After the treatment process is
finished the batch is brought into the inspection and packing department,
where each component is thoroughly inspected again. The inspector
uses a magnifying glass to scrutinize each piece. In every single
batch of processed parts, there is a “witness sample”
which receives the same treatment as the components. This sample
is retained with all the batch records so that there is a a physical
identifier here at NCT for every single run. Periodically we take
one of the finished components to examine the actual treatment layer.
Our technician choses a sample.
The part is sliced to expose a cross section of the treated metal.
It is then placed in an examination medium which is polished. .
. The cross section specimen is then reviewed using our image analysis
system. The technician examines the sample to determine if there
are any irregularities. This PVD coating is uniform and consistent
and has the proper thickness. The process is so precise that we
can consistently produce a layer that is one ten-thousandth of an
inch thick repeatedly
