Case Study: Sonco Technology, Cheraw, SC   
June 4, 2003

 Original Condition    Mr. A.C. “Tony” Anderson, President of Sonco Technology received an opportunity to acquire additional business for his machine shop.  However, Tony needed more metrology capability than he currently had in his company.  The Institute for Manufacturing Productivity (IMP) was requested to measure the inside diameter of four dies with its latest state-of-the-art Coordinate Measuring Machine.  The dies are for a potential large O.E.M. customer.

IMP Assistance

The IMP Metrology Laboratory used its Mitutoyo Crysta Plus 504 Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) serial number 0242212 with accuracy to 0.0001”, calibrated, and traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology to perform the measurements in a controlled environment.  See attached Certificate of Calibration.  William W. Beaver, P.E., performed the measurements.  See attached training record.

Sonco dies identified as sample 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Data

Inside diameters of the four samples were calculated by the CMM using six points.

Summary

The IMP Metrology Laboratory offered precision measurements to assist Sonco Technology’s business and metalworking process.

Economic Impact

Sonco was successful in acquiring this business and the potential for on-going orders.