Hardware Inspection and Testing
Inspection answers a fundamental question: is this hardware safe, usable and made to the agreed drawing and sample? Dimensions, appearance, colour, coating, corrosion and movement each address different requirements. If any check fails, hold the affected quantity before deciding on its disposition.
A practical four-point route
Section titled “A practical four-point route”- Incoming: check material, condition and certificates.
- First piece: check the drawing, sample, tooling and settings before the run.
- In process: watch the characteristic most likely to drift.
- Final: check appearance, quantity, assembly, function and packing before shipment.
For every check, record the batch, sample size, inspection item, actual result, decision and responsible person. A dimensional result requires a datum, gauge, measurement location and confirmation of whether it was measured before or after finishing. An appearance check requires agreed lighting, distance, angle and visible faces.
Group findings by what they affect
Section titled “Group findings by what they affect”Record a defect under one or more categories: size or shape; sharp edge, pore, scratch or dent; finish coverage, blister or colour; incorrect marking, part or quantity; or function such as opening, rotation, return or retention. Severity can differ between a main face, hidden face and safety area, so define the classification rules before production.
Choose the right check
Section titled “Choose the right check”Use an approved master sample for appearance and colour difference checks. Coating adhesion methods are not interchangeable. A salt spray test accelerates corrosion for a defined system; it does not predict a fixed service life. Functional tests should represent actual movement: cycle a clasp, check hinge clearance, test a magnetic closure as an assembly, and apply the agreed pull or torque to prongs and rivets. Sample size and frequency must reflect the risk.
When a check fails
Section titled “When a check fails”Identify the product, revision, batch and affected quantity. Isolate it, check where it has gone, decide whether to sort, rework, return, accept by concession or scrap it, and then inspect it again. Record the cause and subsequent result in Quality traceability and corrective action; increasing inspection alone does not address the cause.
Related topics
Section titled “Related topics”Salt spray test · Colour difference · Electroplating · FQC inspection overview