Glossary of manufacturing terms
18 terms from drawings, quotes and inspection reports, each defined in a sentence or two.
18 terms
A
Anodizing
An electrochemical finish that thickens the oxide layer on aluminium for wear and corrosion resistance.
C
Coordinate measuring machine (CMM)
A machine that measures a part by touching it with a probe at points in three dimensions.
D
Datum
A feature of the part, such as a face or a bore, from which other features are measured.
Design for manufacturability (DFM)
Adjusting a design so it is easier and cheaper to make without changing its function.
F
First-article inspection (FAI)
A full measurement of the first parts from a new setup, compared with every dimension on the drawing.
G
General tolerance
The tolerance of every dimension that has none of its own on the drawing. ISO 2768 sets it in the classes f, m, c and v, and the limits grow with the size of the dimension.
Geometric tolerancing (GD&T)
Tolerances of form, orientation and position, such as the flatness of a face or the position of a hole. Orientation and position refer to datums.
H
Heat number
The number of the melt a lot of material comes from. It links the material certificate to the parts.
I
Incoterms
Standard trade terms that define who pays for transport, insurance and customs, and where risk passes to the buyer.
Inspection certificate 3.1 (EN 10204)
A material certificate with test results, signed by the inspection department of the mill.
N
Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
A contract that keeps your drawings and other information confidential.
P
Passivation
A chemical treatment that removes iron contamination from stainless steel and restores its corrosion resistance.
Process capability (Cpk)
How well a process stays inside a tolerance. A Cpk of 1.33 or more means the spread fits the tolerance with a margin.
Progressive die
A stamping tool with several stations. Each press stroke advances the strip and completes one part.
R
Request for quotation (RFQ)
A request for a price and lead time, usually sent with drawings and quantities.
S
Surface roughness (Ra)
The average height of the micro-peaks on a surface, given in micrometres. A lower Ra means a smoother surface.
T
Tolerance
The permitted variation of a dimension, for example ±0.05 mm around the nominal value.
Turn-mill
A lathe with driven tools, so a part can be turned and milled in one clamping.
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