Technologies we use
We insist on purchasing only the most modern and best available technologies for our production lines, as this is one of the ways to achieve top quality of our products, high production, machine durability and low maintenance costs.
Cartridge and bullet production
For the production of cartridge and bullets, we use multi-position transfer presses that come from Belgium or Italy. The machines for producing bullet cores, designed for single-position operations, are also from these countries. Our CNC machines and lathes are manufactured in Poland or Italy. We purchase surface treatment technologies in Italy. We purchase annealing systems in Belgium or the Czech Republic. Cartridge filling equipment and assembly presses are supplied by our sister company DEUS Automation. They also supply us with optical and laser inspection and sorting systems that help us meet even the most stringent production criteria.
Quality Control
The quality control process at STV Technology begins with the qualification of the supplier, when we verify their ability to deliver stable quality material. Whether it is energy components or materials for component production. We require certification from all our suppliers.
The next step in quality control is input control.
We check the chemical composition, dimensions and parameters critical for processing and quality on input materials. For energy components, we perform both laboratory and ballistic tests.
Control in serial production is divided into two basic levels.
This is inter-operational and process control.
Inter-operational control is carried out directly by operators using calibers, control devices and visually at 5-minute intervals. In this way, we ensure control of critical dimensions so that parts with unsatisfactory properties do not penetrate further into the process.
Process control is carried out by dedicated quality workers who take samples from production and perform laboratory measurements and analyses on them. This involves measuring the dimensions and weight of components. Measuring the hardness and metallographic analysis of the cartridge material.
The data obtained and their statistical analysis are used to control the production process in the form of SPC and as an indicator of quality stability monitoring.
Another responsibility of process quality is to supervise the correct course of inter-operational control.
The ammunition that we work on undergoes a double check of the amount of weight, when the worked powder is measured mechanically and then, during the work, an optical sensor checks the presence and amount of powder in the cartridge.
The resulting cartridge is then checked by a series of optical and mechanical measurements.
The cartridge is automatically checked by camera to determine the correctness of the primer pressing and whether it is damaged. Subsequently, we use a measuring device to measure the depth of the primer pressing.
The finished cartridge is checked by calibers to verify the dimensions for correct loading ability.
At 2-hour intervals, samples of the cartridges are taken to perform a test of the projectile's lift force and for weighing the powder charge.
The next step in quality control is to verify the ballistic properties of the cartridges.
Samples are continuously tested in our ballistic laboratory during each shift. We verify the compliance of the cartridges with the technical specification, their function and safety. Ballistic testing includes pressure and velocity tests according to the C.I.P. methodology. Of course, there is an accuracy test and a function test in weapons that represent standard types used in the civilian sector and in the armed forces.
Our quality system is governed by ISO 9001. And the laboratory performs measurements and tests according to both the C.I.P. and STANAG / AEP-97 methodologies.
Our employees
STV Technology currently has 150 full-time employees. The expected final number of employees by 2025 is 230 in all categories. The percentage of employees directly involved in the production process is 85%.
Our employees are regularly trained in the areas of occupational safety, production quality control system, operation and maintenance of machines. In addition, a number of internal training courses are held directly on the job, which are aimed at improving the skills of our employees at all levels.
Environmental responsibility
We are committed to minimizing waste by implementing new technologies and investing in wastewater treatment so that heavy metal and chemical residues do not pose a threat to the environment. Our current technology allows wastewater to be treated on site to have a purity close to rainwater.