Errors can happen in the manufacturing process of a product. These errors can be overlooked or unnoticed in the subsequent stages the product goes through. Consequently, the product may end up in the market, creating a hazard for anyone who uses it.
Here is what you should know about manufacturing defects:
How does it differ from a design defect?
A design defect is when an error is in the design itself. This means every product manufactured following such a design can be dangerous. Since a manufacturing defect occurs during the manufacturing process, it may only affect a few products. Nonetheless, even one defective product is enough to cause a serious injury or, in some cases, death.
Examples of manufacturing defects
Manufacturing defects can occur in different ways. Examples include:
Poor adhesive application
A product can be dangerous due to improper adhesive application, perhaps the adhesive failed to attach to the substrate, the adhesive was poorly filled (leaving gaps), the temperature was poorly controlled during application (reducing the adhesive performance) or a wrong mix ratio was used.
Poor installation of parts
If the components of a product are improperly installed, it can result in an injury.
Missing components
All components needed for a product to work should be installed during manufacturing. It can be risky if a safety component is not installed.
The use of substandard materials
To save money, some business owners opt to use substandard materials. But this usually endangers consumers.
Departing from the intended design
A product that deviates from its intended design can be dangerous. These include failing to smoothen rough edges, changing dimensions and using substandard materials.
A manufacturing defect can be caused by a worker or a machine. If you sustain an injury due to a defective product, you need to know the particular error that caused your injury and the circumstances surrounding your case to determine the liable party.