Top 10 Quality Seminars Shift Gears

A significant shift in quality training seminars has taken place in 2010 from basic dimensional inspection training to automotive-related quality disciplines.  The QC Group’s offering of more than 70 course titles in over 50 cities nationwide is receiving a very different response in popularity compared to 2009.  “Our 2010 on-site classes have all been ‘automotive’ related: APQP, Design FMEA, and Process FMEA” notes Jann Henkes, Training Coordinator at the QC Group.  “Last year we saw a lot of cross training and re-training in quality basics due to companies downsizing.  It appears that now, with high profile automotive recalls, companies are investing in process quality training, auditing, and advanced quality planning much more than we’ve seen in nearly 2 years.”

The QC Group’s top 10 quality training classes attended this year are:

  1. ISO 9001:2008 Certified Lead Auditor
  2. Gage Calibration Methods
  3. Auditing to ISO 17025
  4. ISO 14001 EMS Certified Lead Auditor
  5. Measurement Uncertainty Budgets
  6. Statistical Process Control (SPC training)
  7. GD&T Training– Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
  8. OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor
  9. Blueprint Reading for Industry
  10. 10.  ISO 9001:2008 Certified Lead Auditor for the Automotive Sector (TS 16949)
Published in: on March 10, 2010 at 12:20 pm  Leave a Comment  

QC Group 3D Scanning Service Mobilizes Rollx Vans

Rollx, the only manufacturer and direct seller of new and used mini and full-size wheelchair-equipped vans has a mission—deliver freedom to the wheelchair community. In addition to the freedom of movement, it guarantees the freedom to choose the most convenient service center, including an At Home Service program—any time and anywhere customers designate. No wonder 99 percent of Rollx’s customers say they would return again and recommend the company to others.

Wheelchair accessible van modified using 3D scanning services.
Wheelchair accessible van modified using 3D scanning services.

In return for this commitment and its high quality standards, Rollx expects the same from its service providers. That’s why Chief Engineer Lynn Ringdahl chose The QC Group to provide 3D scans of the latest van models and says that the company’s flawless scans were essential in introducing customized vans three to four months ahead of their competitors.
    
Painful lessons
The eventual choice did not come without a few bumps in the road. Lengthy reworks associated with manual measurements and patterns frustrated Ringdahl. He explains, “The problem with this approach is that we wouldn’t know a pattern wasn’t right until the mold was made. We went through this process three or four times, making refinements. It took several months until we got it right, which created a real hurdle in meeting customer and market demand. That’s just unacceptable to us.”         Click here to read full article

Published in: on March 8, 2010 at 4:44 pm  Leave a Comment  
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QC Staffing Now in 8 States

The QC Staffing group has expanded contract services, source inspection, temp-to-hire, and direct hire Quality resources to 8 states.  A significant expansion over past years, The QC Group now serves Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Vermont, Florida, Texas and California.

Specialized quality professionals are employed in each state to supply manufacturers with local inspection support – when and where it’s needed.  This expansion has come as a result of clients requesting the same kind of support we provide in the Midwest to a number of additional states where local resources are needed.  Some of the most popular staffing requests are for source inspection and for temp-to-hire resources at a time when manufacturers are hestitant to add direct employees.  Because of QC’s vast number of contacts in the quality field, we’ve been able to expand our coverage from the home office in Burnsville, MN.

Published in: on February 16, 2010 at 10:57 am  Leave a Comment  
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Qualifying Your CMM Programmer

CMM Programmers seem to be one of the most difficult quality positions to assess.  This is due to the combination of skill sets that make an effective programmer, including strong GD&T comprehension, metrological skills, well-rounded blue print reading, and industry experience.  Additionally, given the continual evolution of individual software packages, a CMM Programmer needs to be versed in the most recent version.  Even then, how does one know the level of competency a programmer/operator has?
After a series of standard mechanical inspection testing, the candidate should be assessed by a Master Programmer in the CMM language of interest.  This includes an in-depth demonstration of the use of equipment along with the proficiency the candidate has in the proper use of the programming software.

A thorough Proficiency Evaluation is performed by a Master CMM Programmer, using a detailed datasheet in the evaluation process. This datasheet helps to extract important detailed information relating to a person’s CMM knowledge and techniques in the following areas: spatial perception, the initial setup (planning) process, part fixturing, general and specific CMM techniques, complex probe setups, knowledge of proper alignment procedures, proper GD&T application, program optimization, report design and even CAD programming capabilities, just to name a few!  This formal evaluation contains more than 30 points of CMM knowledge and proficiency. Through this intense screening process – and resulting report – the core of the CMM programmers’ actual level of expertise is revealed, thus equipping you to make the best choice with the highest possible confidence level. 

Making that right hiring decision becomes a much easier task.

Published in: on January 26, 2010 at 2:03 pm  Leave a Comment  
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