Chase
Instruments Corp.
| COMPANY/LOCATION: |
Chase Instruments Corp., Rockwood, Tennessee |
| PRODUCT: |
Medical devices from glass |
| YEARS IN BUSINESS: |
10 years in Roane County |
| EMPLOYEES: |
290 |
| SITUATION: |
Among the products that Chase Instruments produces is a glass vial
with a screw thread that is unique to the glass industry. Chase had encountered
a problem measuring the minor diameter of the screw threadthat is the diameter
of the finish without the thread projection. The company wanted a way to
precisely measure this diameter in order to meet quality control standards. |
| PROJECT: |
The company contacted the Oak Ridge Centers for Manufacturing Technology
after a consultation with the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial
Services. Working with Chase on a solution to their needs, ORCMT researchers
determined that a private company existed that could produce the measuring
device that Chase needed to solve its problem. Because they cannot compete
with private industry, ORCMT suggested that Chase have the device designed
and built by the private company. However, Chase asked the Metrology Center
at ORCMT to test the accuracy of the measuring device to be sure it could
meet the necessary accuracy standards. |
| RESULTS: |
The Metrology Center tested the device to make sure it was giving accurate
measurements and the company is now using the device in production. The
device has improved the company's quality control process by giving
them a way to ensure that the screw threads are within specifications.
"It has reduced our scrap and increased our productivity. Before
we had a
go-no-go gauge for the screw threads. Now we can measure to be sure
if the production is within specifications," said Steve Jolly, director
of quality assurance for Chase. |
Technical assistances provided to the private sector by the Oak Ridge
Centers for Manufacturing Technology (ORCMT) and its manufacturing extension
partners throughout the United States.
|
