We’ll review your drawings and callouts to catch risks before they disrupt production.
The line was running. Shipments were flowing. But during a routine inspection, QA flagged something odd: a stamped fuse terminal failed conductivity check. Dimensions were in spec. Finish looked fine. So what was wrong?
Turns out the Tier 2 supplier had swapped C260 brass with C268—similar look, different electrical and forming properties. The drawing just said “brass”—no alloy type, no conductivity range, no controlled cert flow. The supplier assumed equivalency. The customer called it non-conforming.
And just like that, production was paused.
If you’re in sourcing, quality, or engineering, this scenario hits close to home. You’re expected to deliver on time, on budget—and with traceability. But with material shortages, reshoring shifts, and compliance rules tightening (DFARS, ITAR, RoHS), supplier-driven changes are more frequent—and riskier.
And when the drawing isn’t clear? Everyone’s left pointing fingers.
In this case, the stamping supplier didn’t intend to hide anything—they were adapting to supply pressure. But without a defined alloy spec or ECN, QA couldn’t verify performance, and the OEM couldn’t release product.
Here’s what happened next:
• Material certs were reviewed across previous lots to confirm when the switch occurred
• Mechanical and conductivity properties were requalified against the functional spec
• An ECN was issued to explicitly call out C260 brass, with required properties listed
• Material cert flow-down became mandatory for all future shipments
• The supplier’s internal change approval process was audited and aligned with the OEM’s control plan
What this really means: spec clarity and traceability need to be engineered, not assumed.
To avoid a costly line stop, here’s what works:
Call out the exact alloy, including grade and applicable spec (e.g., ASTM B36 C26000)
Define critical properties like conductivity, hardness, or grain direction—not just composition
Require certs per batch, not just first article
Ensure DfM and ECN processes are synced with supplier sourcing decisions
Train QA to verify both geometry and material performance as part of receiving inspection
When everyone’s aligned, a “good part” means more than hitting dimensions.
After locking the alloy, updating drawings, and improving supplier communication, production resumed in 48 hours. The fuse terminals worked. The customer got their parts. And the OEM walked away with a stronger, clearer spec process.
Even better? The QA team no longer had to guess when a cert showed up out of range.
Better looks like this: Every shipment arrives with the right cert. The drawing tells the full story. The supplier delivers what’s expected—and when change is needed, it flows through the right channels.
We’ll review your drawings and callouts to catch risks before they disrupt production.
Gromax Precision Die & Mfg., Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing precision metal stamped parts and tooling, including progressive stamping dies and custom equipment. With an on-time delivery rate of 99.68% and a defect rate of just 0.066%, the company ensures exceptional reliability and quality.
Gromax is ISO 9001:2015 certified and ITAR registered, serving industries such as medical, defense, aerospace, industrial automation, and automotive with high-quality, innovative solutions.