How to agree on mold acceptance standards and warranty period

How to agree on mold acceptance standards and warranty period
Mold acceptance should be divided into three stages: first piece, small batch, and mass production. It is recommended to write a warranty period of 12 months or 30000 mold cycles, and quantify the judgment criteria to be measurable.
What is the first article inspection for
The first piece is the first exposure of the mold's ability. The inspection items include key dimensions, appearance, internal quality, and airtightness, all of which are indispensable.
Check the dimensions according to the three coordinate report, with a focus on the cavity and parting surface. Visual inspection of seams, strains, and cold insulation.
Internal quality is checked by X-ray sampling in the hot zone. The first qualified item does not mean stable batch production, but the first unqualified item must not be included in the batch.
Small batch verification of viewing stability
Small batches usually take 50-200 pieces and produce continuously. The purpose is to observe the performance of the mold after the mold temperature stabilizes, rather than the single piece capability.
Calculate the scrap rate and main types of defects for this batch. If the scrap rate is higher than 5%, the reason needs to be identified before deciding whether to accept it.
During the small batch stage, it is necessary to measure the rhythm. If the actual beat differs from the design beat by more than 20%, it indicates that there is a problem with cooling or demolding.
Consistency in mass production acceptance
Mass production acceptance usually takes 500-1000 pieces, spanning 2-3 shifts. The purpose is to verify the consistency of the mold under different shifts and operators.
The fluctuation of size between batches should be controlled within 1/3 of the tolerance zone. Excessive fluctuations indicate insufficient process capability.
Xinfeng Mold will provide this batch of dimensional trend data during the acceptance of wheel hub molds, which the purchaser can use to determine whether the process is controlled.
Two ways to write the warranty period
The first method is based on time, 12 months. The second method is based on 30000 cycles. The common writing style in the industry is to take the first to arrive as the standard.
It is unfavorable for molds used at low frequencies based on time, and unfavorable for molds used at high frequencies based on mold frequency. Dual conditions can balance both parties.
The warranty scope should specify that material defects, heat treatment defects, and design defects belong to the warranty; Normal wear and tear and misoperation are not included.
How to deal with unqualified acceptance
Minor non conformities can be rectified and retested, with a typical rectification period of 7-15 days. The expenses during the rectification period shall be borne by the responsible party.
If there is a major nonconformity and a redesign of the pouring system is required, the purchaser has the right to request a return or replacement of the mold. The judgment criteria should be specified in the contract.
If the retest still fails, the warranty deposit will not be paid and a claim can be initiated. This is more effective than verbal negotiation.
Acceptance documents
The acceptance report should include: testing items, measured data, judgment conclusions, participants and dates.
The X-ray film, three coordinate report, and airtightness test record are archived as attachments. Lack of attachments, resulting in a lack of basis for subsequent disputes.
The acceptance report requires signatures from both parties. A report signed by only one party has limited legal effect.
Three ways to handle acceptance disputes
The first type is data dispute, where both parties test once and a third-party retest is used for arbitration. The cost will be borne by the party with the larger deviation.
The second type is standard dispute, returning to the contract annex. The standard that is not clearly stated in the contract is usually executed according to the industry standard.
The third type is liability dispute, depending on whether the problem arises in the design or usage phase. This type of dispute is the most time-consuming, and prevention relies on process documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many nodes are there for acceptance?
Answer: There are three common milestones: first piece, small batch, and mass production.
Q: How many pieces can be taken in small batches?
Answer: Usually 50-200 pieces, produced continuously.
Q: How is the warranty period determined?
Answer: 12 months or 30000 cycles, whichever comes first.
Q: Does normal wear and tear count as warranty?
Answer: No, it needs to be clearly defined in the contract.
Q: How to deal with unqualified products?
Answer: Minor rectification and re inspection, major items can be returned or replaced.
Q: What documents are required for acceptance?
Answer: The report should include X-ray, three coordinate, and airtight records.
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