Particle detection and characterization methods have changed the way manufacturers think about quality control. In the automobile industry, understanding the particles that enter into the production line, even the most minute, can be the difference between product failure and product success. Particle contamination in any form allows for the possibility of mechanical wear, part replacement, warranty failure, and product failure. Manufacturers can reduce these possibilities by characterizing particles to eliminate the source of contamination.
There are many ways to identify particles; however, none have the range and quality of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEMs are capable of superior magnification range, depth of field, and powerful contrast mechanisms when compared with other particle analyzers such as optical microscopy or laser diffraction. When coupled with X-ray technology, SEMs offers rapid and unambiguous classification of particles by elemental composition. To meet the demands of the automobile industry in its quest for better quality control, Aspex has created the industry’s only totally integrated solution for particle identification and characterization: the Advanced Quality Control (AQC).
The AQC for the Aspex Personal Scanning Electron Microscope (PSEM) allows manufacturers to detect and characterize particles directly on the shop floor. Utilizing its electron beam to search for inclusions, the AQC is capable of identifying particles from the millimeter to the sub-micron range. Once identified, the energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analyzes the particles to provide elemental composition data. Manufacturers can take this information and assess where the source of the contamination is and take steps to eliminate or reduce the contamination. By allowing manufacturers easy access to microscopic information, they can adjust the quality control plans to produce higher-quality products.
Whether due to mechanical wear pieces flaking off, unwanted additives entering the line, or imperfections in materials, contamination is difficult to eliminate completely. The automobile industry is taking quality control steps to ensure product quality standards are being met. Aspex is helping manufacturers meet these goals with its PSEM and AQC software by allowing them to analyze materials on the shop floor with the ease of a fully-automated system for particle analysis. The PSEM with AQC can help reduce manufacturing and warranty failures by upwards of 30% in systems such as transmissions, power steering, and fuel injectors, creating a better product with better components.
Reference:
Aspex, http://www.aspexcorp.com/industries/industrial-automation.html
