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Quality Assurance & Metrology

Quality Control & Tooling Inspection Verification from Raw Steel to First Article

Precision injection molds and tight-tolerance plastic components demand an uncompromising quality control framework. Nodinson combines certified tool steels, in-process CNC/EDM inspection, optical metrology, 3D CMM dimensional verification, and structured pre-shipment mold checklists to ensure flawless repeatability.

IQC • Incoming Inspection

Incoming Material & Steel Verification

Stage 01

Every mold core, cavity insert, and production resin begins with rigorous material traceability and composition verification before any machining begins.

Steel mill test (MTC)Inspection of mill test certificates validating authentic chemical composition and source origin for P20, 718H, H13, S136, 1.2344, and NAK80.
Ultrasonic testingUltrasonic flaw detection across raw tool steel blocks to ensure zero internal voids, inclusions, or micro-cracks before rough CNC milling.
Raw hardness checkPre-machining hardness verification using digital Rockwell testers to confirm uniform tempering and specified baseline HRC.
Resin & insert auditsVirgin polymer lot certificates, moisture content verification, RoHS/REACH declarations, and precision dimensional audits on metal inserts.
Quality Principle:Authentic mill certification and ultrasonic testing prevent catastrophic steel fractures and porosity defects during fine EDM spark machining and polishing.
IPQC • In-Process Inspection

Machining Precision & Tool Fitting Inspection

Stage 02

Precision machining tolerances are verified at every processing step: CNC roughing, vacuum heat treatment, graphite electrode milling, EDM, and tool fitting.

Electrode inspectionAll copper and graphite EDM electrodes undergo 3D CMM coordinate inspection before spark erosion to prevent cavity over-burning.
Vacuum hardeningHardening quality control for H13 and S136 tool steels, confirming required 48–54 HRC depth without surface decarburization.
Parting line spottingBlue lead spotting and red lead contact testing ensuring ≥ 85% parting line contact across all cavity shut-off lands to prevent flashing.
Waterline pressure testEvery cooling circuit is pressure-tested at 0.8–1.0 MPa (8–10 bar) for a minimum of 30 minutes to verify zero internal seal leakage.
Quality Principle:Strict parting line spotting under press clamping pressure guarantees zero-flash parting shut-offs under full 60 MPa cavity injection pressures.
FQC • First Article Inspection

CMM Dimensional Inspection & T1 Sample FAI

Stage 03

First article trial samples (T1) undergo comprehensive metrology measurement against 2D ballooned drawings and approved 3D CAD step files.

Full 3D CMM reportingCoordinate measuring machine (Hexagon CMM) full dimensional inspection of critical functional features, datum planes, and hole centerlines.
2.5D optical projectorHigh-magnification optical video measurement for fine wall radii, parting line step heights, gate vestiges, and miniature insert interfaces.
Cosmetic & texture checkSurface finish evaluation against SPI-A2/B1 polishing standards or VDI 3400 / Mold-Tech MT texture plaques under standardized D65 lighting.
Fit & function assemblyMated housing snap-fit testing, push-button clearances, thread engagement, and metal insert torque / pull-out retention force testing.
Quality Principle:Ballooned drawing inspection reports correlate every critical tolerance callout directly with CMM measured values, identifying CPK data on key dimensions.
OQC • Outgoing Mold Quality

Pre-Shipment Mold Handover Checklist

Stage 04

Before mold dispatch or production sign-off, a structured 100-point mold inspection checklist verifies electrical, mechanical, and safety compliance.

Safety & interlocksVerification of mechanical mold locking bars, safety limit switches, hydraulic stroke sensors, and crane lifting eyebolt ratings.
Corrosion preventionComplete air drying of all internal water channels followed by heavy-duty anti-rust wax coating across all polished cavity and core surfaces.
Spare parts packageSupply of replacement ejector pins, springs, high-temp O-ring seals, limit switches, and runner heater bands packed in heavy-duty cases.
Export crating & manualsFumigated solid wooden box packaging, mold manual, 2D/3D assembly drawings, bill of materials (BOM), and trial parameter records included.
Quality Principle:The approved pre-shipment mold checklist and FAT trial videos ensure tools mount directly onto your injection press without on-site debugging delays.
Inspection Equipment

Metrology & Measurement Lab Certified Equipment & Accuracy Standards

Published metrology instrumentation calibrated to ISO / international standards for full dimensional and metallurgical verification.

Equipment TypeManufacturer / OriginMeasurement RangeAccuracy / ToleranceInspection Application
3D Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)Hexagon Metrology800 × 1000 × 600 mm±0.0015 mm (1.5 µm)Critical 3D geometric dimensions, hole positions, datum alignment
2.5D Optical Video Measuring MicroscopeRational Precision400 × 300 × 200 mm±0.002 mm (2.0 µm)Complex part profiles, radii, gate vestige, insert chamfers
Digital Height GaugesMitutoyo (Japan)0 – 600 mm±0.003 mmStep heights, electrode datum planes, core plate parallelisms
Digital Rockwell Hardness TesterWilson / Buehler20 – 70 HRC±0.5 HRCRaw steel validation, heat-treated cores, slides, and wear plates
Surface Roughness Tester (Profilometer)Mitutoyo (Japan)0.01 – 40 µm Ra±5% readingSPI optical polish grades, EDM spark erosion, VDI texture verification
Class X Precision Gauge Pin SetsMeyer / Deltronic0.20 – 25.00 mm (0.01 step)±0.001 mmEjector pin bore clearances, guide pin bushings, hole diameters
Water Circuit Leak & Pressure TesterAutomated Hydraulic0 – 1.5 MPa (15 bar)±0.05 bar digital readout30-minute high-pressure water circuit leak testing and flow testing
Quality Documentation

Inspection Deliverables Provided with Every Order

We provide full documentation transparency. Review reports, material certificates, and test records generated across the tooling and molding life cycle.

Steel Mill Test Certificate (MTC)Official mill analysis certifying chemical composition, melting route, and heat-treatment baseline.
Full Ballooned 2D Drawing & FAI ReportEvery drawing dimension numbered and measured with CMM deviation records, nominals, and tolerances.
Heat Treatment Hardness CertificationVacuum hardening certificate detailing quenching curves and final Rockwell HRC hardness values.
T1 Injection Molding Parameter SheetComplete press setup record: barrel temperatures, injection pressures, cycle time, and cooling settings.
Cooling Circuit Leak Test Record30-minute water circuit hydrostatic pressure test record signed by the tooling quality engineer.
Pre-Shipment Mold Acceptance Checklist100-point inspection checklist verifying slide safety, limit switches, ejector stroke, and rustproofing.
Contractual Assurance

Quality Commitments & Acceptance Terms Defined in Writing Before Order Start

Locked Drawing Revisions

Tooling geometry and inspection standards are locked to an agreed 2D/3D drawing revision before steel cutting, with formal change orders for modifications.

Defined T1 Sample Scope

Sample quantities, dimensional report scope, and corrective action responsibilities for T1 first articles are established in the written project contract.

Guaranteed Confidentiality

All customer 2D prints, 3D CAD files, and proprietary product specifications are protected by a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

Tool Life Classification

Tool life expectations, maintenance guidelines, and wear-part replacement schedules follow SPI Class 101/102/103 standards agreed for your production volume.

Require Specific Inspection Criteria or CMM Reports?

Specify ballooned drawing requirements, CPK study parameters, or FAT trial scopes in your inquiry for confirmed pricing.