The journey of the product
HWI Machining produces many different products, which are manufactured according to a certain step-by-step plan. Mr. Bas de Wind, quality manager at HWI Machining Tells us about the product's journey: Eand flange produced for sister company, TM Filters B.V.
“A flange can either be specially designed for a specific process, but usually flanges are produced according to international standards, for example ASME B16.5. This is quite complex, because you have to deal with different processes from material certificates to the final product: the flange.”
Step 1. The technical drawing
“We always start with the technical drawing provided to us by the customer. Based on this drawing, the type of material and the customer's other requirements such as certification, we determine the price.”
“In this, we always think with the customer how something could be cheaper, better quality and/or faster.”
Step 2. The raw material
“When raw materials come in, they are checked to ensure that they meet all the customer's requirements. It is very important that the certification and dimensions are correct and the material is of good quality. Due to high requirements our customers, we order materials from the reputable suppliers in Western Europe, so we can be sure of high quality.”
Step 3. Edit
“The drawing is used to determine which machining operations are required on which machines. The flange is made on the DMG MORI NTX 2000. In these multi-task machines, the raw material is machined into a flange.”
“Once the product is fully processed, it goes to Quality Control. There, the product is checked that everything meets the customer's needs and requirements.”
Step 4. Certification
“During editing, the original batch number on the material corresponding to the certification is turned away. Since HWI a stamping declaration has, we have the option of re-engraving the batch number. For 3.1 certifications, we are allowed to do this independently. For 3.2 certifications, an independent party oversees this. We also provide all the products we supply with our own HWI stamp, so it can always be traced back to us.”
Step 5. Shipping
“After certification is arranged, the product is ready for shipment. At the flange for TM Filters this is easy, as they are in the same building,” Wind laughs. “However, our products are used all over the world. From Dubai to Japan, Saudi Arabia to Poland. For example, we supplied the winches to close the roof of the Arena to the brakes of the Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster at Disneyland Paris.”
