The client informed the team leader why the samples had failed the test. The client cited insufficient accuracy, and said there was a need to reduce the degree of dimensional variation. The client also said that it was not enough merely to finish workpieces to specification—rather, machined surfaces had to be smooth and even. While the head of the team shared this information with the three suppliers and asked them to perform another round of tests, two declined, saying that they would be unable to make any further improvement on precision. Nissin, however, said that it was happy to undergo additional testing. The team then underwent another round of tests.
“In addition to bore finishing machines, Nissin also manufactures its own tools and grinding stones. It provided an independent proposal on optimum machining conditions, and underwent several rounds of tests. The second set of samples it provided were precise enough to pass the client’s quality test, with finished surface exhibiting a smooth, even finish. We are very grateful for Nissin’s perseverance,” says the team leader.
As Nissin cooperated with the client’s exacting demands, after several rounds of tests, the manufacturer agreed to replace its existing machines with Nissin’s honing machines. Thanks to the machines’ automated “XY stage” function that allows alignment to be performed automatically simply by pressing ‘start’, and an ‘air’ measurement device that automatically measures bore diameter and performs dimensional corrections, the manufacturer’s products have highly consistent bore diameters. Without sacrificing quality or precision, the manufacturer was able to work with Nissin to resolve its issues, in the interests of achieving the improvements to workability and functionality that it set out to achieve.
