Editor’s comment: September 2016

Quality is something we all take for granted right?

The old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ is generally true so our expectations of quality do change. We wouldn’t particularly expect a piece of jewellery purchased for €2 at a street market in Turkey to survive the journey home, let alone be suitable for any form of prolonged use.

Conversely the somewhat inflated prices of Apple products for example means we expect them to operate flawlessly for years. The Apple Pen I purchased recently for £79 to use with my iPad is a case in point. I was almost reduced to tears parting with that sort of money for what is essentially a pen but after using it for some weeks I must concede it’s a high quality device, manufactured to the highest standards and though I hate to admit it, probably worth the money. I’ve used it every day since I bought it.

In business – specifically manufacturing – things are more black and white. People often refer to quality as a ‘given’ and it absolutely is. Supply chains are constantly being pressured to reduce costs yet the expectation for quality levels remains constant. Saying to a customer that you could reduce cost per part by relaxing quality levels is a conversation that would never happen. This is why many companies invest large sums of money in metrology equipment. Things have come a long way since the humble micrometer and vernier. I would say that 90% of the businesses I visit have at least one CMM in their QC department.

But of course not all organisations can justify (or afford) such purchases – which leads me onto this month’s cover story. Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, a name synonymous with high quality metrology equipment has recently opened a new 3,000ft² subcontract metrology facility at Silverstone Park. Companies will be not only be able to tap into Hexagon’s vast product range, but also benefit from its expertise and knowledge. The venue couldn’t be better – Silverstone Park is at the centre of a high-tech, thriving business cluster.

Use of the Centre is open to all but Hexagon is offering a very cost-effective membership scheme that allows discounted rates and access to a number of invaluable networking events. More details can be found on pages 51, 52 and 54 in the issue.

Dave Tudor Editor