Let's be real—every shop says they make quality parts. But doing it consistently? That's a whole different game. In this episode of the MakingChips Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it actually takes to build—and sustain—excellence in quality control.
From quoting parts you can actually make, to in-process inspections, to how your shipping paperwork could delay your cash flow, this episode covers the full spectrum. We dive into real-world strategies for building quality into every step of the process—from the first RFQ to the final shipment. We talk about ownership, team structure, risk-based IPC strategies, final inspections, and how a simple $100 reward created a culture of accountability on the shop floor.
Whether you're building your first quality system or tightening up an already dialed-in process, this conversation will challenge you to think beyond just tolerances and calipers. You'll hear how quality isn't just about measuring—it's about quoting smarter, communicating across departments, and building a shop culture where excellence is everyone's job.
This episode is packed with sharp insights and real-world stories from three shop leaders who know what it takes to deliver consistent, swit-level quality.
Segments
- (0:50) Get excited for Top Shops 2025!
- (1:14) Why listening to MakingChips is SWIT
- (2:40) Why quality starts in quoting—before a chip is ever made
- (4:36) Aligning your manufacturing plan with your quality plan
- (6:35) Why you should track which tool cuts which feature
- (7:23) Probing vs. offline inspection: finding the right balance
- (8:27) Should quality report to operations? (Organizational insights)
- (11:41) Why balloon drawings still matter—and the tools to make it easier
- (14:30) Incoming and outgoing inspections for outside processing
- (16:48) When (and why) to keep quality in-house
- (17:41) First articles, first parts, and final inspection clarity
- (20:18) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA
- (20:57) Should machines sit idle during inspection? Risk vs. throughput
- (22:47) Calibration musts: Why you can't trust dropped tools
- (24:08) Catching bad tolerances before they hit the floor
- (26:00) Deviation requests: When it's worth asking
- (27:00) Rotating inspection plans and in-process strategies
- (29:53) Building inspection frequency around quantity and value
- (30:35) Peer checks and the $100 bill that changed everything
- (32:05) What "final inspection" really means at Hill Manufacturing
- (36:02) When paperwork mistakes delay payment—and damage quality ratings
- (37:37) Systematizing delivery to meet each customer's expectations
- (39:16) The bottom line? Quality is everyone's job
- (40:21) 3 reasons to check out Buy the Numbers
Resources mentioned on this episode
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