At Estes Design and Manufacturing, we are always looking for ways to bring value to those we serve. One of the ways we do that is through our commitment to quality. Estes Design and Manufacturing is committed to quality – quality in our fabricated products, our standards and processes, and our company team members. In the world of sheet metal fabrication, we understand that speed and quality mean everything to our customers, and that understanding is evidenced through our Quality Management System.
Highlights of our Quality Management System include:
- ISO 9001 and 13485 certifications
- Part-to-CAD 3D part inspections with Romer Absolute arm and RS6 Laser Scanner
- Part-to-file 2D blank inspections with Fabrivision inspection machine
- Operation-specific inspection plans for all production parts
- Quality communication with team members during shift meetings
Standards & Processes
At Estes Design and Manufacturing, quality begins in the planning phase, as our estimators and project managers review customer prints and specifications to ensure product requirements are understood. This team then designs a process flow capable of meeting the customer’s product requirements. Utilizing controlled programs, routings, and inspection plans, the necessary documentation and instruction is created to translate customer requirements to the needed manufacturing processes. Our experienced production and inspection teams execute the established process flow, using the prescribed programs and inspections to ensure compliance and complete satisfaction of customer requirements. Along the way, team members at every level offer suggestions for correction and improvement of process performance in the fabrication of our customers’ products.
Employing Technology to Improve Product Quality
We have also made capital investments in new technology to help ensure the quality of our fabrication work. New to Estes in 2020 is the Hexagon RS6 Laser Scanner and Romer Absolute Arm. Introduced in late 2019, the RS6 Scanner is a game changer in laser scanning with the introduction of its blue light laser with SHINE technology that allows nearly every surface type to be properly scanned without altering scanner exposure. This advancement assures more accurate scans and reduces the time and frustrations associated with changing red line scanner parameters or spraying parts. Additionally, Estes has coupled this technology with the power of PolyWorks Inspector, the market leader in 3D metrology.
Acquisition of these technologies allows Estes to leverage its engineering strength more effectively on the production floor with the ability to now compare manufactured parts directly back to the 3D CAD model. The other advantage of this technology is both in its quick and accurate data collection as well as the ability to report back more information as to the adherence of the full form to specification rather than just selected points. This gives more meaningful information to our setup personnel to make better parts and allows our quality team to be more effective in establishing conformance and driving part and process improvements.
We believe the addition of the Hexagon Absolute arm with the RS6 Laser Scanner powered by PolyWorks supports our quality policy tenant of employing state-of-the-art technology and will further facilitate our creative, innovative thinking and continual improvement.
Estes – A Sheet Metal Fabricator Committed to Quality
The caliber or our Quality Management System (QMS) is reflected in our products, and our ISO certifications help us outline and maintain a framework for continuously improving our QMS. Estes is committed to an effective quality management system and, backed by our engineering staff and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, stands ready to assist in your manufacturing projects. Visit our website to learn more about how Estes’ commitment to high-quality fabrication can take your project to the next level. Contact us to get started!
