Pressing or joining is one of the most common manufacturing operations. Press-fit, also called interference fit, is an automated pressing process that involves using force to fasten two parts. Various industries use press-fit or interference fit in manufacturing, including automotive, off-highway, medical, appliances, and electronics.
Leaks, unwanted noise and other defects found downstream on production lines are often due to missed issues during the press-fit process. These issues result in time consuming and costly scrapping and reworking that slows down your production line.
Utilizing the right type of press force monitoring is critical in detecting joining defects early in the process, before they cost larger and costlier issues. Sciemetric applies advanced digital process signature technology to monitor every step of the press force operation to catch defects accurately and reliably, as they occur.
sigPOD adds intelligence to your press-fit operations
Sciemetric’s sigPOD delivers an unbeatable combination of price, functionality, and performance far beyond the typical window and postage-stamp analysis of other press-fit monitoring systems. It uses unique digital process signature analysis software to capture, analyze, and store thousands of data points from each pressing operation to deliver the most accurate real-time press-fit defect detection.
sigPOD works with any hydraulic, servo electric, pneumatic (air over oil), and mechanical presses. The waveform analysis software provides real-time force distance monitoring results, giving you valuable insight into the quality of manufactured assemblies and components.
Finds part issues
- Incorrect orientation
- Cracked
- Over-size
- Under-size
- Improper insertion
- Tolerance stack-up
Identifies process or machine issues
- Bad alignment
- Improper lubrication
- Wrong ram speed
- Loose fixtures
- Damaged seals
- Low hydraulic pressure
Digital signatures provide greater accuracy in press force monitoring
Sciemetric force distance monitoring technology is based on digital process signatures, or waveform analysis, which analyzes all the critical points of an operation to determine a pass/fail decision. Signature analysis provides a visual representation of the process.
The force distance waveform is a combination of force vs. time and distance vs. time measurements.
The combined press signature provides a visual overview of the key measurement parameters.
Variations in the repeatable curve are indications of problems. Only Sciemetric enables the reprocessing and overlay of signatures to determine the root cause of issues. For example, looking at a population of signatures, the chatter seen can be attributed to spikes in force caused by the rocking of the pin being inserted during the operation.
More on digital process signatures
Real-world applications for press-fit defect detection
Sciemetric's pressing process defect detection provides reliable monitoring in various press test applications, including:
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Learn more about how our process monitoring and in-process test capabilities have been used to:
Create a new integrity test system that included press-fit monitoring for a reputable brake pad manufacturer.
Replace subjective method of testing rubber-to-metal bond on a part.
Provide precise control and monitoring of power steering pump press-fit assembly for an automotive parts manufacturer.
View more press-fit application notes
Smart manufacturing: Lever the data from press-fit operations
Sciemetric enables manufacturers to use the data from press force operations to improve the process continuously. We also can connect press operations to other operations in the factory to provide a complete part history.
Explore how our QualityWorX suite of data management and manufacturing analytics software can consolidate press-fit monitoring data with all the rest of your production part data to enable quick response to quality or throughput issues. Find the root causes of defects, correlate downstream problems to upstream stations and get full traceability.
