I still believe that most of our suppliers have real concern for their true customers: you, the technicians. You are the men and women who throw away recycle the box that contained the part. We all have bet a few manufacturers that don't get it; in our place of business, the shelf life of a "don't get it" manufacturer is usually very short.
I have sat in on more than my share of current ramping classes, and the poster child for all current ramping instructors is the electrical fuel pump. An electrical fuel pump, found on almost every car and truck, is usually easy to test with an amp probe. Among those who use current ramping, an electric fuel pump waveform is common knowledge.
One of my training classes had a problem with a fuel pump purchased from me. A waveform analysis showed an electrical problem with the pump. The pump was returned to the manufacturer with a copy of the current ramping snapshot. The manufacturer agreed: there was a problem with the pump. This did not make my customer any happier with the product, but at least we received an honest explanation.
About two months ago, same issue. Defective pump, different customer, different application. I sent the pump to the manufacturer, asking for analysis. I could not believe what I saw on the analysis report: "Motor had poor waveform, indicating a worn brush or armature. Universal Manufacturing Company has purchased a Snap-On Vantage power graphing meter and has incorporated waveform testing into our motor screening procedure. Thank you."
A manufacturer took a lesson from a PATA member and changed the company testing procedures! One of our guys changed the world! Now the manufacturer checks the waveform, pressure, and volume before shipping product. As a supply partner, I am proud of the manufacturer and my PATA technician. There is still a place in this industry for those who really care.
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