Ensuring Compliance and Quality with Aerospace Certifications
Unlike accreditations in some other industries, aerospace certifications are absolutely vital. If an aerospace manufacturer has the right certifications, including Nadcap® and AS9100, it can be trusted to deliver performance-ready results for mission-critical applications. Certifications also help manufacturers meet compliance and regulatory requirements.
Aerospace certifications are more than pieces of paper. But to fully understand the importance of holding key certifications, we need to look at why they exist and what they actually do.
Understanding Aerospace Standards and Certifications for Surface Treatments
Because aerospace is such a demanding industry, it’s highly regulated to ensure safety and quality. Accrediting organizations are tasked with developing rigorous standards that manufacturers must abide by.
What is Nadcap and Why Does It Matter?
The Nadcap program, formerly called the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program, is an industry-managed global standard for aerospace manufacturers. Nadcap audits ensure that manufacturers enforce strict quality assurance (QA) measures for critical processes.
Across the industry, Nadcap certifications are seen as marks of excellence that reflect high standards of excellence. Nadcap certification also makes it easier for aerospace companies to meet and exceed compliance. In fact, many leading aerospace companies require their original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to hold Nadcap certifications.
The Role of AS9100 in Aerospace Quality Management
Aerospace 9100 (AS9100) is an international standard for quality management systems (QMSs) in the aerospace industry. Based on the universally adopted ISO 9001 standard, AS9100 certifies that a manufacturer meets the unique quality management requirements of the aerospace industry.
AS9100 proves that a manufacturer is not only high quality but also consistent. AS9100-compliant QMSs deliver reliably high-performance products and services day after day, allowing aerospace companies to more easily meet their needs.
Why Aerospace Certifications Drive Value for OEMs & Suppliers
Aerospace Certifications like Nadcap have tons of value for aerospace companies of all sizes. Because certified manufacturers can easily meet compliance and deliver desired results, they are much easier to work with.
Manufacturers and suppliers with Nadcap and AS9100 certifications can offer benefits like:
- Reduced audit duplication
- Improved traceability
- Faster supplier qualification
- Enhanced consistency
- More comprehensive QA
Key Surface Treatment Processes and Their Relevant Standards
When it comes to surface treatment for aerospace applications, Nadcap certifications reign supreme. Fully certified companies will have Nadcap certifications for each offering, confirming their quality in each area.
Here’s a quick look at some Nadcap certifications across common surface treatment offerings:
Anodizing & Conversion Coating
Anodizing enhances the durability of metal and aluminum, making it a particularly important service for aerospace companies. Nadcap Chemical Processing is the relevant certification for all anodizing and conversion coating.
Passivation & Chemical Processing
Chemical processing services like passivation fall under the Nadcap Chemical Processing certification. This affirms that an aerospace manufacturer can safely handle volatile chemicals and provide uniform results.
Shot Peening & Surface Enhancement
Shot peening and other surface enhancement services that follow Nadcap’s best practices are awarded the Surface Enhancement certification.
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Certified Finishing Partner
Ideally, you want to work with Nadcap-certified surface finishing companies. Any partner you’re considering should have answers to these questions available:
- For which services do you hold Nadcap certifications?
- Are all of your aerospace certifications active?
- How long have you been certified?
- What other standards and regulations do you adhere to?
Nadcap-Certified Surface Enhancements by NAP
NAP is proud to offer Nadcap-certified surface finishing, including shot peening, anodizing, and passivation services. Our work helps Tier 1 and 2 plane manufacturers deliver better results while easily meeting compliance. Contact us today to learn more about our uncompromising work.