Sample Processing
Sample processing is providing a finish on a sample part through a process of testing to achieve the specifications required. The testing establishes the process or processes which meet the customer's requirements. These processes can be many different types including tumbling, blasting and more.
The way we approach the sampling process is by concentrating on listening, very carefully and truly understanding the customer's needs. We then bring the physical piece into the company and bring together all of our experience and knowledge to the table. By having multiple people with vast experience involved there is no tunnel vision and open discussions take place to look at several ways to approach the finish. This collaboration develops the best way of testing to achieve the specifications of the customer. Precision Finishing is 1SO certified and we follow a standard process when documenting our sample processes.
We also look at the customer's capabilities to see if they can do it in-house and the associated costs. Then we look at the option of having Precision do it. We want to give the customer the information to assist them in making a sound business decision based on their specifications, production, quality and cost.
Three steps to start the Sampling Process:
o Obtain sample parts and thoroughly understand the expectations of the customer. Finish, piece per hour, factory capabilities are some of the important criteria
o Defining the process and testing.
o Document and record all the information to pass on to the customer. The information will help facilitate the right business decision.
The advantage of PFI is we operate a large contract shop for tumbling and blasting in the Mid Atlantic region and we develop and manufacture vibratory chemistry under the same roof. We are able to utilize this experience when evaluating the variety of customer's parts and needs. The most important aspect is our expertise, this is the key. If Precision does not have the capabilities in our facility, we keep the same ISO processes but the part is sent to one of our manufacturers to have the sample tested.
Top three things to consider during the Sampling Process:
1st - If the customer doesn't have the capabilities then we help to establish a process. This saves the customer huge amounts of time and aggravation because they don't have to send the part all around to many manufactures or venders to find out.
2nd - They will actually have a tangible sample part - it is not a theoretical process.
3rd - They will have enough information to make a proper business decision: keep the process in-house; outsource the processing or do not do it at all.
The sample process is really a feasibility test. We take the part from the stage of "you think you can do it" to "we did it". The sampling process is also a complimentary service to the customer. To this point, it is always better to involve finishing professionals in the beginning stages of the design process. This allows for more flexibility and up-front cost savings for the part.
