To reach the desired outcome of the aluminum forging process, as well as brass or copper forging, a pre-production sample is essential at the beginning of the process. In this article we’ll discuss what a pre-production sample is, why it’s important, and where it develops during the forging process.
What Exactly is a Pre-Production Sample?
A pre-production sample is designed for the purpose of analyzing the forged component to make sure the final product is to print and meets the expectations of the customer. Construction, size, performance, and accuracy can all be tested during the pre-production phase. A pre-production sample is created before mass production of a metal component begins.
Why Pre-production Samples are Important in the Aluminum Forging Process
Without a pre-production sample, the production of a product in large quantities could turn out to be a waste of time and money if the calculations or results are off even just a small amount.
The pre-production sample can be used in two ways: First, the sample is a great way to show potential customers what a forging can produce. Second, a pre-production sample is created when a new design is needed.
The pre-production sample serves as a test for the new design to see how it works. If there are any glitches, the design team sees them and can then make the necessary adjustments during the sampling process and again create another pre-production sample until it’s exactly to print. Finally, mass production begins once the pre-production sample is approved by the customer.
In conclusion, without pre-production samples, production could end up being scrapped. The extra time and cost to produce samples are well worth it to avoid mistakes before production.
At Cerro Fabricated Products, we believe in the importance of pre-production samples. A dedicated engineer manages new product development from start to finish and we implement APQP from the start, to understand our customers’ expectations. We are proud to stand behind the Cerro name through every step of the forging process. Contact Cerro and let’s discuss how we can help with your forging needs.