We’re Nadcap Certified: What That Means for Metal Finishing Customers

When it comes to finishing aerospace parts, quality is non-negotiable. A sloppy anodize finish can conduct an electrical current that damages internal components. That’s the last thing you want at 40,000 feet above sea level.

So you’ll be glad to know that Aero TMF is Nadcap certified for our chemical processing, non-destructive testing, and aerospace quality system. Every year, an industry-approved auditor spends over 48 hours assessing the quality and efficiency of our technical metal finishing processes. The criteria are industry-wide and determined by technical experts from prime contractors, suppliers, and government representatives.

We uphold these rigorous standards for all customers, whether or not they require their metal finishing partners to be Nadcap certified.

The Process of Becoming Nadcap Certified

Preparation for Nadcap certification begins three months before the auditor arrives. We evaluate every machine calibration, manual, and procedure to ensure they’re up to date with industry standards. We also review the MIL-SPECS for our paints, chemical processes, and chem film. Additionally, we send out supplier and customer surveys, gather relevant documents, and review OSHA compliance. 

The auditing process

When the auditor arrives, they review each process associated with the certification we requested. For example, when we were recertified for our chemical processing in August, the auditor reviewed every process on our chemical line. 

For the first four days, we performed a mock job for each procedure, from sulfuric anodize to passivation, and the auditor observed them from start to finish. They also reviewed our procedures and paperwork to ensure everything was up to standard. In the last two days, the auditor examined our aerospace quality management systems to make sure everything was accurate and accounted for. 

These audits aren’t just about maintaining machines; auditors look for efficiency and quality in our processes, as well as ways we need to improve.

The Benefits of Choosing a Nadcap-Certified Shop

Over 90% of our customers require metal finishing partners to hold Nadcap certification. The quality and compliance Nadcap guarantees can’t be overstated, which is why we dedicate so much time to preparing for audits and upholding our certification.

When you work with our Nadcap-accredited shop, you can be confident we have quality procedures in place and follow strict quality standards. The result is efficient finishing with few errors and excellent results. Our Nadcap certification—and dedication to customers—motivates us to continually improve our processes, decrease lead times, and produce consistent quality parts.

Even if a customer doesn’t require Nadcap certification, they still receive the same quality technical metal finishing services. Our certification indicates a commitment to providing efficient, high-quality services to every customer. Simply put: when you choose a Nadcap-certified shop like Aero TMF, you know you’re getting the best in the industry.

Review Our Nadcap Accreditations 

Aero TMF is currently Nadcap-certified for our chemical processing, non-destructive testing, and aerospace quality system. These certifications are renewed every 12-36 months, depending on how long the shop has been Nadcap certified.

Chemical processing

This certification covers hard anodize type III, sulfuric anodize type II, passivation, and chemical film types I and II. Our Nadcap certification for chemical processing expires in November of 2023, as it is still in review from our recent audit.

Non-destructive testing

This certification covers our liquid penetration inspection. Our Nadcap certification for non-destructive testing expires in November of 2023 and we are in the process of preparing for our audit in late October.

Aerospace quality system

This certification covers our aerospace quality system using the AC 7004 checklist. The newly revised checklist for this certification focuses on risk-based thinking and building prevention into strategic and operational planning. Our Nadcap certification for our aerospace quality system expires on February 28, 2025.

Choose Aero TMF for Technical Metal Finishing

The rigorous standards of Nadcap accreditation ensure our finishing services are always flawless. Customers know our machines and processes run as efficiently as possible, and our lead times have never been shorter. 

Request a quote to see the difference.