Risk monitoring
The precision components that Ter Hoek manufactures for the aviation industry and other high-end sectors vary enormously. However, all these components have one thing in common: risk control is essential. The aviation industry thus imposes stringent requirements regarding the procedures used for manufacturing precision components. To meet these requirements, we work with methods such as FMEA at Ter Hoek. This method allows us to record the entire manufacturing process and any risks. For each risk, we then devise a way of reducing the reoccurrence of that risk, for example, by using a checklist or carrying out an extra inspection. There are also stringent requirements within aviation regarding the heat-affected zone of the surfaces we process. Therefore, to determine the heat-affected zone and control the number of microcracks, we work with test products.
Process control
High process reliability is essential to reduce the risks as much as possible. All process parameters from the risk analysis are thus recorded in set procedures and instructions. Audits are regularly conducted to check whether these procedures are carried out correctly. In addition, Ter Hoek is AS9100 certified, which means that we meet all the requirements to be allowed to manufacture for the aviation industry.
Techniques used for aviation
We use different techniques for the components we manufacture for the aviation industry, depending on the requirements of the products. For example, wire EDM is a suitable technique to use because the products are often series manufactured. But we also often use die sinking when manufacturing for the aviation industry because this technique enables us to create shapes inside a product that cannot be achieved when using other techniques. We also create complex shapes using the PECM technique. PECM’s extreme accuracy and high process stability make it a very suitable technique for the aerospace industry.
