Quality checks
Audio for slide 1 (mp3 |6|KB)
Quality control isn't just something that happens at the end of the production line.
You need to keep a close eye on the quality of the materials you're using at every stage of the manufacturing process.
You need to keep a close eye on the quality of the materials you're using at every stage of the manufacturing process.
Audio for slide 2 (mp3 |6|KB)
One of the most obvious causes of quality problems in panels is incorrect stacking and storage.
Always make sure that bearers are level across the base and that strips are an even thickness and line up vertically.
If you don't, you may end up with twisted or bowed panels, which can play havoc later when the time comes to assemble the carcase.
Always make sure that bearers are level across the base and that strips are an even thickness and line up vertically.
If you don't, you may end up with twisted or bowed panels, which can play havoc later when the time comes to assemble the carcase.
Audio for slide 3 (mp3 |6|KB)
You should also check the edges of boards for damage when you're taking them out of the storage racks.
Boards can sometimes have crushed or chipped edges if they've been dropped on the floor or bumped with a forklift truck.
Boards can sometimes have crushed or chipped edges if they've been dropped on the floor or bumped with a forklift truck.
Audio for slide 4 (mp3 |6|KB)
Once the boards have been cut to-size, the edges should be checked again for any problems that might have been caused by incorrect saw settings or malfunctioning machinery.
Set out below are some of the problems that can occur. If you see any of these issues in a board that's just been re-cut, it's important that you tell the saw operator straight away, because it may mean that the saw needs to be re-adjusted or a part needs replacing.
Set out below are some of the problems that can occur. If you see any of these issues in a board that's just been re-cut, it's important that you tell the saw operator straight away, because it may mean that the saw needs to be re-adjusted or a part needs replacing.
| Problem | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Break-out on underside of the board | Scorer height is set incorrectly |
| Scorer kerf doesn't align to main kerf | Scorer is out of line with the main blade |
| Top face has chips | Main blade is damaged, or riving knife is incorrectly set or too thin for the blade |
| Saw cut is not at 90° to the face of the board | Main blade is not running plumb and true. |
Learning activity
Audio 5 (mp3 |6|KB)Have you come across any of these problems at your own workplace?
Have you had to deal with other quality problems in the boards you handle?
Describe one quality problem you have encountered at work.
What was the effect of the problem?
What caused it?
How did you (or your colleagues) tackle the cause to stop the problem from happening again?
Go to Edge treatments