UFAB is specialised in the manufacture of complex components requiring high precision. When customers have requirement specifications that include third-party inspections, these are conducted by the accredited inspection body DEKRA Industrial.
“Our customers entrust us with the manufacture of complex parts and products, and we can meet their third-party inspection requirements, enabling us to offer complete and quality assured deliveries,” says Mathias Bothén, Key Account Manager at UFAB.
Each week, specialists from DEKRA Industrial, located in the Swedish city of Trollhättan, visit UFAB to conduct their regular quality inspections. This close partnership also provides the opportunity to inspect the cast blanks before CNC machining begins. The services DEKRA provides include inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT). The latter is an umbrella term for methods with no impact on the component, such as radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, penetrant inspection and visual inspection.
“We work a great deal with the manufacturing and energy sectors. UFAB manufactures interesting products, and the great advantage of our partnership is our early involvement in every project. Earlier rather than later involvement ensures a better end result,” says Claes Eriksson, Section Manager at DEKRA Industrial.
This is a longstanding partnership, and one which in addition to testing also encompasses welding preparation.
“Together with the welding specialist Bård Stien at DEKRA, we create the right conditions for remaining to the fore. We receive early support, discuss methods, optimise our welding sequences and can be sure to be kept abreast of the latest developments and applicable criteria,” says Mathias Bothén.
Traditional craftsmanship meets the materials of the future
“For customers, one major advantage offered by UFAB is that they can handle large components using traditional methods and just about any material,” says Claes Eriksson.
This is a part of the profession that few learn today. Welding is also one of the few professions that cannot be fully replaced by a machine. Mathias explains further:
“You’re always going to have complex components with parts that are difficult to get at, and welding is one of the few traditional crafts left in the industry today.”
Even though welding methods have not evolved that much over the years, much has happened in terms of the materials. Stainless steel is still on the increase, and that includes titanium.
“Moving forwards, materials should be light yet strong, and this is an area where we need DEKRA’s expert knowledge of methods and equipment,” says Mathias Bothén.
