Rail subcontractor on the right track
Because of the size of the components, DPC produces them on its range of Goodway GS turn-mill lathes and YCM MV series vertical machining centres
Stainless steel housings machined by subcontractor Dawson Precision Components protect vital sensors on rail networks throughout the world.
Rowe Hankins Limited provides engineering solutions for the railway industry, with products installed on most major networks around the world. It relies on Dawson Precision Components (DPC) for 90 percent of its subcontracted components. In particular DPC regularly supplies stainless steel sensor shells which are fitted beneath trains. These shells protect critical electronics in the harsh environment close to rails, where they are subject to heat and being struck by debris at high speed.
Because of the size of the components, DPC produces them on its range of Goodway GS turn-mill lathes and YCM MV series vertical machining centres. These are ideal for high-speed and heavy-duty machining to produce highly accurate parts from materials such as stainless steel.
Quality is ensured by first-off, intermediate and final inspection by DPC’s inspection staff, all of whom are accredited by the National Physical Laboratory. This accreditation demonstrates staff have a real understanding of the conditions or inaccuracies that can affect measurement – rather than just being able to use a machine. Quality processes are accredited to ISO9001:2008, demonstrating to Rowe Hankins that DPC has suitably high level quality procedures and keep adequate records of all runs.
Because of the harsh environments experienced by the finished products, it is critical that these parts are made from high quality materials and manufactured to specification – and traceability is assured throughout the production process, from material to finishing. This is guaranteed through certificates of conformity, material test certification, records of each run and bespoke inspection reports.
Rowe Hankins has also had to call upon DPC for parts made to tight deadlines. In August it needed large housings turned round extremely quickly. The order was placed on a Thursday afternoon and the parts were ready by the end of Friday. This was possible because DPC has built in capacity and across the board expertise, so even if a machine or and engineer is busy, there is also capacity to complete urgent jobs.
Production and Purchasing Manager Paul Bamford said “In our industry we need to solve problems fast. We use Dawson Precision Components because its staff are quick, reliable and prepared to jump through hoops to get the job done.”
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