Quality Testing and Early Detection Examination for C-Parts

The first step towards saving on C-parts management

In the quest to develop leaner, more cost-effective manufacturing processes, C-parts are often overlooked. While they aren’t usually considered to be an expensive part of the manufacturing process, many C-parts call for complex, demanding management. Since the parts are small, have a low production value, and are often overlooked, many companies don’t put a lot of effort into streamlining and optimizing C-parts management. However, when you put in the effort to make C-parts management as efficient as possible, you gain cost savings that can have a major impact on the competitiveness of your SME.

The importance of C-parts quality

Fasteners are used everywhere in a factory and they are crucial to the success of the end product. They must have the proper strength, hardness, coefficient of friction and roughness, coat thickness, spectral analysis, and more depending on the final application. They must not break, loosen, or corrode at any point during installation or use of the product. A damaged or defective C-part is annoying at best and disastrous at worst.

For example, a damaged screw would be irritating if you built a new shelf and the screw broke as soon as you set something on the shelf. But if you were a large auto manufacturer and you sent out half a million cars with damaged bolts, and then the bolts broke and caused total engine damage on brand-new cars, you’d be in much bigger trouble. (As you may remember, that’s exactly what happened to BMW in 2014.)

Or even worse, what if a screw, nut, or bolt failed at a rocket launch or nuclear power station? What if a fastener failed on a pressure tank full of toxic chemicals? No matter what industry you’re in, a few failed fasteners can cause tremendous loss to your company. That’s why C-parts quality is so crucial.

Benefits of independent, accredited lab testing

C-parts must be comprehensively tested for quality to reduce the risk of the disasters outlined above. Proper testing also ensures that you meet all relevant and statutory legal requirements as well as the high standards of your customers and shareholders.

To get the most out of C-parts quality testing, you should choose an independent, accredited test authority. Independent labs are accredited in accordance with international standards. These labs employ many different mechanical, optical, and chemical test methods and strive to produce reproducible, objective, quality results in an effort to reduce the risk for your company and your customers.

In addition, independent, accredited labs rely on systems of international agreements that allow components and products to be accepted globally, which may save additional costs by reducing the need for repeated inspections in different countries.

Bossard has twelve ISO/IEC 17025-accredited test laboratories around the globe. Our state-of-the-art test labs provide the basis for reliable quality assurance and sound product quality. Start saving on C-parts management costs today by getting your C-parts tested by the best. 

For more information, feel free to read through the 6 easy steps to save up to 70% on your C-parts management costs.