Inline toolmaking capabilities are well established and highly acclaimed by both customers and other toolmakers alike. This reputation is founded on sound operating policies, including:
- Proven Production Planning, Scheduling and Quality Control procedures, backed by skilled management and a stable and economically sound operating company.
- Craftsmanship from a highly skilled and experienced toolmaking staff. The incentive is to achieve perfection through dedication, precision and individual pride of workmanship.
- State-of-the-art, accurately calibrated machine tools. All production equipment – from mills, lathes and surface grinders to precision bore gages – is maintained and calibrated to manufacturers specifications.
Through quality performance, the number one Inline goal is to establish and maintain a “preferred vendor” relationship with all customers. Obtaining such status requires a continuing effort on the part of management to maintain absolute production control and an open-minded approach to the planning and execution of the customer’s individual needs.
Inline specializes in the fabrication of precision gages, fixtures, tooling, gages, jigs and other assorted production aids. Typical projects include:
- Ultra-precision inspection gages to 2 microinch tolerances
- True position gages
- Slip fits to 20 microns
- Final inspection gages for turbine engines (both commercial and military)
- Production tooling for the B1 and B1-B aircraft, missile weapon systems, and the Maverick and Smart bomb groups
- Fixtures and tooling for precision electronic handling equipment
Estimating and production planning are a vital part of each job. Through careful planning and coordination with the customer, Inline is able to optimize the fabrication process and reflect the best possible price. Cost reduction, ease-of-use and repeatability of function (within specifications) are primary concerns during these two phases.
Quality Control – Certified Per MIL-I-45208A,
MIL-STD-45662A, ISO-9000
Quality control becomes an integral part of each fabrication process. Each step or phase of the process is thoroughly checked for compliance to specification, using calibrated measuring systems. All quality control measurements are performed within a controlled environment. In coordination with effective products planning, Inline’s quality control program allows the fabrication process to flow on schedule and without rework; the result, a quality product that reflects the highest possible standards.
Research and Development
Inline’s Research and Development function works closely with customer engineers in the design and development of new and highly specialized tooling. This effort involves both new product introductions and the upgrading of existing production methods to new design modifications or tighter tolerances.
When prototype or pilot production tooling is needed, Inline personnel often work with the customer to determine the best design approach and material selection. Special attention is given to ease of modification and updating as the tool or fixture progresses to final production tooling.
Many times the challenge is just to “find a better way” – to improve cost-effectiveness or increase yield. In serving these needs, Inline maintains a close affiliation with local design groups. Through these combined efforts, new designs are supported by the versatility and efficiency of Computer-Aided-Design (CAD), thus allowing the design team to progress from basic sketches to finished designs.
Inline personnel have extensive experience in updating existing designs. This experience and attention to detail not only results in superior tooling, but may also result in suggested design alternatives for reducing cost, improving application efficiency or increasing yield through closer tolerance control. Close and well managed customer liaison is a vital part of the Inline operating procedure.
