Quality stands as the cornerstone of every service provided by section bending machines. Its essence lies in strict adherence to customer specifications, particularly evident in the realm of curved steel sections. This article explores the intricacies of maintaining quality throughout the process, from the creation of detailed fabrication drawings to the delivery of fully fabricated, painted, and welded curved sections.
Quality in Design
The foundation of quality in curved steel sections is laid during the design phase. Detailed fabrication drawings play a pivotal role, encompassing essential dimensions such as material type, section type, orientation, radius, degree of arc, and the presence of any tangents. These drawings are not only a visual representation but also serve as a repository of quality tolerances derived from the Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges (COSP) by the American Institute of Steel Construction.
Applicability of COSP
The COSP sets standards for acceptable practices when contracting for structural steel. However, it’s crucial to note that these tolerances are tailored for fabricators rather than benders/rollers. They come into play after the curved sections have undergone full fabrication processes, including cutting, welding, and painting. For curving purposes, benders/rollers meticulously follow specified radius tolerances on drawings, facilitating smoother fabrication for subsequent stages.
Quality Assurance in Production
To ensure the quality of curved/bent steel, machine operators conduct rigorous visual inspections to verify conformance with design specifications. Collaborating with a helper, operators scrutinize dimensional accuracy, curve smoothness, and overall product completion. Techniques like using a radius template and chord and rise verification aid in confirming the correctness of the radius.
Checking Quality in Two-Plane Curved Beams
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) often utilize quality scorecards to assess the performance of vendors. Benders/rollers, cognizant of the importance of quality, implement comprehensive quality management systems. Corrective Action Reports (CAR’s) serve as tools to measure non-conforming parts, identify root causes, and implement corrective measures. Investments in training, equipment, and technology are imperative to maintain and enhance specified quality standards.
Curving Process and Quality in Focus
The bending capacity of our BIT section bending machine, particularly for I beams, is a subject we address comprehensively to provide our customers with the most accurate and valuable information, specialize in curving and bending steel, creating high-quality curved sections used as component parts for machinery and equipment. Projects, from angle rings to steel tubes, are handled comprehensively, from design to delivery.
Internal Standards and Continuous Improvement
In cases where client-specified tolerances are absent, need follows internal standards developed over years of experience. The customer service team maintains a log system to record client concerns, fostering continuous improvement in service delivery. Through reports and analysis, the company identifies the root causes of issues, reflecting a commitment to ongoing enhancement.
Conclusion
Quality in curved steel parts is a journey that begins with meticulous design, adheres to industry standards, and unfolds through rigorous quality assurance in production. Tracked over time, the internal process showcases the company’s progress in meeting and exceeding customer needs.
