Quality Makes Us Global

Expert Engineers Ensure Manufacturability

While Global Forming doesn’t do initial product design, we begin our work with a client by putting their 3D part or component design through a thorough and rigorous design evaluation to determine manufacturability before tooling and production begin. Our customers are uniformly impressed with the short lead-times we achieve without sacrificing quality, as well as our ability to deliver parts and components on-time while also achieving cost effectiveness.

We use a variety of tools in our project management process to realize better outcomes for customers, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). When you work with Global Forming, there will be no surprises during production runs.

Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)

The APQP tool forms the basis for how we manage each project we take on with new or existing customers. It works because of how comprehensive it is, including the following seven elements:

1. Understanding the needs of the customer
A foundational principle in APQP is a mutual understanding of what a customer needs and expects in a metal part or component. Planning can then take place to ensure those needs are met.
2. Proactive feedback and corrective action
In the APQP process, feedback is more than an afterthought, it is a core focus driving corrective actions to achieve better results.
3. Designing within the process capabilities:

At Global Forming, we plan and execute each project within the context of our expert capabilities to ensure manufacturability.

4. Analyzing and mitigating failure modes
A key tool used in multiple phases of the APQP process is FMEA— failure mode and effect analysis to identify potential failure points and solve them before they occur.
5. Verification and validation
Verification and validation is built into APQP throughout the process. Designing products and processes is one thing, but unless they are also validated and verified through testing, the risk of failure increases dramatically.
6. Design reviews:

The engineers at Global Forming conduct thorough review of part and components designs before tooling commences.

7. Control special/critical characteristics
Defining the critical characteristics having a significant impact on the product’s viability and use, such as safety, performance, form, fit, producibility, service life, and so on ensures they are taken fully into account.