If unexpected problems occur during the qualification of plastic components or during the start-up of series production processes in the field of plastics technology, orderly troubleshooting is essential. In the development process of plastic components, it is crucial to understand troubleshooting as a planned, defined process for a clean error analysis and sustainable elimination of the causes. On the other hand, the approach of eliminating a component failure of plastic components or a problem occurring in the production process with individual, spontaneous ad hoc measures often only makes the situation more obscure.
Over the past 30 years, M.TEC Engineering has proven to be a reliable partner in the troubleshooting of (plastic) components. Our experts are familiar with the common causes of defects and are experts in plastics technology who can clarify and subsequently rectify any problems with plastic components.
Problems with plastic components
The causes of problems with plastic components as well as corresponding products and processes can be manifold, for example:
- Component errors / design errors
- Tolerance problems
- Assembly errors
- Problems in the injection molding process
- Unsuitable material
Clean analysis of complex interactions
Often it is a combination of several causes that causes difficulties in the start-up of series production. M.TEC's engineers are able to work through complex problem cases in an orderly troubleshooting process or failure analysis process and to eliminate the actual causes in a sustainable manner. We have made it our goal not only to work on the symptoms, but to get to the core of technical problems and thus eliminate the problems permanently. Especially in the area of plastic components, you will find an almost unique expertise for components, products as well as the corresponding processes at M.TEC.
The solution: Approach to failure analysis
M.TEC follows a structured process when analyzing defects, e.g. in plastic components. M.TEC uses this method for plastic components (with their corresponding processes), hybrid components, metal components, for entire assemblies as well as entire products. According to the 8D report, the process can be roughly described as follows:
- Description of the team and responsibilities
- Problem description and defect character
- Possible immediate measures
- Identification of the causes of the error
- Planned corrective actions with effectiveness check
- Actually implemented corrective measures with result control
- Identification of measures to prevent the recurrence of errors
- Recognize team success
Simulation & calculation as a tool in failure analysis
Simulation & calculation is an important tool that can make the causes of a component failure visible and comprehensible in failure analysis. Used correctly, it is often a suitable tool for analyzing component failures of any kind. M.TEC has relied on its in-house calculation department since it was founded over 30 years ago. FEM calculations and injection molding simulations or Moldflow analysis are mostly used in failure analysis, but also many other simulations that M.TEC performs exclusively in-house and can thus quickly apply in the highest quality.