Makina's Approach to Quality Control
DMK Makina applies systematic measurement and inspection points at each of the cutting, bending, and welding stages, delivering consistent, reliable production quality. With regularly calibrated measurement equipment and detailed quality records, the company offers customers a transparent quality assurance process.
Serving manufacturers across the Thrace and Marmara regions, DMK Makina delivers reliable sheet metal fabrication through a systematic quality control process, evaluating each project's quality requirements together with its technical team.
