Tool validation / Tool change over program

[sowmya]

We have more than 300 tools. But we are not using all the tools frequently. I am unable to define the usage of each and every tool exactly. Can I validate with fixed period? Also, for occasionally used tools can we validate at the time of production.
We have started the tooling management procedure long back, but yet we are not in a position to conclude anything. Can anybody send the procedure for tooling management for my reference ( If it is for cable harness industry means it will be very helpful)

Expecting all your views and suggestions.

Sowmya

[sowmya]

Hello All,
I don't know, it is a correct forum or not. Can anybody help me in this?

Sowmya

[Wes Bucey]

Originally Posted by sowmya

Hello All,
I don't know, it is a correct forum or not. Can anybody help me in this?


We have more than 300 tools. But we are not using all the tools frequently. I am unable to define the usage of each and every tool exactly. Can I validate with fixed period? Also, for occasionally used tools can we validate at the time of production.
We have started the tooling management procedure long back, but yet we are not in a position to conclude anything. Can anybody send the procedure for tooling management for my reference ( If it is for cable harness industry means it will be very helpful)

Expecting all your views and suggestions.

Sowmya

OK. Let me break the ice here.
There is no real "right or wrong" as to whether this Forum is the right one for your post. Typically, I think many professionals think of "Quality tools" instead of "real tools." However, you need Quality tools to help you resolve your questions.

I'm not quite sure what you mean when you write, "But we are not using all the tools frequently. I am unable to define the usage of each and every tool exactly."

Do you mean you do not track the tool usage or do you mean you don't assign a specific tool to a specific process?

Similarly, you write, "Can I validate with fixed period?"

Do you mean calibrate the tool, or determine its abililty to perform the task without creating a nonconformance?

In most manufacturing environments, tool management is an integral function of preventive maintenance. An organization usually tracks the usage of an individual tool over a pre-defined period (number of days, or hours, or cycles of use) and then examines the tool itself for wear or damage PLUS examines the output of the tool to ensure the product is within specifications. This "run, check, run" cycle is repeated until the tool or the output begins to falter. This may establish the outside limit for using the tool before replacement or refurbishing. The run, check, run cycle may be lengthened or shortened, but the organization still tracks the usage of the tools to get optimum usage before the tool or its output falters.

The Quality tools involved in this kind of run, check, run cycle include Control, run, and SPC charts. Organizations may employ fishbone diagrams and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to help anticipate potential causes of deterioration of the tool function (wear, accident, misuse, corrosion, etc.)

So, given this long-winded, but essentially SIMPLISTIC discourse, do you have some detailed questions to ask? Do any Cove colleagues have more to offer?

[sowmya]

Thanks for the reply Mr.Wes bucey.[QUOTE=Wes Bucey]OK. Let me break the ice here.
There is no real "right or wrong" as to whether this Forum is the right one for your post. Typically, I think many professionals think of "Quality tools" instead of "real tools." However, you need Quality tools to help you resolve your questions.
[COLOR=Sienna]You are right. Even I thought that it is for quality tools. But I am not finding any forum for real tools. [/COLOR] I'm not quite sure what you mean when you write, "But we are not using all the tools frequently. I am unable to define the usage of each and every tool exactly."

Do you mean you do not track the tool usage or do you mean you don't assign a specific tool to a specific process?. We are using mostly general purpose tools and we have introduced tool history card approximately 3 months ago. Some of them are second handed and Old. In my view, the frequency of validation should be increased as the tool becomes older. But I am not able to come to a conclusion how older it is? The same tool can be used for crimping 5 to six terminals. Similarly, you write, "Can I validate with fixed period?"

Do you mean calibrate the tool, or determine its abililty to perform the task without creating a nonconformance? I meant to determine its ability to ensure the performance.

I have one more question. We are going for TS 16949:2002, final audit. Can I validate the tool depends upon the performance say whether it is accepted or not? Is that O.K. Pls view in TS audit point of view.
Thanks again,
Sowmya