Why Nearly Every Aerospace Supplier and Manufacturer Has Adopted a Standard Despite It Not Being Mandatory
In high-stakes industries like aerospace and defense, precision and reliability are integral to success. One improperly treated surface or undetected contaminant can compromise the integrity of critical components, leading to system failure, safety risks, and significant financial loss. For manufacturers and suppliers, this level of risk demands more than just routine inspections, it requires proven, objective, standardized control over complex production processes.
What is NADCAP?
Established by the Performance Review Institute (PRI), NADCAP provides a unified, industry-accepted approach to auditing and approving suppliers who perform ‘special processes’. A checklist was developed as a criterion for these suppliers, ensuring standards are strict and the audits are rigorous.
The path to Nadcap certification begins with a third-party audit, as a detailed and objective audit of a supplier’s special processes is conducted. While auditors perform the assessments, they do so based on the strict criteria and standards set by NADCAP, not their discretion. When the audit is complete, the findings are submitted to a PRI-managed task group, which independently reviews the results and determines whether accreditation should be granted.
Why NADCAP?
While NADCAP certification isn’t legally required of suppliers, it is well on the way to becoming an industry standard among aerospace OEMs. Starting in the early 2000s, manufacturers such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus have required their suppliers to obtain NADCAP accreditation.
In the results of a 2015 survey conducted by the NADCAP Management Council, 93% of subscribers reported that NADCAP audits had improved quality standards and consistency across the supply chain and industry as a whole.
The data speaks for itself: as quality standards evolve across the global supply chain, NADCAP compliance is quickly becoming the mark of forward-thinking suppliers ready to meet the industry’s highest expectations.
Identifying Special Processes:
These processes are defined by actions that result in permanent change to a material’s structure or performance, conditions that are unverifiable through surface-level audits alone.
NADCAP defines several types of “special processes” that fall under its certification structure. These include:
- Chemical Processing – Alters surface properties to enhance performance and corrosion resistance.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) – Detects internal or surface-level defects without damaging the part.
- Heat Treatment – Modifies the mechanical properties of metals through controlled heating and cooling cycles.
NADCAP Chemical Processing:
Among the most critical areas of NADCAP oversight is chemical processing. Because the effects of chemical processing can’t be undone or easily verified after the fact, NADCAP ensures these operations are performed with repeatable precision, documented controls, and adherence to industry-defined best practices.
The functions of this category include operations such as anodizing, etching, plating, chemical cleaning, and conversion coatings. These treatments permanently affect how metals perform, altering corrosion resistance, conductivity, and mechanical durability while directly affecting the performance and longevity of whatever it is assembled into.
How We Can Help:
At APEX QA, we offer specialized training for several facets of NADCAP certification. Condensed into 2-day training modules, our knowledgeable instructors and live-online format ensure a comprehensive, yet convenient learning experience for anyone looking to dip their toes in the world of NADCAP, or deepen their already established understanding.
Conclusion
The ability to conduct comprehensive, objective audits within your organization is priceless. Setting your processes up for success before the third party knocks on your door fosters a proactive and progressive environment for any organization looking to take. Quality starts with accountability, and with nearly 80% of suppliers adopting NADCAP standards, we hope you won’t fall behind. Call or email us today to learn more and save your seat for any of our upcoming sessions.
Email Us: info@apexqualityassurance.com
Call Us: (919) 635-5581
P.S. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this blog. Join us on June 5th, 2025, for a free webinar on NADCAP chemical processing. This event will come complete with an experienced panelist, information on specific processes, and a Q&A in case you have any questions. We hope to see you there!
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