This document provides an overview of popular part inspection techniques to train inspection team members. It describes four techniques: 1) Tin Soldier - arranging parts to easily detect differences, 2) Feeling for Defects - physically checking parts by touch, 3) Arm's Length Inspection - holding parts at arm's length to spot defects, 4) Sample Comparisons - comparing parts to sample defects. The goal is to eliminate confusion over what constitutes a good versus bad part and fully equip the team on inspection methods.

1. Inspection
Techniques Training
TRAINING WORKSHOP

2. WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Purpose
To fully equip and train all members on popular
part inspection techniques.
Objective
Eliminate the confusion between what is
considered a good part vs. bad part.

3. Technique #1 – Tin Soldier
Parts inspected using the “tin
soldier” method are arranged so that
differences from part to part are easily
detected.

4. Inspecting
One Part at a
Time
Inspecting just one part can be
difficult if we have nothing to
compare it against.

5. Can you
name 8
differences?
Probably not. This is because
without having both images side
by side, or a reference example, it
is almost impossible to
distinguish all the differences.

6. Can you
name 8
differences?
By placing both images side by
side, we can easily scan the
images for any abnormalities.

7. Applying The
Tin Soldier
Method to
Parts
Inspection
Ask
Ask for a second opinion
•If you notice any differences, and are still unsure if the suspect
part is good or bad, call over a QC inspector for assistance.
Line up
Line up the shot on the table
•Line up the parts on the table so you can clearly see each part.
Inspect the parts carefully for any differences, just like the
images before.
Grab
Grab a full shot from the press
•Every time the mold opens up and spits out parts, this is called
a “Shot”. Some presses may have only 1 part per shot, others
may have up to 16 parts.

8. Technique #2 – Feeling for Defects
Parts inspected using the “feeling for
defects” method are physically checked by
running a finger along the edges and features
of the part for any abnormalities.

9. Feeling vs. Seeing
Feeling for defects can help us distinguish rough
spots, no fills, flash, or nicks in areas that are often
hard to spot visually.

10. Technique #3 – Arm Length Inspection
Parts inspected using the “arms
length” method are physically checked by
holding the part out an arms length away and
checking to see if any defects are visible.

11. Checking at
an Arms
Length Away
What are the benefits for checking
for defects at an arms length away?
• Easier to spot changes in color
• Helps determine if a small spec is passable
or not
• If you cannot see it at an arms length
away, most small blemishes are passable.
• Helps identify change
• Viewing the part at a distance can help
distinguish changes in shape, which could
result from no fills, nicks, or flash.

12. Arms Length Away
Technique
• Start by holding the part out
with your arms fully
extended.
• Rotate the part under the
light source checking for
standard molding defects.

13. Technique #4 – Sample Comparisons
Parts inspected using the “sample
comparisons” method are physically checked
by holding and comparing the parts to samples
of common defects brought to the press from
quality control.

14. Utilizing Samples
Not all presses have sample parts, but when they do, make sure to utilize them. If quality control
provides samples of common defects, or color matching samples, they are giving you the tools
needed to better identify defects.
Almost like the tin soldier method, take a shot and compare it to the samples:
• Does the color look correct?
• Do you see any defects in the places noted on the samples?
These are all great questions that can and should be used when utilizing samples.