Meaning
A tooling compliance procedure verifies the cumulative cycles run by a mold or die by reading the mechanical or electronic counter attached to the frame. This stroke counter audit provides an objective measure of tool usage to determine the remaining life and scheduled maintenance intervals of the asset, and it excludes estimations based on part counts. It provides verified baseline data used to audit supplier maintenance records.
Physical Verification
An auditor compares the physical counter reading on the tool with the production logs maintained in the factory database. Any discrepancy indicates that parts are being run without being recorded, or that the counter is malfunctioning. This verification prevents the falsification of tool wear records.
Preventative Maintenance
Stamping tools require scheduled overhauls at specific stroke milestones to prevent metal fatigue and tool failure. Relying on an unverified stroke count to schedule these overhauls can lead to catastrophic tool damage if a maintenance cycle is missed. The audit ensures that high-wear inserts are replaced at the proper interval.
Asset Valuation
The verified stroke count is used to calculate the depreciation and salvage value of the tool. This audit provides essential data for financial reporting and tool replacement budgeting.
