Glossary of precision manufacturing

Actuator that converts energy (e.g. hydraulic, electrical) into targeted mechanical movement.

Structured IQ/OQ/PQ verification that a manufacturing plant is correctly installed and operates in accordance with specifications.

Quality management standard (QMS) specifically for the aerospace industry. BEUTTER is certified to DIN EN 9100.

Functional units assembled from multiple individual parts. BEUTTER does not only manufacture individual components, but also undertakes the assembly of complete subassemblies – in a cleanroom if required.

Customer's forecast data for predictive production and material planning in order to shorten delivery times.

Biocompatibility of a material, not triggering harmful reactions in contact with living tissue. Crucial for components in medical technology, such as those made of titanium or surgical steel.

Complete traceability from raw material to finished part. Every batch can be uniquely assigned – a must in regulated industries.

Computer Numerical Control, where machine tools operate with high precision and reproducibility based on digital programmes – the basis of modern precision manufacturing.

Chemical Vapour Deposition – chemical process for the deposition of thin functional layers, including in semiconductor technology.

Design for Manufacturability – design for manufacture. Components are designed in such a way that they can be produced economically, reliably and to the required quality.

Machining process in which the workpiece rotates and a stationary tool removes material. Ideal for rotationally symmetrical precision parts such as bolts, sleeves and shafts.

Ability of a material to deform plastically under load without breaking. An important criterion when selecting materials for safety-critical components.

Stainless steel with an austenitic-ferritic duplex microstructure – combines high strength with very good corrosion resistance.

Calibration of machines and processes to ensure consistent dimensional accuracy throughout production.

Electrochemical process for producing a protective oxide layer on aluminium. Increases corrosion resistance and hardness and enables coloured surfaces.

First article inspection report – complete documentation of first article inspection with all measured characteristics and evidence.

Implantation of artificial joints (endoprostheses), such as for the hip or knee.

Removal of sharp-edged material protrusions (burrs) generated during machining. Ensures the function, assembly and safety of the finished component.

Initial comprehensive inspection of a component prior to the start of series production to verify compliance with all specifications.

Proportion of value added that is generated within the company itself. A high depth of manufacturing ensures quality, schedule adherence and flexibility.

Machining process in which a rotating tool removes material while the workpiece is fed in a defined manner. Enables complex geometries and precise contours – even from difficult-to-machine materials such as stainless steel, titanium or nickel-based alloys.

Machining of hardened materials from approx. 54 HRC. Enables finishing after hardening and saves time-consuming grinding processes.

Heat treatment of steel to increase its hardness and wear resistance. This is achieved by targeted heating and rapid cooling of the material.

Precision-machined surface that provides a reliable seal even under high pressure – e.g. in hydraulic and injection systems.

Honing processes for producing precise bore geometries and defined surfaces. Achieves the highest dimensional and form accuracy as well as low surface roughness.

Biocompatible material for medical implants, such as titanium Grade 5 ELI, implant steels or cobalt-base alloys.

Nickel-based superalloy with excellent high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance – typical for aerospace applications.

Nickel-iron alloy with an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion – ideal for dimensionally stable precision applications.

QMS standard for medical devices. BEUTTER is certified to DIN EN ISO 13485 – up to and including components for risk class III.

Inventory-controlled delivery and replenishment system that enables demand-driven, consumption-oriented material supply.

Safety-critical component in aviation with special documentation and traceability requirements.

Consignment stock at the customer's premises from which items are withdrawn; payment is only made upon actual withdrawal. Reduces capital tie-up and ensures availability.

CMM – 3D precision measurement technology that records the geometries, dimensional, form and positional tolerances of components with high precision.

Precision finishing process using loose abrasive grain to achieve maximum surface quality and flatness – used when the tightest tolerances are required.

Manufacturing of components to customer specifications and drawings, without in-house product development.

Number of parts in a production batch. BEUTTER manufactures economically in batch sizes from 20 to 5,000 pieces.

Regular calibration and monitoring of all measuring equipment to ensure reliable and traceable measurement results at all times.

Nickel-titanium alloy with shape memory and superelasticity effects, used inter alia in medical technology.

Surgical management of bone fractures using implants such as plates, screws and nails.

High-performance plastic (polyetheretherketone) with high temperature and chemical resistance, used in medical technology and aerospace.

Cuboid or irregularly shaped workpiece that is machined predominantly by milling.

Grinding with a formed grinding wheel to precisely machine complex contours and profiles into the material.

Proof of the reproducibility of a manufacturing process to ensure consistent quality on an ongoing basis.

Long-term contract with agreed total quantity and flexible call-off schedule – for predictable serial supply.

Controlled manufacturing area according to ISO 14644 with a defined low particulate level (e.g. ISO 5) – required for highly sensitive components in medical and semiconductor technology.

Rheometer.

Highest risk class for medical devices under the MDR, with the strictest requirements regarding evidence and documentation.

Non-destructive testing method for detecting the finest surface cracks, for example by dye penetrant or magnetic particle testing. Central to safety-critical components.

geometry that remains congruent when rotated about its axis – typical for turned parts such as bolts, bushes and shafts.

High-precision hydraulic valve for demanding control tasks, such as in aerospace applications.

Development and manufacture of custom machines and systems precisely to individual customer requirements.

Grinding process without clamping the workpiece between centres. Allows economical grinding of long, rotationally symmetrical parts with high roundness.

Change in length or volume of a material as a result of temperature changes – an important factor in precision tolerances.

Light metal with high specific strength, excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility – preferred in aerospace and medical technology.

Cleaning process in which high-frequency sound waves in a liquid loosen the finest particles and residue even from hard-to-reach areas.

documented evidence that a process reproducibly delivers results within the required specification.

High number of different component variants produced flexibly and cost-effectively.

Measuring instrument for determining the viscosity of liquids and fluids.

Thin semiconductor disc used as a base for manufacturing microchips.

Controlled heating and cooling of materials to adjust their mechanical properties such as hardness, strength or toughness.

Metrological inspection of manufactured components for dimensional, geometrical and positional tolerances – at BEUTTER using tactile coordinate and contour measuring technology, amongst other methods.

Collective term for all manufacturing processes in which a tool removes material in the form of chips – including turning, milling, drilling and grinding.