---
title: Particle Counter CNC Machining Project | Ardel Engineering
description: Ardel Engineering was retained by a client to improve the manufacturability of a particle counter component. Click here to learn how we helped them out.
---

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But just how do you know whether or not you are getting the appropriate protection from gas masks and respirators? Any leak or faulty seal could lead to dire health consequences!

Ardel Engineering was retained by a client to improve the manufacturability of a particle counter components, a challenge that was tackled with a strict implementation of DFM (design for manufacturability) principles. The focus was on improving the design and manufacturability of a core part, while maintaining low costs.

[![Browse Our Machined Parts Gallery](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/451906/96173c94-68f6-4817-8953-6bd98fc26f51.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/451906/96173c94-68f6-4817-8953-6bd98fc26f51)

The part to be improved originally featured three separate tubes pressed into a block. The thin wall, precise diameter of the tubes, along with the required accuracy of the positional geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), were critical factors to the success of the device once in the field. The process for producing the four components separately and then assembling would have had too much process variability and likely not proved to be a capable process.

The team of designers, engineers, CNC operators, and sourcing engineers met on-site to develop an innovative solution that would streamline the component manufacturing. After careful and rigorous application of DFM principles, they devised an elegant and simple solution, featuring a single part manufactured on one machine only.

The use of a single machine bypassed the tolerance stacking and process capability issues completely, ensuring that the tubes bores were perfectly perpendicular as required, since the pressfit of the tubes was eliminated this ensured the bores didn’t have distortion. Moreover, the use of a single piece reduced dramatically the possibility of leaks, and cut the manufacturing cost, by decreasing the operator time.

By meeting at the customer’s site and partnering with their development engineers, the Ardel Engineering team was able to come up with an elegant solution for a component that required an update. By utilizing DFM principles, we were able to provide the customer with an innovative and functional design with a cost-effective manufacturing solution that ensures the safety of fire and rescue personnel around the globe. Since then, the customer has implemented the new design in their device and continues to be a respected, long-term partner of Ardel Engineering.

 

 

### Additional Information

## Production Description

Headform Particle Counter Component for Face Mask Testing

## Capabilities Applied/Processes

DFM  
Machining  
Plating Assembly

## Equipment Used to Manufacture Part

Vertical CNC  
Zeiss CMM

## Overall Part Dimensions

3" x 4" x 5"

## Tightest Tolerance

±.0005

## Material Used

6061 T6 Aluminum

## In Process Testing Performed

Zeiss CMM  
Tesa Height Gage  
Hand Gauges and Pins

## Finishes Applied

Mil-A-8625 Type II Class II Black Anodize

## Industry Use

Testing and Validation

## Standards Met

QQ-A-200/8  
Mil-A-8625  
ISO 9001:2008  
ISO 13485

## Volume

25-50 EAU

## Lead Time

4-6 weeks

## Delivery Location

Minnesota, USA

[CNC Vertical & Horizontal Milling](https://www.ardelengineering.com/cnc-vertical-horizontal-milling) [Swiss Screw Machining & Turning](https://www.ardelengineering.com/swiss-screw-machining) [Inspection](https://www.ardelengineering.com/inspection-services) [Wire EDM](https://www.ardelengineering.com/wire-edm) [Value Added Services](https://www.ardelengineering.com/value-added-services)

## From the Blog

- ### [How Milling Strategy Changes with the Material: Vertical vs. Horizontal Approaches](https://www.ardelengineering.com/blog/vertical-and-horizontal-milling-for-different-materials)
  
  Not all materials behave the same under a cutting tool. Ardel Engineering tailors our machining approach to the material we’re working with, and that starts with choosing the right milling machine. Whether we’re working with metals or plastics, we use both vertical and horizontal milling to bring out the best in every part.
  
  
  
  
  
  [Read More](https://www.ardelengineering.com/blog/vertical-and-horizontal-milling-for-different-materials)
- ### [CMMC 2.0 Level 2 Cybersecurity](https://www.ardelengineering.com/blog/cmmc-2.0-level-2-cybersecurity)
  
  Cybersecurity is a crucial concern for many businesses, especially aerospace and defense companies. Ensuring data security protects not only the reputation of the organization but also its customers and stakeholders. To achieve this, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) has created a cybersecurity framework known as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
  
  
  
  
  
  [Read More](https://www.ardelengineering.com/blog/cmmc-2.0-level-2-cybersecurity)

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