Project Focus: Custom Manufacturing of Stainless Steel Lock Rings
Wire Products Co. Inc., located in Cleveland, Ohio, is renowned for its commitment to delivering high-quality wire forms, springs, and stampings. With an extensive array of capabilities, Wire Products serves a diverse range of industries, ensuring that each product meets rigorous standards of quality and performance.
Introduction
Wire Products Co. Inc. embarked on a custom manufacturing project to produce stainless steel Lock Rings. These Lock Rings are integral components used in fluid conveyance systems, requiring precise manufacturing processes and stringent quality control to ensure their functionality and durability.
Material and Initial Inspection
The project began with the procurement of high-grade stainless steel wire. Upon receipt, the material underwent a thorough inspection process, including a visual check to ensure there was no damage, contamination, or rust. The material was then stored under optimal conditions to maintain its integrity.
Manufacturing Process
Forming
The wire was fed into precision forming equipment, including four-slide and other semi-automatic bending machines, capable of shaping wire into complex forms with high accuracy.
Each Lock Ring was meticulously formed to meet the specified dimensions, ensuring consistency and reliability in every piece.
Stress Relieving
After forming, the Lock Rings were subjected to a stress-relief process at 550°F for half an hour to eliminate any residual stresses induced during the forming process. This step is critical to ensuring the mechanical stability and longevity of the Lock Rings.
Passivation
The formed Lock Rings were then passivated per industry standards, a chemical process that removes surface contaminants and enhances the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel.
Quality Assurance
Throughout the manufacturing process, stringent quality control measures were implemented. Dimensional accuracy was verified using precise measuring instruments, ensuring that all diameters were concentric within 0.1 T.I.R. (Total Indicator Reading).
A zero-defect policy was enforced, and any non-conformities detected during inspections triggered immediate corrective actions.
Final Inspection and Certification
Before shipment, the Lock Rings underwent a final inspection to ensure compliance with all specified requirements. This included a visual inspection and verification against the engineering drawings and specifications. Certificates of material and process compliance were prepared to accompany each shipment, providing assurance of quality and traceability.
Outcome
The successful completion of this project underscores Wire Products Co. Inc.’s capability to handle custom manufacturing challenges with precision and reliability. By leveraging advanced tooling and rigorous quality control processes, Wire Products was able to deliver Lock Rings that met all customer requirements, enhancing their reputation as a trusted partner in the custom manufacturing sector.
Conclusion
Wire Products Co. Inc.’s meticulous approach to custom manufacturing, from material selection and forming to stress relieving and passivation, ensures that every product not only meets but exceeds customer expectations. This case study highlights their expertise in delivering high-quality, precision-engineered components, making them an ideal partner for custom manufacturers seeking reliability and excellence in their supply chain.
