ChadInColo
Mechanical
- May 13, 2003
- 41
Here is a situation that I really hope nobody else has had to deal with, but hope someone can help me out with some advice or information.
I have a big project, major part of which are 2 weldments, one steel (primarily galvanized), one aluminum. All welding to be done to AWS D17.1, non-flight hardware (section 8 of the spec). We have 1 of the steel, 4 of the aluminum completely welded and machined (relatively tight tolerance). NOW, x-rays are brought up to prove the welds. Contract is changed, we explicitly state we are not responsible for what x-rays find, have the films shot and interpreted. Worst thing that could happen, did. Porosity/incomplete fusion in the steel, porosity/cracks in the aluminum.
We submit paperwork, stating adding x-ray requirements means the parts need repair, ask for direction. Reply comes back, saying adding x-ray requirements not to blame, welds were not good before requirement was added, please revise paperwork, telling me they plan to try to push responsibility to my company (doubtful repairs can be made and maintain flatness, other requirements, expensive parts to scrap).
Who is responsible? I understand we didn't meet the new requirements, however the welds were accepted by an outside weld inspection agency (who was inspected and approved by the customer) to the original requirements. Do I have a leg to stand on saying that adding the x-ray requirements is what caused the rejection, therefore adding the requirements makes the customer responsible?
If anyone was in a similar situation, or knows more of the ins and outs of how this is "typically" handled (if there is such a thing) please let me know. Also, since it will probably be asked, we are working to improve the welds, will soon meet the new requirements, only thing really in question is who is responsible for the "bad" units.
I have a big project, major part of which are 2 weldments, one steel (primarily galvanized), one aluminum. All welding to be done to AWS D17.1, non-flight hardware (section 8 of the spec). We have 1 of the steel, 4 of the aluminum completely welded and machined (relatively tight tolerance). NOW, x-rays are brought up to prove the welds. Contract is changed, we explicitly state we are not responsible for what x-rays find, have the films shot and interpreted. Worst thing that could happen, did. Porosity/incomplete fusion in the steel, porosity/cracks in the aluminum.
We submit paperwork, stating adding x-ray requirements means the parts need repair, ask for direction. Reply comes back, saying adding x-ray requirements not to blame, welds were not good before requirement was added, please revise paperwork, telling me they plan to try to push responsibility to my company (doubtful repairs can be made and maintain flatness, other requirements, expensive parts to scrap).
Who is responsible? I understand we didn't meet the new requirements, however the welds were accepted by an outside weld inspection agency (who was inspected and approved by the customer) to the original requirements. Do I have a leg to stand on saying that adding the x-ray requirements is what caused the rejection, therefore adding the requirements makes the customer responsible?
If anyone was in a similar situation, or knows more of the ins and outs of how this is "typically" handled (if there is such a thing) please let me know. Also, since it will probably be asked, we are working to improve the welds, will soon meet the new requirements, only thing really in question is who is responsible for the "bad" units.