Inspections for Injection Moulded Parts
Certifications AS 9100 D / ISO 9001: 2015 | ITAR Registered
Injection Moulding Inspection Reports
As part of the Protolabs standard, we measure up to four plane-to-plane and outside diameter dimensions based on your CAD model (X, Y, Z) to quoted tolerances. We automatically define these quality control checks and perform the measurements on a sampling of parts.
In addition, we provide a wide range of other quality documentation. Compare the benefits of each inspection report to see which is best suited for your project needs.
Critical To Quality (CTQ)
| Benefits | Includes a configurable first article inspection of multiple dimensions |
|---|---|
| Measurements | Up to 5 plane-to-plane, hole-to-hole, ID/OD, or radii measurements as critical features |
| Service Provided By | Protolabs |
| Additional Features | Formatted report with bubbled part image and result summary chart |
| Eligibility |
On-demand manufacturing, injection moulding orders. Can be added to any other order. |
| Additional Lead Time | None |
| Price | Default of 3-piece up to 5 feature partial FAI provided at no additional charge on new unlimited mould orders. For additional part quantities, features, or to add to repeat orders, partial FAI can be modified a la carte. |
| Sample Plan | After the moulding process is established, a partial FAI is completed on the first three parts off the tool. |
| Additional Information | Available to select in "inspections" during checkout. Upload a 2D drawing with critical features identified. Contact us with questions. |
| Benefits | Includes a 30-part dimensional capability study of 5 critical features |
|---|---|
| Measurements | Plane-to-plane, hole-to-hole, ID/OD, or radii measurements as critical features |
| Service Provided By | Protolabs |
| Additional Features | Formatted report with bubbled part image and result summary chart |
| Eligibility | On-demand manufacturing, injection moulding orders. Can be added to any other order. Excludes: Elastomers (TPU, TPV, etc.) and Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR). |
| Additional Lead Time | None |
| Price | Default of 30-piece up to 5 feature Capability Study provided at no additional charge on new unlimited mould orders. For additional part quantities, features, or to add a repeat order, Capability Study can be modified a la carte. |
| Sample Plan | After the moulding process is established, a 30-piece capability report is based on a group of parts that is chosen from an evenly distributed sample. |
| Additional Information | Available to select in "inspections" during checkout. Upload a 2D drawing with critical features identified. Contact us with questions. |
Additional Inspection Reports
| Benefits | Verifies numerous critical dimensional specifications |
|---|---|
| Measurements | Up to 50 measurements: ID/OD, plane-to-plane, hole location, and angles |
| Service Provided By | A trusted third-party supplier (if lead time is critical, call your account manager for other options) |
| Additional Features | Options include a 360-degree, 8+/-position 3D scanner that collects data, identifies dimensional variance, and creates a visual aid and color map for a direct CAD-to-scan comparison |
| Eligibility | On-demand manufacturing, injection moulding orders |
| Additional Lead Time | Quoted at time of order, typically 6+ business days |
| Price | Additional charges apply. Contact your account manager for details. |
| Sample Plan | Random selection during the moulding operation based on requested quantity specified. |
| Additional Information | Available to select in "Secondary Operations" during checkout. Contact us with questions. |
| Benefits | Verifies numerous critical dimensional specifications |
|---|---|
| Measurements | Nineteen components that range from customer approval to sample part production |
| Service Provided By | Protolabs |
| Additional Features | Level 3 PPAP document is provided in PDF format for requested manufacturing orders |
| Eligibility | All injection moulding orders |
| Additional Lead Time | Quoted at time of order, typically 3-5 business days |
| Price | Additional charges apply. Contact your account manager for details. |
| Sample Plan | Random selection during the moulding operation based on requested quantity specified. |
| Additional Information | Available to select in "Secondary Operations" during checkout. Contact us with questions. |
Custom Inspection
Additional inspection options are available, tailored to your requirements, allowing verification of numerous critical dimensions.
Contact your account manager to request a custom inspection.
How are Part Dimensions Measured?
We use industry standard coordinate-measuring machines (CMM)—calipers and pin guages—just as you would expect from an industry leading manufacturing partner. What differentiates our process is that we’ve applied patented automation technology to our CMMs to enable in-process inspection with no additional cost or lead time.
Parts are measured at an equidistant cadence of n/30 where n = total part order quantity. Along with the measurement data from each part, the Capability Report will also provide the average measurement, standard deviation, and a Process Capability Index (Cpk) value for all critical dimensions.
Additional Quality Capabilities
Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
PPAP is a quality inspection process typically used in the automotive industry. The method is used to verify that a production process can reliably produce a quality part repeatedly. There are 18 components to a PPAP inspection that range from customer approval to sample part production.