Part Marking

[pshaw357]

UG-77 PART MARKING

I have a couple of questions:
Is there a difference between part identification and traceability? I am trying to get my company in compliance with the code on this matter. As of now, the receiving inspector marks on the material the heat
number and schedule with a marker, the machinist records the heat number in the job packet when he receives it for production. How can attach a permanent marker on the part at each stage of machining until final assembly. Will using the heat number for traceability satisfy the original part marking identification? We are prepping for a review for our certification, as of yet we have not contacted an AI for help. Please help me come up with a way so we are in compliance.

 

[GenB]

I see that this is your first time with a review.first you must get the AI and Supervisor advise. Your Q.C. Manual dictates how you do the receiving and must address materials markings and traceability. I think you need a qualified consultant if the AIA is not helping you or you will loose your survey. Genblr

 

[ENG331]

If these are welded ASME grade parts - a coded marking system is easiest. Eg Pipe - mark sequentially P1, P2, P3.. Mark the coded marking system on the MTR that comes when the material is recieved. When receieved MTR should be checked against code for compliance to dimensional, and chemical analysis check. Tracability through shop means tranfering the coded marking system via a paint marker at every stage so that it is visible to an AI at hydrotest, for every part to be able to pull an MTR, or look at a log and identify material was properly recieved, and meets code. Marking with the Heat number and Schedule is too much writing in my opinion, makes a mess of the parts.

 

[jimmy23]

Identification and Traceability are one in the same....identification is done for traceability purposes. It all comes down to your QC Manual....what it says you must follow. Marking the heat number or a coded marking system is necessary for traceability, but the schedule is not necessary as it can be verified by tracing the heat number back to the MTR and subsequent Purchase Order. That being said, the schedule is good to mark on the pipe so shop personnel can easily identify the proper material. I have recently been through an ASME Certification Audit and marking heat number along with job number is sufficient (what I do), but I also record the manufacturer's original stampings on the MTRs to prove that I have purchased the material. Anybody can supply a piece of paper (MTR) for a material, that doesn't mean it is the actual material used.

 

[supergee]

I'm no expert, but Tracability and Identification are linked but are not the same, at least, not in aerospace.
Both are used for recalling defective parts and in both cases, parts are identified.

By tracability, in Aerospace, if we see that a part needs to be recalled, we are able to tell where the part is at all times: I know that 265 parts where manufactured, 35 of them have been discarted, 200 are in my inventory, and 30 are in aircraft with serial number such and such. I can then call the concerned customer directly to inform them of the issue.

With simple Identification, my only mean is to contact all of my customers, and ask them to verify if they have the part with serial number such and such, and change it.
You understand that in this case, I will not know how many have changed the parts. if 60% of the customers have contacted me back, is it because, the others have not received my message? maybe they have retired the product or they feel it is not necessary for them.

so you see tractability involves much more than just the numbering.