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For example, a new car engine runs smoothly and quietly. But as mileage accumulates and bearings and valves wear, the engine becomes much noisier. Thus, the driver can hear the difference as the engine ages. In fact, when the engine makes certain sounds, the driver knows that the engine must be repaired. In a similar but much more formal way, an examination of a product’s acoustic signature can distinguish a “quality” product from one that is flawed or worn out. Products with incorrect dimensions, cracks, poor assembly, wear, poor dynamic balance, or other problems will often “sound” very different from one that meets design and manufacturing specifications. Consequently, a manufacturer can use acoustic quality control to quickly pass or fail a product based on the “inspection” and comparison of acoustic signatures.
In addition to inspecting products, acoustic quality control can be used to enhance the manufacturing process. For example, the effect of worn bearings and dull cutting tools often manifests itself in obvious acoustic signatures such as chatter and rattling. Early detection of these signatures leads to lower manufacturing costs, less and better-timed maintenance, fewer out-of-spec products and less unscheduled down time.
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