Precision mechanical processing quality control

Linear metrological tests: these tests are used for the calibration and for the examination and control of measuring instruments and devices for non-destructive testing. Among the instruments we use, we find Primary calibration blocks made of ceramic or steel, Interferometric lenses for checking planes, NIKON dial microscope, around 700 micrometric instruments, gauges, blocks and comparators for linear testing of production and/or inspection, and a Laser Tracker VANTAGE, not only implemented in the already consolidated post-processing dimensional control phase, but also during the machining process, ensuring maximum control at all times and absolute reliability of the sequence of operations set.

These tests are carried out with the aim of acquiring the essential information necessary for the acceptability of a processing, product or more generally of an object. The retrieval of these data must only be conducted by qualified personnel, specifically trained to determine the degree of reliability of these, and the results obtained. The information and the results obtained must be reported in appropriate documents, and the level of expertise required for the control operator must be indicated as well. The non-destructive tests are conducted to verify the correspondence to the project specifications provided by the customer; the presence of an anomaly or a defect, may lead to the non-acceptance of the part, according to regulations or contract requirements. Specifically, an “anomaly” is defined as any element that make the product deviate from the design requirements, while a “defects”, is a material anomaly, resulting from a processing on the product or from metallurgical causes. Non-destructive tests include Visual Inspection (VT), Penetrating Liquids test (PT), which allows to identify cavities on the surface by spraying a liquid with high penetration properties, Ultrasonic test (UT), which, through the propagation of frequency waves higher than those perceived by the human ear inside the piece, allows to show defects that modify the reflection of the waves themselves, Magnetic Test (MT), which, by creating a magnetic field in the piece to be tested, allows to make alterations of the piece itself visible through a dust made of magnetic particles, Leak Test (LT) and Thermographic Test (TT).

These tests aim to verify this characteristic of a material, namely its resistance to plastic deformation in response to a penetrating object; the tool used is a portable or bench hardness equipment and is characterized by a pointy tip of different shapes, which will be placed and pushed against the material being tested. The purpose of this test is, therefore, to acquire information about the depth of the penetration of the durometer in order to evaluate its hardness. Of great importance are three tests, subjected to UNI 560, 562 and UNI 1955, the Brinell hardness test, Rockwell hardness test and the Vickers hardness test. In the Brinell hardness tests, a steel ball of diameter D is forced to penetrate the test piece, with a load F, allowing to measure an average diameter d, namely the diameter of the footprint left on the surface after removing the load. Brinell hardness is calculated by dividing the load F by the footprint area.

In the Rockwell hardness test, a conical-shaped diamond or a steel ball penetrates the test piece in two steps; initially an F₀ load is tested, followed by an F₁ load, which, when added to the previous one, achieves a total load F. After 30 seconds, the additional load is removed, allowing the resulting accretion and depth of the indentation released by the penetrating object with load F₀ (e) to be read. This test is the difference between a fixed number (100 or 130 depending on whether it is a conical diamond or ball piercing) and “e”.

Finally, in the Vickers hardness test, the test piece is penetrated by a diamond penetrator of right pyramidal shape with a square base under load F, and is able to measure the diagonal d of the footprint left on its surface. The result is the quotient between the load F and the footprint area.

These tests aim to monitor and regulate the pressure inside a system, both to verify the safety and the duration of it. The tools we use for the purpose of assessing the pressure of our works are: Hydraulic control unit (max 400 bar), Electronic manometer (0÷50 and 0÷1000 bar), calibrated primary pressure Recorder “SIT” (0÷16 and 0÷400 bar).

These tests aim to check the predisposition of a conductor to collect electric charge, by reason of an electric potential concerning the environment, or subject to a variation in electric potential compared to other conductors. The geometric characteristics and the dimensions of a body determine the electrical capacity; among the instruments we use, we can find: Electromagnetic voltmeter, Electromagnetic ammeter, Magneto electric voltmeter, Amperometric Clamp 1000 A mod. R.M.S and Measuring Transformer.

These tests on surface coverings of bodies or objects assess their behavior in the event of ageing, thermal cycles, or atmospheric agents, as well as their hardness or resistance in the event of abrasion. Our chrome/paint thickness measurement devices are based on magnetic or non-magnetic ARROWELD.

During these tests, the Prussian blue pigment, also called “engineer’s blue”, is mixed with oily materials and a thin layer is applied to a metal surface, then transferred to the high spots of the workpiece. An operator then scrapes or removes the marked high spots. Prussian blue is preferable because it will not abrade the extremely precise reference surfaces as many ground pigments may. This tests aims to prove the regularity and uniformity of the workpiece’s surface.

the quality of a surface is as well guaranteed by the measurement and assessment of the roughness of a surface; irregularities that cover a surface must be in line with the tolerances indicated in the customer’s project. The compliance with these indications is important not only in terms of the appearance of the surface, but also in terms of the functionality and adhesion of the same; by ensuring this consistency, potential breakdowns and damages are avoided. Among the tools we use, we can find: Perthometer MAHR type M4Pi with printer unit and Perthometer MAHR type M2Pi with certified samples, HOMMEL Etamic W10 and MITUTOYO SJ-210 Roughness measuring instruments.
Please, note that all our raw materials, purchased from trusted and historical suppliers, are subject to the same testing process.