AC7108.2 Rev G FINAL

AC7108/2 REV.
G
Issued 1997-07
161Thorn Hill Road
AUDIT CRITERIA
CRITERIA
Warrendale, PA 15086-7527 AEROSPACE Revised 13-JUL-2020
Superseding AC7108/2 Rev F
Shared Task Groups: CP, NDT
Nadcap
AUDIT CRITERIA FOR CHEMICAL PROCESSING and NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
For Etching and Etch Inspection Processes
(Anodic Etch, Blue Etch Anodize, Macrostructure Etch, Nital/Temper Etch, Pre-Penetrant Etch)
*TO BE USED ON AUDITS STARTING ON OR AFTER 11-OCT-2020*
1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1.1 The Audit Criteria supplements AC7108 or AC7114 and applies to

Auditees seeking Nadcap accreditation who are engaged in etching for
Etch Inspection and Pre-Penetrant Etching.
This Audit Criteria is administered per the MoU between the CP and
NDT Task Groups:
• If an Auditee only has CP accreditations then this Audit Criteria

shall be done as part of their CP audit.
• If an Auditee only has NDT accreditations then this Audit Criteria
shall be done as part of their NDT audit.
• If an Auditee has both CP and NDT accreditations then this Audit
Criteria can be done with either their CP audit or NDT audit – it
cannot be split. If either the CP audit or NDT audit exceeds 5 days
with the addition of this Audit Criteria then the Audit Criteria shall
be done with the other audit.
1.2 Companies carrying out analysis and testing in support of processes to

AC7108/2 must be accredited to AC7108/2 (or AC7108/4) for the scope
of analysis and testing carried out. Should a processor use a sub tier
provider for some or all of the analysis and testing in support of their
AC7108/2 accreditation, that sub tier provider, must be:
• Nadcap accredited for AC7101 (MTL), or
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Copyright 2020 Performance Review Institute. All rights reserved.
t-frm-1115 21-May-2020
Nadcap AC7108/2 Revision G -2-
• Accredited to ISO 17025 for solution analysis and testing by an

ILAC approved registrar, or
• Accredited by CP to AC7108/4 for the scope of analysis and
testing performed, or
• Approved by Prime customer(s) for laboratory analysis.
1.3 One complete job audit, both processing and inspection, is required for
each Etch Inspection method (Anodic Etch, Blue Etch Anodize, Macro-
Structure Etch, Nital/Temper Etch) in the scope of the audit, and a
processing only job audit is required for Pre-Penetrant Inspection if in
the scope of the audit. If there are less than three etch inspection
methods (Anodic Etch, Blue Etch Anodize, Macro-Structure Etch,
Nital/Temper Etch), additional job audits of the inspection only part of
the process shall be carried out so that at least three jobs are audited
for inspection.
For example, an Auditee does Macro-Structure Etch, Nital/Temper Etch

and Pre-Penetrant Etch. A processing and inspection job audit is done
for Macro-Structure Etch and Nital/Temper Etch and a processing only
job audit is done for the Pre-Penetrant Etch. Since only two jobs audits
have included inspection then an inspection only job audit will need to
be done for either the Macro-Structure Etch or Nital/Temper Etch.
2. INSTRUCTIONS TO AUDITEE TO BE AUDITED
2.1 See AC7108 or AC7114 as applicable.
2.2 See AC7108 for definitions.
2.3 Section 3 defines general requirements for Etch Processing.
2.4 Section 4 defines general requirements for Etch Inspection.
2.5 Sections 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 contain compliance job audits.
3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ETCH PROCESSING PRIOR TO SECTION NA

ETCH INSPECTION AND PRE-PENTRANT ETCH
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if the Auditee
only does Etch Inspection.
3.1 Training, Qualification, and Evaluation of Etch Processing Personnel Section NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if this Audit
Criteria is completed as part of an AC7108 audit.
Processing personnel includes all personnel involved in processing the
part including masking, blasting, de-masking etc.
3.1.1 Has the competency for all processing personnel been defined? YES NO
3.1.2 Is there evidence that the effectiveness of these actions was YES NO
evaluated?
3.1.3 Does the Auditee define and operate a system to ensure competencies YES NO
are maintained?
3.1.4 Have operations/tasks that affect conformity to chemical process YES NO

requirements (e.g. planning, processing, inspection) been carried out
correctly?
3.2 Job Documentation SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if done in
conjunction with an AC7108 Audit Criteria.
3.2.1 Does shop paper/traveler, which accompanies each lot, contain as a YES NO
minimum the following information:
Compliance Assessment Guidance: See AC7108 for definition of shop
paper and the Chemical Process Audit Handbook for an example of a
shop paper.
3.2.1.1 Evidence of frozen process approval as required by the customer? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if frozen processes are
not performed.
Operations defined by the customer as non-critical or non-technical
may be exempt from approval requirements.
3.2.1.2 Relevant purchase order number, purchase order requirements OR YES NO

identification which is traceable to engineering requirements?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: The shop paper does not have to
reference the PO or contract number, but must have traceability to it or
to the engineering requirements.
3.2.1.3 Part identification, quantity of parts, and when required material and/or YES NO
material condition?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: The material and/or material
condition are required on the traveler unless one of the following
applies: it does not influence the process steps/sequence; when the
customer specifies the process steps, e.g. repair manual sequence or
processing to defined steps on customer traveler; if it is readily
available to the operator in some other manner, e.g. drawing; part is an
assembly/kit.
3.2.1.4 A description of the type and quantity of the test pieces when required YES NO NA
by the specification?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if test pieces were not
required for any of the jobs audited.
Type may be substituted by material and size.
Reference to a defined test piece, e.g. test piece drawing, is
acceptable.
3.2.1.5 A step for each process performed, defining the required process YES NO
parameters/ranges and referencing applicable internal process/or
inspection procedure numbers including as applicable:
3.2.1.5.1 Incoming inspection? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies for transfer of work
between facilities or departments.
3.2.1.5.2 Pre-process cleaning method(s)? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if this step is not
required for the process.
Preprocess cleaning is cleaning of incoming parts prior to the primary
process i.e. prior to masking/racking, e.g. sandblast, solvent clean.
3.2.1.5.3 Masking? YES NO NA

required for the process.
3.2.1.5.4 Fixturing, racking? YES NO NA
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if fixturing and racking

is not required, e.g. local etching.
Shop paper to reference internal racking instruction, a general
instruction for routine racking or specific details for unique racking
requirements as required.
3.2.1.5.5 In process cleaning, water break free check? YES NO
3.2.1.5.6 Etching? YES NO
3.2.1.5.7 Post-process steps including cleaning, drying, de-masking and removal YES NO
of fixturing and racking?
3.2.1.5.8 Post-finishing thermal treatment? YES NO NA

required for the processes/materials audited.
This step is typically only required for some Temper/Nital Etch
processes and some Macro-Etch processes on high strength steels.
Refer to customer specification.
3.2.1.5.9 In-process and final tests and inspections? YES NO NA

required for the jobs audited.
3.2.1.5.10 Final Inspection? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies for transfer of work
between facilities or departments.
This is a review of job documentation to ensure all is correct and
possibly a final visual look at the parts. It is not a formal lot test or visual
inspection step.
3.2.1.5.11 Packaging and handling? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if parts are moved

within the same facility.
3.2.1.5.12 Shipping? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if part is moved within
the same facility.
3.2.1.5.13 Documentation of rework that is traceable to the shop paper / traveler YES NO NA
and all processing performed on the parts?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if no rework observed
during the audit.
3.2.2 Do buy-off steps comply with AC7108 para 2.4 and Appendix E and YES NO
were they properly bought off and dated?
3.2.3 Are all process parameters defined in AC7108 App D recorded and YES NO NA
traceable to the route card/traveler?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if the design authority
has specifically stated that the process parameters need not be
recorded.
3.3 Process Equipment Control and Maintenance SECTION NA

conjunction with an AC7108 Audit Criteria.
3.3.1 Are maintenance procedures written with preventive maintenance as a YES NO

goal and based on prior maintenance records?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: The goal of the maintenance
program is to minimize downtime due to equipment failure. The facility
maintenance program should include scheduled equipment review and/
or actions based on equipment manufacturer's recommendations and
equipment breakdown and repair histories. The procedure and records
need to show periodic reviews of maintenance history and preventative
actions taken based on those reviews.
3.3.2 Do records indicate that maintenance has been performed in YES NO

accordance with a procedure and to a defined frequency?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: This includes electrical contacts,
periodic rinse tank cleaning, filter changes based upon pressure drop,
rectifier cooling filters, ripple calibration checks etc. Maintenance
procedures need to be appropriate to the process.
3.3.3 Does the compressed air supply used for production include YES NO NA
particulate, moisture, and oil filters with scheduled maintenance and
point of use air inspection for air cleanliness?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if compressed air is not
used in the scope of this Audit Criteria. Tank agitation is sometimes
achieved by air blowers, this is not compressed air.
Compressed air is commonly used for drying parts after processing and
for abrasive blasting. A mirror test or filter paper test are common
methods for airline cleanliness inspection.

This does not mean that every point of use must be inspected, but
inspection point should be as close to the point of use as practical.
Compressed airlines used for blow-off, abrasive blasting, etc., should
be inspected to a defined schedule using something like a mirror test or
filter paper test.
3.3.4 Are hoists and other lifting equipment labeled as to capacity? YES NO NA
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if no hoists or lifting
equipment is used.
3.3.5 Are timers available, suitable to the purpose, calibrated and visible or YES NO
audible from the tanks?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Timers used for process control
must be calibrated.
Timers include wall clocks and watches if the operators use them for
timing process parameters.
3.3.6 Process Line Equipment SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if local etching
is the only process in the scope of the audit or if done with an AC7108
audit.
3.3.6.1 Are tanks labeled to include identification number, contents and YES NO NA
temperature ranges?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if processes do not
use tanks (e.g. local etching)
Tank number is not required if the tank is uniquely identified by some
other means.
3.3.6.2 Are tank labels consistent with procedures, shop paper and logs? YES NO NA
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if processes do not
use tanks, e.g. local etching
3.3.6.3 Are tanks and work surfaces maintained free of corrosion and chemical YES NO
spillage detrimental to the process?
3.3.6.4 Are spray and immersion rinse tanks clean, clear, free-running or YES NO
monitored for contamination levels?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Does not apply to drag-out tanks if
adequate rinsing is provided afterward.
3.3.6.5 Are spray and immersion rinse tanks situated in a sequence to prevent YES NO
cross contamination of process tanks?
3.3.6.6 Do spray and immersion rinse tanks assure adequate neutralization YES NO
and/or removal of process chemicals?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Particular attention must be given
to parts such as small diameter tubes. Processor should have or make
provision for auxiliary rinsing.
3.3.6.7 Is water used for final rinse, including spray rinses, de-ionized or YES NO NA
monitored for halogen content when required by specification?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if the specification
does not require de-ionized water or monitoring for halogen content.
3.3.6.8 Are fixtures, workbars, electrical connections, and hard masking free of YES NO NA
corrosion and physical damage detrimental to the process while in use?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if fixtures, electrical
connections workbars or hard masking were not used for the jobs
audited.
3.3.6.9 Are tanks that require uniformity of temperature and solution YES NO NA
concentration agitated?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies for processes that do
not utilize tanks or where stratification does not occur.
Agitation may be continuous or prior to use.
The Auditee should be able to demonstrate temperature uniformity of
the tank when in use.
3.3.6.10 Are tanks with defined temperature ranges operating within the posted YES NO NA
range?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies where none of the
tanks have a defined temperature range.
3.3.6.11 Are tanks of sufficient volume and dimensions to contain hardware YES NO
during processing and assure sufficient coverage of parts?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: For parts requiring processing of
selective areas, entire area to be processed must be immersed.
Other situations such as double dipping require specification or
customer approval.
3.3.6.12 Are fixtures and masking designed as such so they do not entrap air or YES NO NA
processing solutions on parts?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if masking and fixtures
were not used for the jobs audited.
3.3.6.13 Is fixturing and racking design adequate so that, when hardware is YES NO NA
positioned for rinsing, there is adequate process solution neutralization
and removal and does it minimize process solution and rinse water
drag-out and cross-contamination of process tanks?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if fixturing and racking
is not used for the jobs audited
3.3.6.14 Is work electrically isolated from the electrical power supply of hoists YES NO NA
and other lifting equipment if that equipment is left connected to the
work during processing?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if; no electrically
powered hoists or lifting equipment are used, electrically powered
hoists or lifting equipment is disconnected during processing, or
immersion time is so short that isolation of the work is not practical.

The requirement applies to all aqueous immersion processes whether
electrolytic or not.
This may be achieved by insulation techniques or periodic electrical
leakage checks
3.3.7 Power Supplies SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if no
electrolytic processing.
Electrolytic processing covers electrolytic cleaning processes and
electrolytic etching processes.
3.3.7.1 Are power supplies equipped with calibrated ammeters, voltmeters and YES NO
ramp rate controls (if equipped with ramp rate control)?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: For those tanks equipped with
digital or paper chart recorders documenting voltage/ amperage, and
time, calibration of the ramp rate control is not required provided the
ramp rate can be verified from the recorded data.
3.3.7.2 Does each tank have dedicated meters that monitor actual power at the YES NO
tank?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Some rectifiers power more than
one tank or more than one station within a tank. Each tank or station
must have its own meters so that each job can be separately tracked.
3.3.7.3 Is the resolution of the power meters sufficient for the voltage and YES NO
amperage range specified in the shop paper/traveler?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Resolution of ammeter/voltmeter
needs to be sufficient to properly control processing. For example, an
ammeter with a scale of 0-3000 amps in 100 amp increments would not
provide sufficient resolution to verify that 64 amps are being applied.
3.3.7.4 Are rectifiers identified to the tank which they service, or if not does YES NO
each tank have individual rheostat?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: If multiple rectifiers per tank or
portable rectifiers are used, the rectifier must be traceable to individual
hardware.
3.3.7.5 If a power failure occurs, is there a mechanism that requires the YES NO
operator to physically restart the power supply?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Process must not be allowed to
restart on its own without operator knowledge or part damage could
result from extended processing.
Momentary contact type switches break the circuit when power is lost;
toggle or rotary snap type switches do not.
3.3.7.6 For Blue Etch Anodize, is the power supply ripple level controlled at 6% YES NO NA
maximum at 30V, and no load?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if Blue Etch Anodize is
not in the scope of the audit.
Ripple must be checked on rectifiers at the calibration cycle when

required by the customer and/or specification. The processor should
define the frequency if not imposed by specification.
Processor should have a certificate from calibration service or a written
procedure for measuring ripple with a dated written record of ripple
check showing the results.
Ripple is determined by dividing the Root Mean Square (RMS) of the
AC voltage component by the DC voltage. This can best be measured
by using an AC voltage meter (AC voltage is displayed as the RMS
value) and dividing this value by the DC Voltage. These
measurements are to be taken across the anode and cathode bus at
the tank.
3.3.7.7 For Blue Etch Anodize, are power supplies capable of increasing YES NO NA
voltage from 0 to 30V in 1 to 3 seconds?
If voltage control has a ramp rate control, it must be able to change the
voltage from 0 to 30V in 1 to 3 seconds.
Manual controls and automatic voltage-hold controls should be able to
meet this requirement.
3.3.7.8 For Blue Etch Anodize, are power supplies equipped with a ramp YES NO NA
control or a resistor with automatic cut-out to minimize arcing?
A non-ramp-controlled rectifier should be equipped with a time actuated
switch that, in less than three seconds after turning on the current, cuts
out a 1.2-ohm resistor installed in series with the load. The resistor
reduces the initial surge of current and thereby reduces the chance of
arcing.
A ramp-controlled rectifier should have a voltage/current regulation with
an adjustable current ramp regulator that has a zero to maximum rise
time between one and three seconds.
3.3.8 Electrical Fixtures & Contacts SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if no
electrolytic processing is used for processes in the scope of this Audit
Criteria.
This applies to electrolytic cleaning processes and electrolytic etching.
3.3.8.1 Is fixturing and rack design, and the arrangement of workbars and YES NO
anodes/cathodes, such that electrical contacts are solid but preclude
potential pressure damage or electrical arcing?
3.3.8.2 Are tanks equipped with cathodes that can be reconfigured as needed, YES NO NA
or are conforming auxiliary electrodes used, for processing hardware
with variable geometric configuration or for variable lot sizes?
Nadcap AC7108/2 Revision G - 10 -
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if uniformity of oxide

buildup is achieved without the need for reconfigurable cathodes or
auxiliary electrodes.
Uniform oxide buildup requires uniform distance from the part to the
electrode(s). Conforming electrodes conform to the shape of the part.
For example, a tubular electrode conforms to a shaft.
Movable bus bars with hanging cathodes can be used to change the
setup for variable lot sizes when parts are of fairly uniform Outside
Diameter (OD) dimensions.
3.3.8.3 Are there procedures in place to ensure that, unless otherwise YES NO
specified, the part is not introduced, moved, or removed from the
etching process when current is applied (power on)?
3.3.8.4 Are fixtures designed to preclude the possibility of electrical contact YES NO
(short circuit) between the hardware and the opposite charged
electrode?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Short circuits can cause arcing and
damage parts
Fixtures should hold hardware in an orientation that prevents parts from
coming into contact with electrodes.
Nonconductive shields may also be used between electrodes and parts
to prevent arcing.
3.3.8.5 Are contacts of sufficient area to carry the required current load without YES NO
overheating/deteriorating?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Contacts should be designed and
maintained to obtain sufficient contact area and contact pressure.
Observe contact areas on parts for signs of arcing, heat discoloration or
other surface degradation.
3.3.8.6 If required by the customer, are contact locations in the specified area? YES NO NA
Compliance Assessment Guidance: This question is NA if contact
locations are not specified by the customer.
Contract review and planning procedures must address contact
locations.
Shop papers must show contact locations or call out specific fixture
with contacts in correct locations.
Review specification and engineering drawing for contact locations and
observe that fixture contacts are in the specified area.
3.3.8.7 Are fixture contact locations cleaned periodically to ensure that YES NO
corrosion, dirt, and grease are removed?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Fixture contacts must be
maintained to prevent arcing.
Maintenance procedures must address fixture maintenance.
Look for records of fixture maintenance and observe fixture contacts for
signs of corrosion, dirt, grease or other contamination.
3.3.9 Ovens for Thermal Treatments at a set point above 250°F (121°C). SECTION NA
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if processing does not
require thermal treatments at a set point above 250°F (121°C), or if the
same oven has been audited in conjunction with an AC7108 Audit
Criteria.
See AC7108 for definition of Thermal Treatment. Part drying is not
considered a Thermal Treatment.
The only pyrometry requirements to be verified are those required to
answer the following questions.
3.3.9.1 For each oven that operates at a set point above 250ºF (121ºC), does YES NO
the Auditee identify?
3.3.9.1.1 The oven ID? YES NO
3.3.9.1.2 The operating range? YES NO
3.3.9.1.3 The uniformity requirement? YES NO
3.3.9.1.4 The working volume? YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: The working volume is defined by
the placement of thermocouples in the TUS. Parts must be placed
within this volume.
3.3.9.2 Does the defined operating range and uniformity requirement meet YES NO
specification requirements for which the oven is used?
3.3.9.3 Are parts only placed within the defined working volume of the oven? YES NO
3.3.9.4 Does the oven have at least one control sensor in each control zone, YES NO
attached to a control instrument that displays and controls
temperature?
3.3.9.5 Does the oven have a recording instrument that records the displayed YES NO
temperature for each control zone?
3.3.9.6 Does the oven have over-temperature protection in each control zone? YES NO
3.3.9.7 Is instrument (controller, overtemperature controller, recorder) YES NO

calibration carried out in accordance with, or certified to, AMS2750?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Over temperature instruments
used solely for oven over temperature protection do not need to be
calibrated.
3.3.9.8 Is instrument calibration accuracy ±2°F (±1.1°C) and is sensitivity within YES NO
3°F (2°C)?
3.3.9.9 Is instrument calibration frequency at least semi-annually for digital YES NO

instruments and quarterly for analog (electromechanical) instruments?
3.3.9.10 Are chart recorder (circular and strip) speed(s) calibrated/verified at YES NO NA
least annually and accurate to within ±3 minutes per hour?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if temperature recorder
is electronic/digital data collection type.
3.3.9.11 Is resolution of the chart recorder equal to or better than ±10ºF (6ºC)? YES NO NA
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if temperature recorder
is electronic/digital data collection type.
3.3.9.12 Are system accuracy tests (SATs) carried out in accordance with, or YES NO
certified to, AMS2750?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Also called a Probe Check.
3.3.9.12.1 Is a SAT performed after any maintenance that could affect the SAT YES NO
result?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Examples include replacement of
thermocouple(s) and re-calibration of the instrument when any
adjustment has been made.
3.3.9.12.2 Are SATs performed every two weeks unless requirements in YES NO
AMS2750 for less frequent SATs are met?
Compliance assessment Guidance: SATs may be done less frequently,
e.g. monthly, if the oven control, maintenance and use meets
requirements in AMS2750 for the frequency used. It is the Auditee’s
responsibility to demonstrate compliance to requirements if less
frequent SATs are done.
If an oven is used infrequently at a set point above 250°F (121°C) then
check that an SAT has been done no more than 2 weeks prior to use.
3.3.9.13 Do SAT results demonstrate an accuracy of ±5°F (±2.8°C)? YES NO
3.3.9.14 Are temperature uniformity surveys (TUSs) carried out in accordance YES NO
with, or certified to, AMS2750?
3.3.9.14.1 If the highest and lowest test temperatures are more than 600°F YES NO NA
(335°C) apart, are uniformity surveys performed at a temperature within
each range as defined during the initial survey?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if the qualified
operating range is not more than 600°F (or 335°C).
3.3.9.14.2 Over a period of 12 months, are TUSs performed at the minimum and YES NO NA
maximum temperatures of the qualified operating range?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if an oven operates at a
single set point.
3.3.9.14.3 Are TUSs performed at least quarterly unless requirements in YES NO

AMS2750 for less frequent TUSs are met?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: TUSs may be done less frequently,

e.g. 6 monthly, if the oven control, maintenance and use meets
requirements in AMS2750 for the frequency used. It is the Auditee’s
responsibility to demonstrate compliance to requirements if less
frequent TUSs are done.
3.3.9.14.4 Do TUS results show uniformity to meet the process specification YES NO
requirements?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: If the process specification
requires the parts to be treated at 275-300°F (135-149°C) then check
the set point plus the uniformity and the set point minus the uniformity
are within 275-300°F (135-149°C).
3.3.9.15 Does the Auditee have a procedure(s)/instruction(s) for the pyrometry YES NO NA
test(s) (instrument calibration, SAT, TUS) that are performed internally
and are they compliant to AMS2750 and indicate compliance to
AMS2750?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if all pyrometry tests
are done by a sub tier provider.
3.3.10 Ovens for Thermal Treatments with a set point at or below 250F (121C) SECTION NA
or for miscellaneous Heating Processes, e.g. Part Drying.
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if no thermal
treatments at or below 250ºF (121ºC) or other miscellaneous heating
processes are performed within the scope of the audit, if these
treatments are performed in an oven controlled to section 3.3.9, or
done in conjunction with an AC7108 Audit Criteria.
Equipment that is not fully enclosed but provides this type of thermal
treatment shall be considered as an oven for the purpose of this audit.
3.3.10.1 Are temperature controllers calibrated? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if the thermal treatment
equipment is engineered to provide the required temperature without
the use of a temperature controller.
3.3.10.2 Do procedures require and records show a periodic check is performed YES NO
to ensure the minimum (if specified) and maximum temperatures within
the working zone meet requirements?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: The working zone is defined by
the placement of the thermocouples used to do the periodic check,
parts must be placed within this zone.
For certain equipment (e.g. spin dryers, conveyor ovens) a periodic
temperature survey is not feasible and periodic testing of parts on
removal from the dryer is acceptable to prove the temperature does not
exceed requirements.
If there is no minimum temperature requirement and the drying space is
fed by heated air, then a periodic check of the input air temperature is
acceptable.
3.4 Control of Processing Tank Solutions SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if the Auditee
only does local etching, or if done in conjunction with an AC7108 Audit
Criteria.
3.4.1 Are there assigned responsibilities for review and approval of analysis YES NO
results, authorization of reanalysis, calculation of process solution
additions and corrections, and the preparation and approval of analysis
procedures as required?
3.4.2 Are these responsibilities performed by a qualified individual and are YES NO
their job responsibilities, job specification and qualifications
documented?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: If there is no on-site technical
expertise in simple chemical analysis techniques, witness a typical
titration or other test to confirm minimal skill levels in using a pipette,
reading a burette, standardizing a pH meter, etc.
3.4.3 If solution analysis, or testing of periodic process control test pieces YES NO NA
(e.g. IGA/EGP testing), is subcontracted, is the sub tier provider
approved by the Subscriber for analysis and testing, or accredited to
AC7101/1, or accrdedited to ISO17025 for analysis or testing by an
ILAC Registrar, or accredited to AC7108/4?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if no sub-contract
analysis and no sub-contract testing of periodic process control test
pieces.
For AC7108/4, the sub-tier’s scope of accreditation shall cover solution
analysis (if applicable) and any applicable test method (IGA/EGP
testing is covered by AC7108/4 App B3, Metallography).
3.4.4 Is there a procedurally defined control system to ensure solution YES NO

composition is maintained within control limits defined by applicable
specifications or Process Control Document (PCD) and a system for
adjusting frequency of analysis based on rate of change?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: The system will need to ensure the
composition limits of all applicable specifications or defined process
control document (PCD) are accounted for.
Specification identified contaminants are considered to be composition
requirements.
PH and conductivity are considered to be composition requirements.
ARP4992 is an example of a system for controlling solution
composition based on rate of change.
When permitted by specification alternative methods to solution
analysis may be used to control a process solution, e.g. etch rate,
specific gravity, refractive index, dump when ineffective based on a
defined control test.
3.4.5 Do the solution control records contain the following information for YES NO
each tank monitored:
3.4.5.1 Tank Identification? YES NO
3.4.5.2 Tank Contents? YES NO
3.4.5.3 Tank size (working volume) and level? YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: The working volume shall be
defined in the log but the level may be marked, or automatically
controlled, in the tank.
3.4.5.4 Analysis frequency? YES NO
3.4.5.5 Constituents to be analyzed? YES NO
3.4.5.6 Are operating tolerances based on, multiple where applicable, YES NO
specification / technical datasheet requirements, e.g. temperature
range, composition range(s), pH range, conductivity range, etch rate?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: The Chemical Process Audit
Handbook provides an example of a Solution Matrix which may be
used as a tool to help meet this requirement.
3.4.5.7 Date sampled and analyzed? YES NO
3.4.5.8 Analysis result and calculated constituent values? YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: If the Auditee is using equipment
whose output is the constituent value, e.g. auto-titrator, or if analysis is
done by a sub tier provider then only the constituent value needs to be
recorded.
3.4.5.9 Additions and corrections? YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Corrections includes removal of
solution to allow reduction in concentration.
3.4.5.10 Tank dumps? YES NO
3.4.5.11 Reanalysis after correction when out of specification limits? YES NO
3.4.5.12 Identity of individual conducting analyses, corrections, reanalysis and YES NO

dumps?
3.4.6 Do records show that corrections are made in a timely manner and that YES NO
the solution is maintained to defined requirements?
3.4.7 Do procedures require, and documents show, the cessation of YES NO

processing when any chemical constituent and/or operating parameter
(i.e., temperature) does not comply with the applicable process
specification or process control document (PCD) until the process is
brought into compliance?
3.4.8 Do internal procedures contain as a minimum the following YES NO

information?
3.4.8.1 Solution analysis conforming to a laboratory standard or chemical YES NO NA

compound manufacturer’s procedures?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies when solution analysis
is performed by a sub tier provider.
The use of test kits supplied for testing proprietary compounds is
acceptable.
3.4.8.2 Sample collection which assures that the sample is representative of YES NO
the bath solution and operating condition and precludes sample
contamination?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Bath should be at correct level,
agitated and at correct temperature prior to sampling.
3.4.8.3 Initial tank make-up and addition calculations? YES NO
3.4.8.4 Increase or decrease of analysis frequencies based on historical YES NO

analysis test data in addition to meeting minimum frequency
requirements when defined by specification?
3.4.9 Are chemicals used as reagents during analysis General Laboratory YES NO NA
Reagent Grade or better according to customers/ National
requirements?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if solution analysis is
performed by a sub tier provider.
3.4.10 Are laboratory chemicals labeled and stored properly? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies when solution analysis
is performed by a sub tier provider.
3.4.11 Does water used for analysis and test purposes meet the definition of YES NO NA
Laboratory Water, see AC7108 section 2.4, and do records support it,
e.g. certificate of analysis, test log?
3.4.12 Are standards with a limited shelf life properly labeled to preclude YES NO NA
usage after expiration date?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if solution analysis
3.4.13 Are shelf-life disciplines documented and maintained for standards YES NO
susceptible to deterioration (e.g., evaporation of liquid standards,
reaction with glass storage containers, photochemical reactions)?
3.4.14 Are titration solutions certified and traceable to national standards or YES NO NA
standardized against appropriate documented, certified reference
standards, and are they monitored for stability and protected against
degradation?
3.4.15 pH Testing SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if pH testing is
not required or is performed by a sub tier provider.
3.4.15.1 Is standardization of the pH meter carried out daily, prior to first use, YES NO
using a minimum of two buffer solutions that represent both the acid
and/or alkali range as applicable?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: The pH buffers used to
standardize the meter need to represent the acid and/or alkali ranges
but do not need to bracket the full pH range of samples being tested.
Typical pH kits include pH 4, 7 and 10 buffer solutions and the use of
the most appropriate two is acceptable.
3.4.15.2 Are certified, commercial-grade or better buffer solutions within shelf- YES NO
life expiration date?
3.4.16 Etch Rate Determinations SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies when customer
specification does not require etch rate determination.
Etch rate is typically required for Pre-Penetrant Etch. Some other etch
process specification, e.g. Nital/Temper Etch may require tests to
determine time for an effective etch, these are not etch rate.
3.4.16.1 Are stock removal (etching) rates determined and posted, or logged, in YES NO
a manner readily accessible by the operator?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Determine that the procedure or
work instructions call out etch rates and how they are to be recorded.
Some Primes require daily etch rate data to be posted.
3.4.16.2 Are stock removal rates determined daily prior to processing hardware YES NO
unless alternate frequency is permitted by the specification?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Specific shop paperwork defining
and recording the processing of etch rate test pieces (except immersion
times) is not required.
3.4.16.3 Are stock removal (etch rate) panels, made from the same (or similar) YES NO
alloy, temper and surface finish as applicable to customer
requirements?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Not all customer specifications
require the same temper and surface finish for etch rate panels,
however if specified, the Auditee must address this in their stock
removal rate process.
3.4.16.4 If the Auditee re-uses etch rate test panels is the re-use compliant with YES NO NA
specification?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if the Auditee does not
re-use etch rate test panels or if the specification is silent on the re-use
of etch rate test panels.
3.4.16.5 If the Auditee re-uses etch rate test panels is re-use of test panels YES NO NA
controlled to ensure consistent etch results when compared to new test
panels?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if the Auditee does not
re-use etch rate test panels or if done per customer requirements.
Auditee should be able to provide data that demonstrates the etch rate
of a panel used the maximum number of times is similar to the etch rate
of new test panels.
3.4.16.6 Is etch rate determined by weight loss unless otherwise specified by the YES NO
customer?
3.4.16.7 Is etch immersion time and weight loss data recorded? YES NO NA
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if the cognizant
engineering authority has specifically stated that the process
parameters need not be recorded.
3.4.16.8 Is equipment used for determination of etch rate calibrated over its YES NO
range of use and to an accuracy that is better than 0.5 of a decimal
place of the required measurement unit, or if not defined better than 5%
of the delta being measured?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: If the specification requires the
measurement instrument to measure to 0.001 units then it must be
accurate to ≤0.0005 units
If the specification is silent on instrument accuracy then it must be
better than 5% of the minimum expected delta. For example, if the
difference of the before and after measurement delta, based on the
slowest etch rate, is 0.137 units then it must accurate to 0.007 units.
3.4.17 Intergranular Attack and End Grain Pitting SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if IGA or EGP
is not required by customer/specification or if done in conjunction with
an AC7108/4 Audit Criteria.
3.4.17.1 Is there an internal procedure covering the test method that identifies YES NO NA
the specifications to which it is compliant?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if the test is performed
by a sub tier provider.
3.4.17.2 Is the person doing the testing identified as trained/competent to do the YES NO NA
test?
3.4.17.3 Is testing performed in accordance with applicable specifications? YES NO
3.4.17.4 Is the test carried out at the required frequency? YES NO
3.4.17.5 Are precautions taken to prevent cutting or grinding induced specimen YES NO NA
damage?

3.4.17.6 Do metallographic mounts display good edge retention with minimal YES NO NA
edge rounding and with no gap between specimen and mount media?
3.4.17.7 Does the preparation method produce section perpendicularity YES NO NA

adequate for measurement of surface dimensions in accordance with
applicable specification?
3.4.17.8 Does the test procedure specify the magnification to be used for YES NO NA
dimensional measurement?
3.4.17.9 Are the filar eye-pieces used for thickness measurement calibrated YES NO NA
using stage micrometers?
3.4.17.10 Do test reports/certs show evidence of review, compliance to YES NO

specification or correct retesting/ replacement testing or customer
notification?
3.4.17.11 Does the review also include trend analysis and action if negative YES NO NA
trends are identified?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies when the test is done
as a batch/lot acceptance test and not a periodic process performance
test.
3.4.17.12 If testing is performed by a sub tier provider is the sub tier provider YES NO NA
listed on the Auditee's Approved Supplier List and is it approved by
customer if required.
in-house.
3.4.18 Process Capability Testing SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if no customer
or specification requirement to periodically process standards or known
defect test pieces.
3.4.18.1 When required by customer or specification, are standards, or known YES NO

defect test pieces, processed periodically to assure process capability?
3.4.18.2 Is there specific shop paperwork (router, etc.) which is traceable to the YES NO
standards, or known defect test pieces, which specifies how they are to
be processed and which tank they are processed in?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: If the test pieces are processed

with a production batch then traceability to the process records for
processing that batch is acceptable.
Refer to sections 3.2 and 3.2.2 for required process steps and buy-off
requirements.
3.4.18.3 Are the process parameters listed in AC7108 Appendix D recorded for YES NO
the processing of Etch Inspection standards and known defect test
pieces?
3.4.19 Training and Approval of Etch Processing Personnel SECTION NA

conjunction with an AC7108 Audit Criteria
Processing personnel includes all personnel involved in processing the
part including masking, blasting, demasking, etc.
3.4.19.1 Has the competency for all personnel functions affecting conformity to YES NO
chemical process requirements been defined, including processing
personnel, testing/inspection personnel and planning personnel?
3.4.19.2 For those functions identified in 3.3.19.1, do records show that training YES NO
or other actions were taken to achieve the necessary competence?
3.4.19.3 Is there evidence that the effectiveness of these actions was YES NO
evaluated?
3.4.19.4 Does the Auditee define and operate a system to ensure competencies YES NO
are maintained?
3.4.19.5 Have operations/tasks that affect conformity to chemical process YES NO

requirements (e.g. planning, processing, inspection) been carried out
correctly?
3.5 Processing of Parts
3.5.1 General Processing SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if done as part
of an AC7108 audit.
3.5.1.1 Are parts moved between tanks without undue delay such that process YES NO
quality is not affected?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Time delay between certain
process steps may be critical.
It is acceptable for parts to dry back from edges in a regular pattern,
particularly when removed from hot tanks or on vertical surfaces.
3.5.1.2 Are test pieces processed through the cleaning solutions with the YES NO NA
hardware they represent?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if test pieces aren't
required, e.g. testing may be performed on hardware.
3.5.1.3 Are cleaning materials compatible with the parts being processed? YES NO
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Refer to specifications for
acceptable cleaning solutions. Pay particular attention to assemblies
that are made up of different materials, previously deposited coatings,
and braze/solder joint material.
3.5.2 Chemical Cleaning SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if the
processor does not perform chemical cleaning or if done as part of an
AC7108 audit.
Ultrasonic cleaning is considered to be a form of chemical cleaning.
3.5.2.1 Is cathodic cleaning prohibited with high strength steels of 180 ksi and YES NO NA
greater, unless otherwise approved by the customer?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if high strength steels
are not processed or if Auditee does not possess cathodic cleaning
capability.
3.5.2.2 Does the processor have adequate controls in place to ensure water YES NO NA
break free surfaces are obtained prior to continuation of processing?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies only for barrel and/ or
automated lines unless the specification specifically requires a water
break free test.
Some customers or specifications may require documentation of the
water break free test.
3.5.2.3 Is there a procedure that specifies a minimum water-break free YES NO NA

interval?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies only for barrel and/or
break free test.
Minimum water-break free interval should be sufficient to ensure
adequate cleaning, but should also ensure that hardware does not
excessively dry. Time will be dependent on process, part material,
size, geometry, and customer specification.
3.5.3 Mechanical Cleaning SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if mechanical
cleaning is not used to prepare surfaces for etching or if audited with an
AC7108 audit.
3.5.3.1 Are procedures and controls in place to assure proper grit size and YES NO
media type are used?
3.5.3.2 Are procedures and controls in place to assure proper particle size YES NO NA
distribution is maintained within requirements?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if mechanical cleaning
other than abrasive blasting is performed.
3.5.3.3 Are procedures and controls in place to minimize cross contamination YES NO
of alloys during mechanical cleaning (e.g., aluminum and iron based
alloys)?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: This can be accomplished through
media changeout, dedicated blast equipment, etc.
3.5.3.4 When abrasive blast techniques are used, are off-set distances, YES NO NA
pressures, and media recorded?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if mechanical cleaning
other than abrasive blasting is performed or if the cognizant
engineering authority has specifically stated that the process
parameters need not be recorded.
If these parameters are not defined by customer specification,
appropriate parameters may be derived from test results or references
such as MIL-STD-1504, that will provide this information for various
alloy types and media types. For manual blasting, recording offset as a
range is acceptable.
Offset distance does not need to be recorded if it is controlled by
fixturing or visual aids, see the Chemical Processing Audit Handbook
3.5.3.5 Are standards used to evaluate surface finish as required by customer YES NO NA
or specification?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if no surface finish
requirements are imposed.
Visual comparison standards are acceptable, as well as profilometer
measurements.
3.5.3.6 Has hardware been visually checked and documented to verify YES NO
corrosion, oxides, scale, and abrasive media have been removed?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Visual in-process inspection must
be performed and recorded prior to the next operation.
3.5.4 Masking SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if masking was
not required for the jobs audited or if done as part of an AC7108 audit.
3.5.4.1 Are procedures in place for masking prior to cleaning, for visual YES NO
inspection of adequate masking before and after cleaning, and for re-
masking when damaged during mechanical cleaning?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Planning procedures must address
masking sequence, inspection and repair.
3.5.4.2 Do shop papers clearly define the areas to be masked? YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Best practice is to have a masking
drawing as part of the shop papers but other methods are acceptable if
clearly understood, e.g. a copy of the customer drawing.
3.5.4.3 Are masking materials specifically defined on shop papers or called out YES NO
in referenced instructions?
3.5.4.4 If masking materials are not specifically defined on shop papers, are YES NO NA
the actual masking material types used recorded and traceable to the
route card?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if the masking
materials to be used are specifically called out on the shop papers.
3.5.4.5 Is masking material compatible with hardware and process conditions? YES NO
3.5.4.6 Are adhesives, masking material, markings, and residual chemicals YES NO
removed after processing?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Maskants that are compatible with
thermal operations may be removed after thermal processing, else they
shall be removed before thermal processing
3.5.5 Etching and Other Supplementary Process Steps

Compliance Assessment Guidance: For some etch techniques there
may be a number of supplementary steps such as pre-etch, anodize,
back etch, neutralize, desmut.
3.5.5.1 Do procedures provide for surface activation of cobalt and nickel base YES NO NA
alloys prior to etching?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if nickel and cobalt
alloys are not processed.
3.5.5.2 Have all surfaces to be etched had oxide and scale removed prior to YES NO NA
etching?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if parts are free from
oxide and scale.
3.5.5.3 When etching surfaces consisting of two different alloys with different YES NO NA
etching times specified, is the shorter etching time used?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if surfaces with differing
etch rates are not processed together.
Only applies to joined assemblies which require etching as an
assembly.
3.5.5.4 If solution compositions are imposed by specification are required YES NO NA

solution compositions used?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA Applies if the specification
does not define the solutions to use.
3.5.5.5 When performing local etching, is used etch solution discarded? YES NO NA
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if local etching is not in
the scope of the audit, or the used etch solution is taken from, and
returned to, an etch immersion tank.
3.5.5.6 When performing local etching, is fresh solution kept in contact with the YES NO NA
metal surface for the required amount of time?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if local etching is not in

the scope of the audit.
The intent of this requirement is to ensure that all surfaces being
etched are exposed to fresh solution during the required time- per
applicable specification.
Some specifications require that surfaces be periodically swabbed with
a remoistened swab, or possibly a new swab, to maintain fresh solution
on the surface.
3.5.6 Part Protection
3.5.6.1 Do procedures ensure handling, packaging and/or corrosion protection YES NO

of parts to prevent damage?
handling, packaging and corrosion protection of parts.
Shop papers must indicate proper handling requirements (handle with
clean gloves, etc.) and must indicate how to package and protect parts
from corrosion.
4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ETCH INSPECTION SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if etch
inspection is not performed.
4.1 Training, Qualification and Certification of Etch Inspection Personnel.
Attach a certified personnel list here:
4.1.1 List the Auditee’s written procedure number and revision:
<Comment Box>
4.1.2 The Auditee’s written procedure for qualifying and certifying Etch
Inspection personnel shall address, or provide traceability to, the
following:
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Customers with more restrictive
requirements would issue supplemental Audit Criteria. Subscribers
have agreed that a supplemental Audit Criteria may be required to
address more restrictive requirements.
4.1.2.1 Training course outline? YES NO
4.1.2.2 Formal training requirements for personnel shall be two hours minimum YES NO
for each Etch Inspection method performed?
4.1.2.3 On-the-job training experience requirements for personnel shall be YES NO

twenty hours minimum for each Etch Inspection method performed?
4.1.2.4 Written method examination consisting of a minimum of 20 questions YES NO

relating to the fundamentals of operating procedures and inspection
techniques for each Etch Inspection method performed?
4.1.2.5 Practical exams for programs that comply to SAE ARP1923 use at least YES NO NA
three (3) specimens representative of actual etched products?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies only if program is to
comply with NAS410/EN4179. For Anodic Etch and Blue Etch, if the
test parts do not have defects then suitable photographic images with
defects are required.
4.1.2.6 Practical exams for programs that do comply to NAS410/EN4179 use YES NO NA
at least two (2) test specimens representative of actual etched products
containing known indications?
comply with SAE ARP1923.
For Anodic Etch and Blue Etch, if the test parts do not have defects
then suitable photographic images with defects are required.
4.1.2.7 The requirement that the candidates have to achieve a passing grade YES NO
of 70% or greater for the Anodic Etch, Blue Etch Anodize and Macro
Etch exam, 80% or greater for the Temper (Nital) Etch exam, and have
to detect all discontinuities, flaws or conditions specified by the
examiner in the applicable practical exams?
4.1.2.8 Annual vision examination meeting one of the following: YES NO
• Tumbling E in accordance with ISO 18490
• 20/25 (Snellen) at 16 inches (40.64cm), +/- 1 inch (2.54cm)*
• Jaeger No 1 at not less than 12 inches (30.48 cm)*
*With at least one eye, either natural or corrected?

Compliance Assessment Guidance: ISO 18490 tests (Tumbling E) shall
be administered in accordance with the requirements therein.
4.1.2.9 The requirement that the inspection personnel can distinguish and YES NO
differentiate between the colors/contrast used in the method for which
certification is sought?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Any limitations in color/contrast
perception shall be evaluated by the individual responsible for the
process or the Responsible Level 3 prior to certification and must be
approved in writing.
4.1.2.10 The requirement that the tests shall be administered by trained YES NO
personnel designated by the Responsible Level 3, or the exam is
performed by a medically qualified individual?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: To clarify when a designation letter
is needed by the Responsible Level 3 to identify and approve those
who are not medically qualified with a statement that they have been
trained in accordance with NAS410/EN4179 versus those who are
medically qualified and do not need to have a letter.
4.1.2.11 The requirement that all records associated with training and YES NO
certification be maintained?
4.1.2.12 The re-examination requirements for personnel not meeting / failing YES NO
qualification criteria?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Re-examination is required after
additional documented training in the area/s found to be deficient, 25%
new questions on the new exam.
4.1.2.13 Evidence that Etch Inspection personnel were requalified and/or YES NO
recertified in accordance with the written practice?
4.1.3 Etch Inspection Exams

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Uncertified personnel cannot be an
examiner and administer etch examinations to a candidate.
4.1.3.1 Were examiners and personnel who administered exams certified for YES NO
the method to which the exam applied?
4.1.3.2 Do written method exams consist of a minimum of 20 questions relating YES NO

to the fundamentals of operating procedures and inspection techniques
for each Etch Inspection method performed?
4.1.3.3 Where NAS410/EN4179 are not the controlling specifications, does the YES NO NA
practical exam have at least three (3) test specimens representative of
actual etched products?
comply with NAS410/EN4179
4.1.3.4 Where NAS410/EN4179 are the controlling specifications, does the YES NO NA
practical exam have at least two (2) test specimens representative of
actual etched products containing known indications?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies only if program does
not need to comply with NAS410/EN4179.
4.1.3.5 Did the candidates achieve a passing grade of 70% or greater for the YES NO
Anodic Etch, Blue Etch Anodize and Macro Etch exam, 80% or greater
for the Temper (Nital) Etch exam, and did they detect all discontinuities,
flaws or conditions specified by the examiner in the applicable practical
exams?
4.1.3.6 Did the candidates achieve an average score of no less than 80%? YES NO
Compliance Assessment Guidance: The average score is determined
by adding the results of the written exam(s) and the practical exam then
dividing by the number of exams given.
4.1.3.7 Is there evidence that personnel who did not pass the written exam(s) YES NO NA
and/or practical exam; received additional documented training or
completed self-study before repeating the applicable exam?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if there have been no

exam failures.
4.1.4 Personnel Certification Records
4.1.4.1 Do the Auditee’s certification records for all Etch Inspection personnel
include the following:
4.1.4.1.1 Date of qualification for each Etch Inspection method performed? YES NO
4.1.4.1.2 A minimum of two hours formal training for each Etch Inspection YES NO
method performed?
4.1.4.1.3 A minimum of twenty hours on-the-job training for each Etch Inspection YES NO
method performed?
4.1.4.1.4 Results of physical test; i.e., Tumbling E in accordance with ISO 18490, YES NO
20/25 (Snellen) at 16 inches (40.64cm), +/- 1 inch (2.54cm)*, or Jaeger
No 1 at not less than 12 inches (30.48 cm)*, in at least one eye either
natural or corrected?
4.1.4.1.5 Vision examination records indicating they can distinguish and YES NO
differentiate between the colors/contrast used in each Etch Inspection
method performed?
4.1.4.1.6 Evidence that the vision tests were administered by a trained individual, YES NO
or medically qualified individual?
4.1.4.1.7 Requalification and/or recertification for each Etch Inspection method YES NO NA
performed in accordance with written practice and the referenced
customer specifications?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if there have been no
requalification or certification exams. Personnel responsible for
processing may be qualified only.
4.1.4.1.8 Written and practical exams, including results? YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: In the case where a recognized
Independent National Aerospace NDT Board (NANDTB) provides the
qualification examinations, written and practical exams do not need to
be maintained at the Auditee’s facility.
4.1.4.1.9 Correct approval/removal of certification based on results? YES NO
4.2 White Light Meter Calibration
4.2.1 Is the calibration of the light meter performed at least semi-annually or, YES NO
with adequate documentation, extended as allowed by the governing
standard but not to exceed 12 months when 4 consecutive acceptable
calibrations and adequate documentation is available to support the
extended frequency?
4.2.2 Is calibration performed at a minimum of three points to establish YES NO

linearity?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: No specific values need to be

used.
4.2.3 Is the light meter accurate to within ± 5% of the standard reading? YES NO
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Note that the value of ±5% is in
reference to a comparison of the light meter being calibrated to another
calibrated (traceable to NIST or other National Standard) light meter. It
is not meant to represent a “true” ±5% calibration tolerance.
4.2.4 Is the calibration current? YES NO
4.2.5 Is the light meter traceable to calibration data? YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: To meet this requirement, the
meter shall be serialized, stickered or otherwise identifiable to the
calibration data.
4.3 Anodic Etch Inspection SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA Applies if Anodic Etch
Inspection is not in the scope of the audit.
4.3.1 Is 100 ft-candles/1000 lux of white light, or more, available at the part YES NO
surface for visual verification of indications?
4.3.2 Is the check of the white light intensity being performed at least weekly YES NO
or prior to use, and after equipment maintenance?
4.3.3 Did the facility properly demonstrate and record this check? YES NO
4.3.4 Are there procedures available for evaluation techniques? YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Make sure that all of the
procedures or work instructions for evaluation techniques meet all of
the customer requirements and are available.
4.3.5 Are photographs or other visual standards available for YES NO NA

acceptance/rejection criteria when required by customer or internal
procedures?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if photographs or other
visual standards are not required by customer or internal procedures.
Make sure that the pictures or other visual aids are appropriate for the
customer and they meet all the customer specification requirements.
Visual aids and standards must be clearly labeled and traceable.
4.3.6 Is there a procedure (e.g. higher magnification or minimum cross- YES NO NA

sectional area scanned) when available visual standards become
inadequate or unavailable?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if available standards
are adequate or are not required by specification..
4.3.7 Is there a microscopic examination performed of suspect etched areas? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if a microscopic (>x10)

examination is not required by specification or internal procedure.
4.3.8 Do procedures ensure handling, packaging and/or corrosion protection YES NO

from corrosion.
4.4 Blue Etch Anodize Inspection SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if Blue Etch
Anodize Inspection is not in the scope of the audit.


procedures?




from corrosion.
4.5 Macrostructure Etch Inspection SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if
Macrostructure Etch Inspection is not in the scope of the audit.


procedures?



from corrosion.
4.6 Temper/Nital Etch Inspection SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if Temper/Nital
Etch Inspection is not in the scope of the audit.


procedures?

are adequate or are not required by specification.


from corrosion.
5. COMPLIANCE JOB 1
5.1 Etch Method <Comment Box>

Identify the etch method: Anodic Etch, Blue Etch Anodize,
Macrostructure Etch, Temper/Nital Etch, Pre-Penetrant Etch.
5.2 Job Details

If the part being audited is EC-LR (e.g. ITAR) the questions marked
with an (EC) cannot be answered as they are technical information
which cannot be displayed in eAuditNet. Auditor to answer EC
questions with “EC/LR”.
5.2.1 Part Description <Comment Box>

If EC, only include a general description, e.g. “turbine blade, bracket”
5.2.2 Identify if an in-process job audit or an historic job audit: <Dropdown>
a. In-Process
b. Historic
5.2.3 Is the part controlled under U.S. Export Control Regulations as YES NO
declared by the Auditee?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: A NO answer does not require an
NCR
5.2.4 Part Number <Comment Box>
5.2.5 Customer <Comment Box>
5.2.6 Prime Contractor <Comment Box>
5.2.7 Purchase Order/Revision Level <Comment Box>
5.2.8 Part Quantity <Comment Box>
5.2.9 Serial/Lot Number <Comment Box>
5.2.10 Date of Job/Job Number <Comment Box>
5.2.11 (EC) Alloy/Heat Treat Condition/Hardness <Comment Box>

If the part being audited is EC-LR (e.g. ITAR) answer with “EC/LR”.
5.2.12 Processing Specification and Revision Level <Comment Box>

If EC, only include specification number, e.g. “AMS2411 Rev J”, do not
include other details such as class or type.
5.2.13 (EC) Other Purchase Order Requirements and any approved deviations
to specification requirements.<Comment Box>
5.3 Etching SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if ETCHING is
not done or sufficient etching job audits have been done.
A minimum of one ETCHING job audit is required for each etch method
(Anodic Etch, Blue Etch Anodize, Macrostructure Etch, Temper/Nital
Etch, Pre-Penetrant Etch) in the scope.
5.3.1 Paperwork Review

Compare purchase order, shipping documents, referenced blueprints,
specifications, shop travelers, process instructions, and inspection
records.
5.3.1.1 Are part numbers, specifications, and revision levels flowed down YES NO
correctly?
5.3.1.2 Are frozen processes identified and if so, has customer approval been YES NO NA
obtained?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if not a frozen process.
5.3.1.3 Are processing requirements flowed down correctly? YES NO
5.3.1.4 Does the shop paper provide traceable part identification? YES NO
5.3.1.5 All processing steps identified including procedure numbers as YES NO

applicable?
5.3.2 Process Observations
5.3.2.1 Was receiving inspection correctly carried out as defined by shop YES NO NA
papers?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if parts transferred
between departments and receipt inspection is not required.
5.3.2.2 Was pre-process cleaning carried out as defined by shop papers? YES NO NA
required.
5.3.2.3 Was masking carried out as defined by shop papers? YES NO NA

required.
5.3.2.4 Are fixtures and masking designed to assure part area to be processed YES NO NA
is exposed and all other areas precluded as required by the customer?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if masking was not
required.
Particular attention should be given to threaded holes, fayed surfaces
and joints of assemblies prior to welding or brazing, and assemblies
such as bearing raceways.
5.3.2.5 Was the part racked and fixtured as defined by shop papers? YES NO
5.3.2.6 Are fixtures, workbars, electrical connections, and hard masking free of YES NO NA
corrosion and physical damage detrimental to the process while in use?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies for processes that do
not use these devices.
5.3.2.7 Was cleaning, e.g. alkaline cleaning and cleanliness verification, carried YES NO
out as defined by shop papers?
5.3.2.8 Was deoxidation / activation, including any required cleanliness YES NO NA

verification, carried out as defined by shop papers?
required.
5.3.2.9 Was a water break free surface observed after the cleaning cycle? YES NO NA
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies only for barrel and/or
break free test.
Unless the specification defines when the water break free test is done
it may be done after cleaning or after deoxidation.
5.3.2.10 Were the etching steps carried out as defined by shop papers? YES NO
5.3.2.11 Equipment / Tool ID: <Comment Box>

Compliance Assessment Guidance: This is the tank ID that was used
for the main etch step.
5.3.2.12 Are parts positioned during etching so as to minimize/preclude air or YES NO

evolving gas entrapment in pockets or other recessed areas?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: H2 is released during the etching
process and can accumulate as it rises.
5.3.2.13 After etching, are the etched and previously masked surfaces (if any) YES NO
thoroughly rinsed to remove any remaining etchant?
5.3.2.14 Are parts promptly and thoroughly rinsed after etch so as to preclude YES NO
local over-etching?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: Local over etching can be seen as
metallic streaks running down the part surfaces.
5.3.2.15 Were any post main process steps (e.g. de-smut) carried out as defined YES NO NA
by shop papers?
required.
5.3.2.16 Was post process de-masking and cleaning carried out as defined by YES NO NA
shop papers?
required.
5.3.2.17 Were post-processing thermal and forced drying treatments carried out YES NO NA
as defined in shop papers?
required.
5.3.3 Are all process parameters defined in AC7108 App D recorded and YES NO NA
traceable to the route card/traveler?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if the design authority
has specifically stated that the process parameters need not be
recorded.
5.3.4 Was the etch time correct? YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Refer to process specification.
For Pre-Penetrant Etch, the etch time may be determined by daily etch
rate testing of that material and the amount of material to be removed.
For Nital/Temper Etch, the etch time may be based on the time to
correctly etch a known defect standard.
5.3.5 Are all operations done in sequence recorded or traceable to specific YES NO
process lines/workstations, operator/technician?
5.3.6 Are all rework operations documented? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if no rework is required
for this job.
5.3.7 Are all process control and process monitoring/recording equipment YES NO
calibrated?
5.3.8 List operator(s) who performed processing operations:
<Comment Box>
5.3.9 Are the operators trained and approved? YES NO
5.3.10 Are all operations properly stamped off or signed off and dated, as YES NO
required, by the correct operator or department?
5.3.11 Was final inspection carried out? YES NO NA

required, e.g. moved internally.
Final Inspection is a review of the route card etc. to ensure all
documentation, part quantity, etc., is in order prior to signing off the
batch of parts.
5.3.12 Were packing and shipping per defined requirements? YES NO NA

required, e.g. moved internally.
5.3.13 Solution Control and Testing

5.3.13.1 Was solution composition controlled per requirements? YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Refer to specification for solution
control requirements, some solutions may be controlled by composition,
some by etch rate and some by both.
5.3.13.2 (EC) Was the required periodic testing identified? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if no periodic testing
required.
Refer to specification for periodic test requirements.
Temper/Nital Etch typically requires daily testing of a known defect
standard.
Some aluminium etch specifications require periodic IGA/EGP tests.
For non-EC/LR parts record periodic testing required by specification
audited <Comment Box>
5.3.13.3 Was the required periodic testing completed? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if no periodic testing
required.
5.3.14 Was hardware held pending resolution of non-conformances noted YES NO NA

during etching?
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if no non-
conformances.
5.4 Etch Inspection SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if ETCH
INSPECTION is not done or sufficient ETCH INSPECTION job audits
have been done.
A minimum of one ETCH INSPECTION job audit is required for each
etch method (Anodic Etch, Blue Etch Anodize, Macrostructure Etch,
Temper/Nital Etch) in the scope with a minimum of three. Where an
Auditee does less than three methods, additional job audits will be done
to give a minimum of three.
Pre-Penetrant Etch does not require Etch Inspection.
5.4.1 List Inspector <Comment Box>
5.4.2 Are all required surfaces etched? YES NO
5.4.3 Are all required surfaces inspected? YES NO
5.4.4 Was inspection carried out under the correct light intensity? YES NO
5.4.5 Are all indications identified? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if there are no
indications.
5.4.6 Are all indications correctly dispositioned? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if there are no

indications.
5.4.7 Were all inspection results properly recorded and traceable to the YES NO
parts?
5.4.8 Are the inspectors trained, qualified or certified as required? YES NO
5.4.9 Was part protection and packing per defined requirements? YES NO NA
Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if parts are moved
within the same facility.
6. COMPLIANCE JOB 2 SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: Section NA applies if this job audit
is not required.
An ETCH PROCESS job audit is required for each etch method in the
scope.
An ETCH INSPECTION job audit is required for each etch method in
the scope with a minimum of three job audits. If the Auditee does less
than three methods then additional job audits of ETCH INSPECTION
shall be done to give a minimum of three.
Etch methods are: Anodic Etch, Blue Etch Anodize, Macrostructure
Etch, Nital/Temper Etch and Pre-Penetrant Etch
(This section is a duplicate of section 5)

is not required.
scope.

is not required.
scope.


is not required.
scope.

AC7108.2 Rev G FINAL

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AC7108.2 Rev G FINAL

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AC7108/2 REV.

Superseding AC7108/2 Rev F

Shared Task Groups: CP, NDT

1.1 The Audit Criteria supplements AC7108 or AC7114 and applies to

• If an Auditee only has CP accreditations then this Audit Criteria

1.2 Companies carrying out analysis and testing in support of processes to

Copyright 2020 Performance Review Institute. All rights reserved.

• Accredited to ISO 17025 for solution analysis and testing by an

For example, an Auditee does Macro-Structure Etch, Nital/Temper Etch

2. INSTRUCTIONS TO AUDITEE TO BE AUDITED

2.1 See AC7108 or AC7114 as applicable.

2.2 See AC7108 for definitions.

2.3 Section 3 defines general requirements for Etch Processing.

2.4 Section 4 defines general requirements for Etch Inspection.

2.5 Sections 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 contain compliance job audits.

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ETCH PROCESSING PRIOR TO SECTION NA

3.1 Training, Qualification, and Evaluation of Etch Processing Personnel Section NA

3.1.4 Have operations/tasks that affect conformity to chemical process YES NO

3.2 Job Documentation SECTION NA

3.2.1.1 Evidence of frozen process approval as required by the customer? YES NO NA

3.2.1.2 Relevant purchase order number, purchase order requirements OR YES NO

inspection procedure numbers including as applicable:

3.2.1.5.1 Incoming inspection? YES NO NA

3.2.1.5.2 Pre-process cleaning method(s)? YES NO NA

3.2.1.5.3 Masking? YES NO NA

3.2.1.5.4 Fixturing, racking? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if fixturing and racking

3.2.1.5.5 In process cleaning, water break free check? YES NO

3.2.1.5.6 Etching? YES NO

3.2.1.5.8 Post-finishing thermal treatment? YES NO NA

3.2.1.5.9 In-process and final tests and inspections? YES NO NA

3.2.1.5.10 Final Inspection? YES NO NA

3.2.1.5.11 Packaging and handling? YES NO NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if parts are moved

3.2.1.5.12 Shipping? YES NO NA

3.3 Process Equipment Control and Maintenance SECTION NA

3.3.1 Are maintenance procedures written with preventive maintenance as a YES NO

3.3.2 Do records indicate that maintenance has been performed in YES NO

methods for airline cleanliness inspection.

3.3.6 Process Line Equipment SECTION NA

immersion time is so short that isolation of the work is not practical.

3.3.7 Power Supplies SECTION NA

Ripple must be checked on rectifiers at the calibration cycle when

3.3.8 Electrical Fixtures & Contacts SECTION NA

Compliance Assessment Guidance: NA applies if uniformity of oxide

3.3.9.1.1 The oven ID? YES NO

3.3.9.1.2 The operating range? YES NO

3.3.9.1.3 The uniformity requirement? YES NO

3.3.9.1.4 The working volume? YES NO

3.3.9.7 Is instrument (controller, overtemperature controller, recorder) YES NO

3.3.9.9 Is instrument calibration frequency at least semi-annually for digital YES NO

3.3.9.13 Do SAT results demonstrate an accuracy of ±5°F (±2.8°C)? YES NO

3.3.9.14.3 Are TUSs performed at least quarterly unless requirements in YES NO

Compliance Assessment Guidance: TUSs may be done less frequently,

3.3.10.1 Are temperature controllers calibrated? YES NO NA

3.4 Control of Processing Tank Solutions SECTION NA

3.4.4 Is there a procedurally defined control system to ensure solution YES NO

3.4.5.1 Tank Identification? YES NO

3.4.5.2 Tank Contents? YES NO

3.4.5.3 Tank size (working volume) and level? YES NO

3.4.5.4 Analysis frequency? YES NO

3.4.5.5 Constituents to be analyzed? YES NO

3.4.5.7 Date sampled and analyzed? YES NO

3.4.5.8 Analysis result and calculated constituent values? YES NO