Supporting AS9100 Processes for Aerospace Plating and Metal Finishing
As an ISO 17025 and Nadcap accredited laboratory, Omega Research Inc. provides exceptional testing services to aerospace plating and metal finishing companies. Our Variable Elimination Testing (V.E.T.) program offers a specialized, systematic approach to diagnose and resolve persistent failures in process control testing, including hydrogen embrittlement (ASTM F519), salt spray corrosion (ASTM B117), coating weight (ASTM B137 or MIL-A-8625), and Taber abrasion (ASTM D4060). This program aligns directly with AS9100 quality management systems, supporting the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) process, test invalidation, and corrective actions.
What is V.E.T.?
V.E.T. is a diagnostic test framework that isolates variables in your process to determine what’s causing recurring failures. Unlike standard testing, it’s a problem-solving tool deployed when you’re seeing anomalies or repeated failures that require deeper root cause analysis. Each V.E.T. plan is tailored to your process and the specification in question, allowing you to either invalidate a test (when applicable) or implement process corrections that drive reliable results.
How V.E.T. Supports AS9100 Compliance
Facilitating Test Invalidation
AS9100 allows test invalidation when results are affected by uncontrollable factors. V.E.T. helps you establish whether a test result was valid by investigating potential sources of error, such as improper cleaning, contamination, or uncalibrated equipment.
For example, if a hydrogen embrittlement test fails, V.E.T. may explore whether the cleaning method introduced excess hydrogen or whether bath chemistry had degraded. We use checklists, repeatable sample testing, and comparative baselines to isolate variables. This allows us to generate an “Information Only” report that supports test invalidation decisions based on objective evidence.
Enabling Corrective Actions
When test results are valid but nonconforming, V.E.T. supports the “Act” phase of AS9100’s PDCA cycle. We design custom test matrices to explore different process parameters—like minimum/maximum cleaning times, bath age, pH variations, or post-treatment methods. The results give you clear, actionable process adjustments to correct issues and avoid repeat failures.
In many cases, we follow up with a retest of the optimized parameters to confirm the process is now compliant allowing you to submit an official passing report.
Driving Continuous Improvement
AS9100 demands a culture of continuous improvement. By diagnosing root causes and validating new process parameters, V.E.T. embeds insights into your long-term quality program, reducing future risk and increasing confidence in your procedures.
Examples of V.E.T. in Practice
Hydrogen Embrittlement Testing (ASTM F519)
Challenge: Test failure due to suspected excessive hydrogen from acid cleaning or insufficient bake.
Approach: Test variable relief bake times and cleaning methods using 1a1/1a2 samples.
Outcome: Identified optimal bake at 375°F ± 25°F for 23+ hours.
Price: ~50% of standard test cost.
Salt Spray Corrosion Testing (ASTM B117)
Challenge: Failure at 168 hours, possibly due to contaminated rinse water.
Approach: Compare DI/RO rinse procedures.
Outcome: Verified test invalidation and updated rinse protocols.
Price: ~50% of standard test cost.
Coating Weight Testing (MIL-DTL-16232 or MIL-PRF-8625)
Challenge: Test failure from inconsistent coating weight.
Approach: Adjust immersion times and bath concentration.
Outcome: Achieved consistent target weights.
Price: ~50% of standard test cost.
Taber Abrasion Testing (ASTM D4060)
Challenge: Failure due to under-cured coating.
Approach: Modify cure times and humidity conditions.
Outcome: Improved abrasion resistance, validated new curing protocol.
Price: ~50% of standard test cost.
Why Choose Omega for V.E.T.?
Omega Research is the world’s largest hydrogen embrittlement testing lab and one of the only labs offering V.E.T. as a systematic problem-solving service. We bring:
- 40+ years of expertise and participation in ASTM and AMS committees
- 200+ hydrogen embrittlement machines, Taber abrasion testers, B117 salt spray chambers, and coating weight equipment
- ISO 17025 and Nadcap accredited operations
- Custom V.E.T. plans to support test invalidation and corrective actions
- Flexible pricing at ~50% of standard tests with no minimum fees
- Actionable insights backed by Information Only reports and confirmatory retesting
Next Steps
Contact Omega Research to discuss your process control testing challenges and review failure investigation checklists. We’ll collaborate to design a V.E.T. plan to support AS9100 test invalidation and corrective actions. You’ll submit samples for testing and receive actionable insights to optimize your process and resubmit final samples for an official conforming report upon success of V.E.T.
For additional details or to initiate V.E.T., contact us at sales@omegaresearchinc.com or give us a call at 940-648-5828. We are your trusted partner in achieving AS9100-compliant, high-quality results for the aerospace industry.
Note: V.E.T. reports are for informational purposes and do not take priority over regular testing unless specified. Always adhere to your customer’s or specification’s requirements, as they may differ from general guidelines.
