Quality Control

People

However sophisticated the quality system, Photofabrication recognises that good service and quality products come from highly trained and dedicated staff. To achieve this the company follows the principles of the Investors in People standard. Throughout the organisation Photofabrication spend considerable time and money in training each and every member of staff and ensuring they are highly motivated to meet the customers’ requirements. Each operator is responsible for his or her own quality and feeds back ideas for continuous improvement.

Method Sheets

Before manufacture, every job has a detailed Method Sheet prepared. This document then acts as the ‘Traveller’ to ensure not only that the product is made to specification but production details are recorded for future analysis. Any improvements are updated on the master file ready for repeat orders. This is a continuous improvement system which benefits customers by lowering costs and improving quality.

Real Time Data Collection

To ensure traceability, provide up to date information on progress, feedback ideas from members of staff efficiently and evaluate every job processed through Photofabrication we have real time data collection.  This consists of unique bar codes attributed to each operation on every job, from here our bar code readers effectively log status and time taken for each process.  This enables us to have the maximum information available to provide the most cost effective prices for you.

Material tracking

Photofabrication have a sophisticated material tracking system with detailed records stretching back over many years. All metal received is batch coded and detailed into computer records. Each release to production is issued against a job control and method sheet. All these records are fully traceable to be able to produce a detailed Certificate of Conformity.

All these processes are controlled through our Quality System BS EN ISO 9001:2008.

Process Control The chemical milling manufacturing technique requires strict control of various physical and chemical processes as follows: Metal: Strict control on metal supply with detailed goods inward inspection for full traceability Chemicals: Laboratory control and testing of all chemicals used throughout the company. On-line measurement and process control Machine maintenance: Scheduled maintenance programme to ensure equipment is running at optimum performance. Measurement and control at all stages of production. Statistical control systems.	Process Control Diagram Dimensional Inspection Final Inspection
Dimensional Inspection On line vernier measurement by operators Optical measurement and comparison Mitotoyo digital measurement
Visual Inspection Baty visual inspection of edge profiles Continuous visual inspection throughout process Final visual inspection of all jobs