Feature

The ins and outs of fastener quality assurance

Fasteners play a crucial role in an assembly – yet quality standards are often overlooked by many businesses. If a fastener is not made to specification, manufacturers may be unable to assemble their products, facing long lead times before the right parts arrive.

01/04/2021 16:04:36

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In a worst-case scenario, manufacturers risk sending poor-quality products out to the market, risking loosening or component failure. This would result in a product recall, an expensive, extensive and
embarrassing process, which can significantly damage a company’s reputation. Here, Brian Vince, Group Quality Manager at TFC, shares insight into common fastener problems, and how to avoid them.

There are
numerous reasons a fastener may not meet the required specifications. Perhaps there was a mix up during picking or labelling, and the fasteners have been delivered in an unmarked or
incorrectly labelled bag. Maybe the wrong ISO standard of part has been delivered, or the material is not tempered when it should have been. Many common errors are almost impossible
to detect with the human eye, so what can we do to be sure our fasteners are the right ones for the job?

Read the full article in the April issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.