Professional Engineering Updates Processes for Increased Efficiency

Background

Engineered parts are usually defined and documented with either a drawing or, as is increasingly common, with a 3D CAD dataset. To avoid having multiple versions of the same part in production, any revisions to this documentation should be controlled and tracked using either a new document revision letter or a new part number. Unfortunately, in an effort to keep production flowing, sometimes companies will neglect this seemingly minor, but vital, element of the design process.

The Problem

Recently, a manufacturer contacted KTM to help them reduce defect rates on their production floor. This client was having trouble with flawed parts that did not interface correctly and were causing problems for their customers. To solve this problem, our client wanted to take their existing paper drawings and make 3D CAD models of them, along with updated, corresponding drawings. Because their team was not yet fluent in 3D modeling software, they also requested our assistance in making the transition. We began working on the updated models, but quickly encountered a complication: The original documents not only had casting and machining details on the same drawing, but were missing dimensions and notes as well. This made the drawings difficult to interpret. We also learned that our client had allowed their suppliers to create their own shop drawings to define the parts, many of which conflicted with our client’s drawings.

The Solution

KTM takes every opportunity to train people in the best practices of the industry. KTM placed engineers on site to train the client’s engineering team, to assist in the development of configuration control processes, and to aid in new product design. While helping to train our client’s engineering team, KTM reverse-engineered the conflicting parts to establish a single, standard configuration for each phase of the product. KTM also worked through the old drawings to create separate casting and machined part models, along with corresponding drawings for each. Throughout the process, we worked closely with our client to determine any missing dimensions and to ensure precision in the final documentation. In the end, our client received not only corrected models and drawings, but also newly refined processes and skills that will serve them for years to come.

About

KTM is a team of professional engineers that partners with manufacturing companies to overcome challenges and deliver the custom design solution and the expertise you need for your project.