Quality articles from July 2008

Quality archives from July 2008

Business is good.(FROM THE EDITOR)(Editorial)
July 1, 2008... The Quality Magazine staff has been busy hitting the streets this year, attending trade shows, visiting manufacturing plants and companies, and attending various meetings. These visits afford us the opportunity to meet quality and manufacturing...

Ford vs. Toyota: the battle for total quality intensifies.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Company rankings)
July 1, 2008... SAN DIEGO -- Toyota and Ford tied for leading in the most segments on Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index (TQI), leading with three vehicles each. Toyota lead with its Yaris, 4Runner and Sequoia while Ford lead with the Edge, Mustang...

Incoming ASQ president sets agenda.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(American Society for Quality )(Brief article)(Conference notes)
July 1, 2008... HOUSTON -- In his inaugural address, Roberto M. Saco, who assumed the American Society for Quality (ASQ) presidency on July 1, pointed out new areas where ASQ needs to venture more boldly in order to maintain its relevance. The remarks...

Coming events.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Calendar)
July 1, 2008... AUGUST 3-7 NCSL 2008 WORKSHOP AND SYMPOSIUM, Lake Buena Vista, FL. NCSL International, (303) 440-3339. www.ncsli.org SEPTEMBER 8-13 IMTS 2008--INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY SHOW, Chicago. The Association for Manufacturing...

The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International.(ASSOCIATION NEWS)(B. Walter and Company Inc.)(Main Steel Polishing Co.)(McAbee Construction Inc.)(Awards list)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International, (FMA, Rockford, IL) announces the 2007 FMA/CNA Safety Awards winners. Open to all FMA and Tube & Pipe Association International (TPA, Rockford, IL) members, the program recognizes...

ISO 9000 family brochure available.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... GENEVA -- The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published on its Web site the latest edition of its advice for managers, Selection and use of the ISO 9000 family of standards. The e-brochure provides a general...

The Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association.(ASSOCIATION NEWS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... The Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA, Grand Rapids, MI) has added X-R-I Testing (Troy, MI) to its network of companies. MAMA is a consortium of experienced Michigan manufacturers dedicated to attracting aerospace business to...

Economic Stimulus Act: incentive for purchasing manufacturing equipment.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2008... WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In addition to providing stimulus payments to individuals, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 provides incentives to businesses. These incentives include a 50% depreciation allowance for 2008 purchases and an increase in the...

Pilgrim Software Inc. (Tampa, FL), provider of enterprise compliance and quality management (ECQM) software solutions, announces that Sanmina-SCI Corp.(BUSINESS NEWS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Pilgrim Software Inc. (Tampa, FL), provider of enterprise compliance and quality management (ECQM) software solutions, announces that Sanmina-SCI Corp. (San Jose, CA), an electronics contract manufacturer, has selected its SmartTrain solution...

Exact Metrology Inc.(BUSINESS NEWS)(Leica Geosystems AG provides laser trackers)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Exact Metrology Inc. (Algonquin, IL), a full-service contract measurement company, has added four Leica Geosystems laser trackers to its line-up of portable metrology equipment. The company purchased a Leica LTD840 with a Leica T-Probe, and...

Rudolph Technologies Inc. (Flanders, NJ), provider of equipment and software used in wafer processing and semiconductor final manufacturing facilities.(BUSINESS NEWS)
July 1, 2008... Rudolph Technologies Inc. (Flanders, NJ), provider of equipment and software used in wafer processing and semiconductor final manufacturing facilities, has acquired all intellectual property and selected assets from privately held RVSI...

Cincinnati Test Systems Inc.(BUSINESS NEWS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Cincinnati Test Systems Inc. (Cleves, OH), provider of leak test solutions, offers a range of tracer gas leak standards for laboratories, universities, research facilities, testing facilities, manufacturers of ultrahigh purity gas delivery...

L.S. Starrett Co.(PEOPLE NEWS)(Hardy Hamann appointed as vice president)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Hardy Hamann has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president of marketing and business development for the L.S. Starrett Co. (Athol, MA). Hamann will be based out of corporate headquarters and have global responsibility for...

IMI Sensors.(PEOPLE NEWS)(Doug Eberhart appointed as sales manager)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Doug Eberhart has been appointed international sales manager for IMI Sensors, a division of PCB Piezotronics (Depew, NY). Eberhart, a 25-year veteran of the industrial vibration monitoring market, will oversee the growth and development of new...

Wilcoxon Research.(PEOPLE NEWS)(Ronaldo Sullivan appointed as sales manager)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Ronaldo Sullivan has been appointed North American sales manager for Wilcoxon Research (Germantown, MD). Sullivan will use his knowledge of vibration monitoring and analysis and his extensive applications experience to benefit customers in the...

Kemet Corp.(PEOPLE NEWS)(Joseph V. Borruso and Wilfried Backes appointed as board of directors)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Joseph V. Borruso and Wilfried Backes have been elected to the board of directors for Kemet Corp. (Greenville, SC). Borruso has been appointed as a member of the compensation committee, and Backes has been appointed as a member of the audit...

Laser Design Inc.(PEOPLE NEWS)(Rick Passek appointed as sales manager )(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Rick Passek has been appointed sales manager for Laser Design Inc. (Minneapolis). Passek will be responsible for building and managing the company's equipment sales, primarily in the United States. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Understanding the optical encoder: the optical encoder is at the core of instrumentation used for length and dimensional measurements.(QUALITY 101)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The optical encoder has two main parts: the optical graduation and the electronic eye, called the scanning unit or reader head. Optical encoders, in a sense, are transducers, converting a measured length or movement...

Holes too tight.(BRAIN TEASERS)
July 1, 2008... Anyone who has faced a production problem with a need to solve it by using production data can relate to the notion of a brain teaser. The brain teasers presented here are based on real-world situations encountered by workers in manufacturing...

Optimal freedom: the FreedomView LED Fiberscope can be used in many hard-to-reach places.(QUALITY INNOVATIONS)(Fiberscope from Optim Inc.)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Getting a good look at something--whether it is the inside of a car door or a jet engine--makes it easier to evaluate the product. A new tool allows operators to do just that. The FreedomView LED Fiberscope from...

Quality measurement/test/inspection services guide.
July 1, 2008... Quality Measurement/ Test/Inspection Services Guide Visit Quality Quick Clicks at qualitymag.com. [*] View product spec sheets for these companies at www.qualitymag.com/servicesguide ...

Quality calibration services guide.(Directory)
July 1, 2008... Quality Calibration Services Guide Visit Quality Quick Clicks at qualitymag.com. [*] View product spec sheets for these companies at www.qualitymag.com/servicesguide Company Reply ...

Quality management services guide.(Directory)
July 1, 2008... Quality Management Services Guide Visit Quality Quick Clicks at qualitymag.com. [*] View product spec sheets for these companies at www.qualitymag.com/servicesguide ...

Quality certification & registration guide.(Table)
July 1, 2008... Quality Certification & Registration Guide (For more information, visit Quality Quick Clicks at qualitymag.com.) [*] Go to www.qualitymag.com/registrationguide for expanded online listings Company/Standard Name ...

Quality software selection guide.
July 1, 2008... Quality Software Selection Guide Visit Quality Quick Clicks at qualitymag.com. [*] View product spec sheets for these companies at www.qualitymag.com/softwareselector Media...

Quality professionals still satisfied: notwithstanding the challenges, quality professionals are still satisfied with their jobs, according to annual survey.(QUALITY MANAGEMENT)(Cover story)(Survey)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Despite the tales of economic woes and the disagreements as to whether or not the United States is in a recession, 94% of quality professionals find satisfaction in their jobs, according to Quality Magazine's 8th...

A modular fix.(CASE STUDIES)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Quality Metalcraft Inc (Livonia, MI) is a precision stamping and assembly plant, specializing in proto-type or low production parts for Detroit-based automotive manufacturers. Recently the company decided to use...

Spectrometer system.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The spectrometer systems that compose the Raman RMP-300 Series have an integrated fiber optic probe with a small X-Y-Z stage, compact laser, high-throughput spectrograph and CCD detector. No utilities such as...

Electron microscope.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CarryScope is a mobile scanning electron microscope that delivers several high-resolution performance imaging and analytical capabilities of conventional electron microscopes, making it possible to observe high...

Infrared touch probe.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... The TS 444 is an alternative to battery-operated touch probes for machining applications. The probe can be powered by an alternative energy source in the form of compressed air supplied through the spindle of the machine tool and can be of use...

Differential pressure transducer.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The transducer uses an optical sensing system, which allows it to operate by a fiber optic link. No electronics are in the transducer and electronics are remotely located. A new patent utilizes common mode...

Measuring scanner.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The FlatScope is a scanner for inspection of flat work pieces in production environments. The main area of application is in the measurement of complex profiles--for example, rubber, plastic or aluminum...

Servo press.(QUALITY PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The computer-controlled, hydraulic Multi-Purpose ServoPress with data acquisition capability is available. It can be configured to perform a variety of production and testing applications. The press is available with...

Meggitt Avionics wins multimillion instrument order.(AEROSPACE / NEWS)(contract between Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. and Meggitt Avionics Inc. to supply integrated standby instruments)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... HAMPSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM -- Meggitt Avionics, part of Meggitt Sensing Systems and manufacturer of secondary flight displays, air data sensors and data acquisition systems, has been selected by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) to supply...

Zwick opens Singapore lab.(AEROSPACE / NEWS)(Zwick Usa, Lp opens laboratory)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... KENNESAW, GA -- Zwick has established an application laboratory at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. The laboratory is part of the new School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and the testing machines are being...

AWS Aircraft and Aerospace Welding Conference 2008.(AEROSPACE / NEWS)(The American Welding Society)(Conference news)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... MIAMI -- The American Welding Society's (AWS) Welding in Aircraft and Aerospace Conference, to be held September 16 and 17, 2008, in Wichita, KS, will emphasis new uses of alternative materials and improved processes. Featuring aircraft...

AeroTest America 2008 announces conference, tour lineup.(AEROSPACE / NEWS)(AeroTest America 2008)(Conference news)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FORT WORTH, TX -- Showcasing the latest testing, analytical and inspection technologies and specialist services for the civil and military aviation, space engineering and airborne defense industries, AeroTest America...

MAMA continues to expand member list.(AEROSPACE / NEWS)(Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association added X-R-I Testing )(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA) has added Troy, MI-based X-R-I Testing to its network of companies. MAMA is a consortium of experienced Michigan manufacturers dedicated to attracting aerospace...

Ametek acquires Drake Air.(AEROSPACE / NEWS)
July 1, 2008... PAOLI, PA -- Ametek Inc., manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, has acquired Drake Air, a Tulsa, OK-based provider of heat-transfer repair services to the commercial aerospace industry. The privately held Drake...

Nadcap confers awards.(AEROSPACE / NEWS)(Wayne Canary of Rolls-Royce Corp. awarded)(Chet Date of Honeywell Aerospace awarded)(Mark Rechtsteiner of GE Aviation awarded)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... ROME -- At the Nadcap meeting, which took place in February 2008 in Rome, several individuals were recognized for their commitment to the program. Nadcap is a worldwide cooperative program of major companies designed to manage a cost-effective...

Boeing to replace Navy's aging P-3CS.(AEROSPACE / NEWS)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... ST. LOUIS -- Boeing joined the wing assembly and fuselage of the first P-8A Poseidon for the U.S. Navy in Renton, WA. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) and Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) are working together to build the P-8A, a...

Goodrich partners with PRI for quality industry development.(AEROSPACE / NEWS)
July 1, 2008... PITTSBURGH -- The Performance Review Institute (PRI) has announced that Goodrich Corp., supplier of systems and services to the aerospace, defense and homeland security markets, has become an eQuaLearn partner. In April 2008, PRI launched...

Eddy current array: eddy current array testing is used in a number of different fields including aircraft and engine maintenance and manufacturing.(AEROSPACE / EDDY CURRENT)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eddy current technology is an electromagnetic technique widely used in the aerospace, automotive, petrochemical and power generation industries for the inspection of metallic structures. In this technique, the probe,...

The future of aerospace: aerospace has a truly global future, with India, Mexico and China playing major roles.(AEROSPACE / SPECIAL REPORT)(Industry overview)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] India, Mexico and China are three of the newest players in the aerospace industry--what is it that makes them such attractive locations, and how will they impact the existing industry? INDIA Ever since JRD...

Aerospace accelerometers: there are many design and selection considerations for aerospace accelerometers.(AEROSPACE / DESIGN)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Accelerometers used for shock and vibration measurement in extreme environments require special consideration during the design and manufacturing process. Specialized applications frequently require use of a single...

Augmenting human performance in complex assembly: augmented assembly and verification systems can save time and money by preventing assembly errors while documenting quality in aerospace manufacturing.(AEROSPACE / ASSEMBLY)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In designing new aircraft, the maxim is weight kills. In the manufacture of competitive products, the corollary is cost kills, assuming that quality problems do not kill you first. Accordingly, manufacturers around...

Aid airline safety: AS9100 provides a unique solution to airline safety.(AEROSPACE / STANDARDS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In 2005, 146 people faced their mortality as JetBlue Flight 292 prepared for a risky landing at Los Angeles International Airport. The problem? The landing gear was not straight, so when the plane descended...

Laser scanning for history's sake.(AEROSPACE / CASE STUDY)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some aircraft designs stand the test of time. Unfortunately, some designs disappear due to tougher years in aero sales or a market-driven need for newer aircraft. Still, many pilots and aircraft leasing companies are...

NASA success story: learn how large-scale scans are transformed into a CFD model for NASA evaluation of new analytical tools.(AEROSPACE / CASE STUDY)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Using computer-aided design (CAD) models, designers can evaluate any flow process--fluid, mass or thermal--via computational fluid dynamics (CFD). But the CAD model must resemble the object closely enough so that the...

Data recorder.(AEROSPACE / PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Dash 20HF is a data recorder for long-term capture of high-frequency data and transient signals. The unit supports recording up to 20 analog channels to an internal hard drive at sample rates of up to 500...

Manual X-Y scanner.(AEROSPACE / PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Glider is a manual 2-axis encoding scanner designed primarily for the inspection of composite and aluminum aircraft parts such as fuselages. It is compatible with phased array or conventional ultrasonic probes as...

Data recorder software.(AEROSPACE / PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... Quality View Mode is a software option that configures the CL5 precision thickness gage to more quickly capture and communicate inspection data to Microsoft Excel or a third-party quality analysis software program. The software is available...

Videoscope.(AEROSPACE / PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... The ForeEyes 2020 X2TS is a third-generation videoscope that has a high-resolution 7-inch touch screen display, 80-gigabyte hard drive and WiFi capability. The videoscope is not only smaller (2.5 pounds) than its predecessor, it also offers...

Force testing frames.(AEROSPACE / PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The MultiTest-x range of console-controlled force testing frames offers a solution to product quality testing in design, quality control labs and production environments. Available in a range of capacities from 1,000...

Pressure sensors.(AEROSPACE / PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Series 106, 116, 122, 123 and 124 pressure sensors are for the measurement of combustion instability and high-intensity acoustics in rocket motors. The hermetically sealed, piezoelectric pressure sensors are...

Slim borescopes.(AEROSPACE / PRODUCTS)
July 1, 2008... Hawkeye Pro SuperSlim borescopes are available in lengths of 10, 14 and 17 inches. The scope can be used in deep, very narrow bores in machined parts, fuel and hydraulic systems, castings, tubing, firearms and other products. The scopes have an...