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Help in getting BAC approved for chem film and topcoat approved

I work for a company that is currently looking to move into the chem film and topcoat processing. What procedures and steps do we need to do before we get a NADCAP audit?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jay Pike
FAA repair station/Chemical Processing Plant - Nevada Missouri
December 11, 2008

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December 12, 2008

Hi, Jay. First, I wouldn't attempt it unless already ISO registered to demonstrate to yourself that your shop understands and implements the general idea of quality audits. Secondly, frankly, I'd hire a consultant with experience in it. It's quite difficult and, in the opinion of some (see letter 27698), both arbitrary and ridiculous -- so it would probably be worth it to have someone on your side who has been through it.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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December 16, 2008

ISO 9001 or AS 9100 certification is a prerequisite, if I am not mistaken. PRI's own AC7004 can be substituted for these, but must be obtained prior to seeking Nadcap accreditation.

Are you seeking approval of only chromate conversion? What is this "topcoating" you are referring to? Primer/paint? Visit PRI's website to download a copy of the AC7108 Audit Criteria Checklist (Chem) and AC7109 (Paints/Coatings)to give you a good idea of what will be expected. You will need to complete a self-audit to these checklists and address any non-conformances prior to Nadcap's arrival. There is a lot of helpful information to be found on the PRI site and PRI eAudit.net.

At a minimum, you will need to document your processes and ensure that they follow MIL-DTL-5541 [on DLA] and your customer requirements to the letter - the Nadcap auditor WILL pore through each and every section of these specs and want to see objective evidence showing that these reqs are met. Training records are a biggie and often cause the most grief. The training program should include both practical and technical subject matter and must be fairly robust and fully documented. Calibrations, qualification testing, material certifications, and record keeping all become extremely important when seeking Nadcap accreditation. Prepare to triple your workload!

Terry Lycans
Aerospace - Dayton, Ohio