Additional Services
Skive (Scarf) Cutting Services
What Materials & Sizes Can FERPA Accommodate with Its Skive-Cutting Capabilities?
FERPA provides skive, or scarf, cuts on precision-machined backup rings and similar sealing components. We commonly apply this feature to components manufactured from high-performance engineering plastics, while other materials may also be considered based on the application.
FERPA can accommodate part diameters from 0.15 to 18 inches and cross-sections up to 0.25 inches. Each application is reviewed based on material behavior, component geometry, cross-section, and drawing requirements to confirm the part can be cut and handled without distortion or damage.
What Level of Precision & Finish Can Customers Expect from FERPA’s Skive-Cutting Process?
FERPA performs skive cutting using a proprietary process developed specifically for precision skive-cut components. Dedicated tooling and workholding are selected according to the component’s material, geometry, and dimensional requirements.
Following skive cutting, components undergo a careful manual deburring and finishing process to remove residual burrs while preserving the geometry and integrity of the cut surfaces. This is particularly important for delicate polymer components where excessive material removal can affect fit or performance.
FERPA can produce skive angles from 0 to 90 degrees with an angular tolerance of ±1 degree. The completed cut is inspected and documented to verify conformance with applicable requirements.
Passivation Services – AMS 2700 Method 2, Citric Acid
What Passivation Methods Does FERPA Support?
FERPA provides in-house AMS 2700 Method 2 citric acid passivation, a capability developed to support specific customer and program requirements while providing greater control over processing, quality, and lead time.
The passivation process uses controlled solution chemistry, filtered DI water, dedicated cleaning and rinse stages, and documented process controls to support consistent results and minimize the potential for surface contamination.
When nitric acid passivation (Method 1) or another approved method is required, FERPA can coordinate processing through qualified outside suppliers. The required passivation method is determined by the customer drawing requirements, and FERPA does not substitute one passivation method for another without customer authorization.
What Materials, Part Sizes, or Component Types Can FERPA Passivate?
AMS 2700 applies to corrosion-resistant steel components. Material grade, heat-treatment condition, geometry, surface condition, and customer requirements are reviewed before processing.
FERPA evaluates each passivation project according to the specific part and drawing requirements. When a job is not suited to FERPA’s in-house process, FERPA can coordinate the required processing through qualified outside suppliers while remaining the customer’s single point of contact.
Ultrasonic Cleaning Services
What Materials & Types of Components Can FERPA Clean Using This Process?
FERPA offers ultrasonic cleaning for compatible components to remove machining oils, light residue, chips, and fine debris from surfaces and difficult-to-reach features. The process uses FERPA’s controlled cleaning equipment and is evaluated according to the material, part geometry, surface-finish requirements, and customer specifications.
Because cleaning requirements vary by application, FERPA reviews each part to determine the appropriate process and handling requirements.
At What Point in the Manufacturing Process Is Ultrasonic Cleaning Typically Performed?
Ultrasonic cleaning can be incorporated into the manufacturing process when needed to remove process residue and loose contamination. The exact sequence is defined by the part requirements and FERPA’s controlled manufacturing routing.
How Does FERPA Ensure Cleaned Parts Meet Customer Quality & Cleanliness Requirements?
FERPA processes parts according to documented work instructions and applicable customer requirements. Cleaning parameters are selected based on the material, geometry, and required cleanliness level.
Parts are rinsed, dried, and inspected as required before moving to the next operation. Any additional cleanliness, packaging, or documentation requirements are reviewed during quoting and incorporated into the manufacturing plan.
Fiber Laser Marking Services
What Types of Materials & Parts Can FERPA Laser Mark?
FERPA’s fiber laser marking capabilities support permanent part identification and traceability, particularly for demanding aerospace and oil & gas applications. The fiber laser is well suited for marking most compatible metals and a broad range of materials, with final results depending on material composition, surface finish, heat treatment, coating, and required contrast.
Materials that are not suitable for FERPA’s fiber laser process include Teflon, fluoropolymers, wood, and plastics. FERPA can evaluate individual applications when material response or cosmetic appearance must be confirmed.
What Kinds of Markings Can FERPA Apply?
Depending on the drawing and available marking area, FERPA can apply:
- Part numbers
- Serial numbers and serialization
- Lot or batch numbers
- Revision identifiers
- Logos
- Date codes
- Human-readable text
- One-dimensional barcodes
- Data Matrix codes
- QR codes
All marking content, location, size, and orientation are controlled by the customer drawing or approved manufacturing documentation.
What Are the Advantages of Fiber Laser Marking Over Other Methods?
Fiber laser marking is a noncontact process that can create precise, permanent, and repeatable markings without inks, labels, or cutting tools. It supports small text, machine-readable codes, logos, and serialized information while minimizing mechanical stress on the component.
For industries where traceability is critical, fiber laser marking provides a durable way to connect individual parts to production, lot, or identification data. Final marking depth, contrast, and appearance depend on the material and customer requirements.
Inspection Services – CMM & Precision Inspection
What Types of Parts, Tolerances, or Measurements Can FERPA’s Inspection Systems Verify?
FERPA uses coordinate measuring machines, optical comparators, visual inspection systems, multi-sensor metrology equipment, surface-testing equipment, and conventional precision gages to verify critical part requirements.
Inspection equipment includes the Hexagon 7.10.7 SF CMM and Mitutoyo SJ4 surface tester. Depending on part geometry and measurement requirements, FERPA can verify:
- Diameters and lengths
- Hole size and location
- Profiles and contours
- Angles and radii
- Concentricity and runout
- Positional and geometric tolerances
- Thread and bore requirements
- Relationships between critical features
- Surface finish requirements
The inspection method is selected according to the drawing tolerance, feature accessibility, material, part geometry, and customer requirements.
What Reports, Certifications, or Documentation Can Customers Receive?
Depending on purchase-order and drawing requirements, available documentation may include:
- First Article Inspection reports
- Dimensional inspection reports
- Ballooned drawings
- Certificates of Conformance
- Material certifications
- Special-process certifications
- Lot and material traceability records
- Customer-specific inspection forms
Documentation requirements should be identified during quoting so the necessary inspection time and reporting can be incorporated into the manufacturing plan.
What Differentiates FERPA’s Inspection Capabilities & Quality Processes?
FERPA combines calibrated inspection equipment with documented processes under its ISO 9001 and AS9100-certified quality management system. Multiple measurement technologies allow the Quality team to select an inspection method appropriate for the feature, tolerance, material, and part geometry.
Inspection requirements are reviewed during planning and incorporated into the manufacturing routing, helping FERPA maintain traceability, verify critical requirements, and provide the documentation required for demanding aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.
Inventory Management Services
What Inventory-Management Services or Programs Does FERPA Offer?
FERPA offers customer-specific inventory programs designed to reduce lead times, improve supply continuity, and support repeat production requirements. Programs can be structured around customer demand, order frequency, lead time, and agreed stocking levels.
Two common approaches include:
Raw Material Stocking: Customer-owned raw material can be stored at FERPA so material is available when production is needed, helping reduce lead time.
Finished Part Stocking: FERPA can produce and stock finished parts against a blanket purchase order, helping ensure product availability while supporting more efficient production and lower pricing for the customer.
Program terms, stocking quantities, releases, and replenishment expectations are established with the customer before implementation.
FERPA coordinates stocking and production around the requirements established for each customer program. By keeping agreed raw materials or finished parts available, FERPA can reduce the time required to respond to repeat orders and help customers maintain a more reliable supply of critical components.