Inspection of machined metal tubes

During the product inspection of a machined metal tube, the cutting line carries out a length check or another quality control check. This can be combined with traceability, whereby each tube is marked using a printer, laser or pin marking.

Length control

During a length inspection, the metal tubes are measured one by one. If a tube falls outside the specified tolerances, it is set aside. A CPK value (process capability index) and an SPC value (process stability indicator) are determined for all measurements. The tolerance varies per product and is determined by the customer. Statistical process analyses are particularly common in the aerospace and automotive sectors. In addition to length measurement, sampling is a frequently used method for inspecting products. Depending on requirements, the automated sawing line can ensure that the processing of the products is fully traceable.

Specifications subject to standards

Thanks to traceability, you know how and when a product was manufactured. Whether or not you require length measurement depends on the application of your end product. We can advise you on this. Depending on your requirements, we can configure the cutting line to precisely identify which tubes do not meet the specified requirements. We present the explanation of the CPK value in accordance with the standards of the relevant market in which the product you are processing is used.

Automatic versus manual length control

Length checks are carried out automatically. Combined with a manual (absolute) length check, this ensures that products can be manufactured that meet quality requirements 100 per cent.