Why Standard Marking Methods Cost Manufacturers More in Scrap and Audit Failures?

A counterfeit component can pass all dimensional checks, ultrasonic testing and mechanical testing but be rejected due to an inability to identify the heat. Once a forging has failed to be identified it doesn’t really matter how high quality it is. If the part has not been marked to be readable and permanent it becomes an unknown.

Markings can often be lost during the heat treatment process. The furnace cycles, quench and scaling can cause markings to be lost. This article will look at why standard marking methods fail, the cost of scrap and audit findings and how to choose the correct heat treatment marking suppliers.

1.     Why Traceability Can Be Lost During Heat Treatment

The traceability in an environment of forging is extremely crucial to being able to trace each of the components in the manufacturing process. However, the use of high-temperature techniques can render or erase marking signs. This is even more improbable in the situations when various types of steel and heats are forged together as well as when the components undergo” successive operations in their production.

Why Standard Marking Techniques Can Fail

The widely used marking methods in forging plants involve the usage of paint or ink markings, hard stamping, and wire tags or labels. Nevertheless, all of these methods have shortcomings in connection with heat treatment and handling. 

Pricing features: Scrap, Re-testing, and Audit Results

It is impossible for any of the various marking techniques to totally obviate traceability risks in forgings and heat treatment. High-temperature paints, laser marking, dot peening, electrochemical marking and coded tags have their unique pros and cons. 

About Shailesh Forging Works

Shailesh Forging Works is a forging manufacturer. We produce forged and rolled components such as rings for the oilfield and other industrial applications. As we manufacture to customer specifications and third-party inspection requirements tracing back from the billet to dispatch is a key point in our quality assurance.

2.     The Counterpoint: No Single Method Solves the Problem

It is impossible for any marking process, on its own, to eliminate traceability risks during the forging process, as well as during heat treatment of the product. 

3.     How to Choose a Heat Treatment Marking Supplier

In order for heat treatment marking supplier to be chosen it is necessary to consult on the issues of temperature resistance, compatibility of materials, visibility of marking, usefulness, and amount of batches. Besides this, the line of procurement as well as the quality control division have to check the technical documentation, safety information sheets, and collaboration with the supplier.

4.     A Practical Implementation Approach

To accomplish the goal of introducing a markig change successfully and with no stop of production, one has to use an orderly approach. First of all, it is necessary to examine the marking process which is being used at present and point out the gaps it has.

Conclusion

Standard marking methods may be considered cheap and well known; however, these can become ineffective in the event of heat treatment where there are increased temperatures, scaling and handling conditions. The loss of markings can cause problems with traceability, scrap, expensive re-testing and audit non-conformances. Use of good marking methods paired with procedures and proper quality control always lets ensure permanent identifiable marks throughout the manufacturing process.