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Quality
Quality is often described as "fitness for purpose", but such a definition has no cost or processing considerations. A part produced using poor processes, which can be guaranteed only as the result of inspection, has no inherent quality. A fuller definition is "reliability of function at lowest cost, resulting from good design and the use of capable processes".
Quality begins on the drawing board. An understanding of rubber properties and processing will lead to the simplest design which maximises function and minimises production problems - in tooling as well as part manufacture. Such parts offer the lowest cost and highest value.
Combining the skills and knowledge of the designer and the rubber engineer at an early stage will enhance those aspects of design which best exploit rubber's potential and prevent future problems. Care should be taken in ensuring that tolerances and other features can be achieved through capable processes. If potentially incapable processes are to be used, design revisions should be considered.
Designs should then be passed through FMEA for confirmation and control / monitoring points generated. The platform for quality is now established.
In most cases, designs should also be validated through prototypes. New tooling should be passed through pre-production trials, capabilities confirmed and initial SPC limits established.
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