Metalliform TT project
Metalliform fabricate welded tubular furniture for sports stadiums, schools and other public sector users. Major clients include the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation, ESA McIntosh & CFG.Steve Musgrave the Production Manager felt that they needed more up-to-date information on MAG welding techniques, particularly the reduction of spatter adherence, which would reduce their finishing processes. Also he wanted guidance on the management of written welding procedures to help them control their welding resource. TWI carried out a Product and Process Review funded by the Technology Transfer Program and was able to write a series of welding work instructions and control procedures providing a standard method of working that could be incorporated directly into the company’s quality manual.
TWI provided advice on techniques to reduce spatter and other weld operations during the review which have now been introduced on all welding processes. TWI recommended and assisted with the adoption of a larger diameter filler wire which was found to be more efficient for the thickness of box section being welded. Included in the on-site assistance was help with setting up parameters and an assessment of weld quality level, measured against ISO 5817. TWI was also able to carry out a review of Metalliform’s welding QA Systems against the general requirements of ISO 3834 Part 4, a welding based quality management system.
ISO 3834 is intended to address control of welding operations, and assessment to this standard demonstrates to potential clients that the company has a commitment to producing a quality assured product. Although conformance to this standard is not currently a requirement for the class of work carried out by Metalliform, there is a growing tendency for end users/purchasers to specify quality standards in purchase orders. With the London Olympics in mind, approval to an internationally recognised standard will place the company in an advantageous position when bidding for stadium seating contracts. Advice was therefore given which will enable Metalliform to quickly achieve accreditation to ISO 3834-4 if it becomes a requirement.
