VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC.

(QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 1 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

1.0 General

1.1 This document covers the requirements for the temper inspection of aluminum alloys by
eddy current electrical conductivity measurement.

1.2 Modifications to this procedure affecting Lockheed-Martin parts shall be approved in writing
by LM Aero – Marietta Materials and Processes prior to implementation.

1.3 Definitions

Refer to appendix V for definitions.

2.0 Equipment

2.1 Instrument

2.1.1 Verimet M4900C (conductivity meter with a variable frequency of 50/60 kHz)
2.1.1.1 SN 1641 with probe 4862C
2.1.1.2 SN 2086 with probe 4623C

2.2 Instrument conductivity standards

2.2.1 Common Conductivity Standards in the 30%, 40% & 50%IACS approximately.

2.2.2 Conductivity Standard for Al-Li alloys: 18% IACS (approximately).

2.2.3 A minimum of three (3) instrument conductivity standards shall be required for
testing production parts. One standard shall be within ±7% IACS of the
applicable acceptance range of the value to be measured and the other two (2)
shall bracket and be within ±25% IACS of the applicable acceptance range of
the value to be measured. A minimum of 3% IACS shall separate the
conductivity standards.

2.2.4 Instrument conductivity standards shall have an uncertainty equal to or less

than ±0.75% IACS up to and including 62% IACS and ±1.5% IACS above 62%
IACS (at 68°F ± 5°F).

2.2.5 At least, one standard shall cover the 25 to 32% IACS range and one standard
shall cover the 38 to 62% IACS range.

2.2.6 Periodic cleaning of the standards may be accomplished a solvent or by light

hand polishing only.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 2 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

2.2.7 Sanding, grinding or any method that may alter the metallurgical characteristics
of the standard is prohibited.

2.2.8 The instrument conductivity standards shall be certified at the same time the
time instrument is calibrated.

2.3 Instrument sensitivity shall be shall be capable of clearly distinguishing changes of

0.5%IACS over the conductivity range of the aluminum alloys under test.

2.4 Instrument shall be capable of measuring the accuracy of any reference conductivity
standard within ±0.5%IACS of its certified value in the instrument’s certified range up to
62% IACS and within ±1.0% IACS of any reference standard value greater than 62%
IACS (applicable to bare material only and through non-conductive coatings up to 0.003”
thick).

2.5 Instrument stability shall be capable of repetitive (within ±0.5%IACS) conductivity

measurements for a minimum of 15 minutes without any adjustments.

2.6 Instrument shall be capable of determining the conductivity of aluminum alloys with an
accuracy of ±1.0%IACS or better through electrically nonconductive films and coatings
up to 0.003” thick.

2.7 The instrument shall be capable of operating linearly within the range of the instrument
standards
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 3 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

3.0 References

Determination of Electrical Conductivity of Aluminum Alloys by Eddy Current

AITM6-6004
Method
AMS 2658 Hardness and Conductivity Inspection of Wrought Aluminum Alloy Parts
BAC 5651
Eddy Current Electrical Conductivity Inspection
(Boeing)
BAC 5946
Temper Inspection of Aluminum Alloys
(Boeing)
BAPS 168-013
Hardness and Electrical Conductivity Testing of Metals
(Bombardier)
BPS 4453 Conductivity Testing of Wrought Aluminum Alloys to Determine Heat Treat
(Bell Helicopter Textron) Condition
BSS 7351
Eddy Current Electrical Conductivity – Direct Reading Method
(Boeing)
BSS 7651
Direct Reading Conductivity Inspection, Personnel Certification For
(Boeing)
C-0566 Hardness, Conductivity and Hardness-Tensile Strength Relationships for
(Lockheed Martin Aero) Metals
DPS 1.05-8
Eddy Current Conductivity Testing – Equipment and Procedures
(Boeing – Long Beach)
Electrical Conductivity Test for Verification of Heat Treatment of Aluminum
MIL-STD-1537
Alloys – Eddy Current Method
MPI 168-013
Hardness and Electrical Conductivity Testing of Metals
(L-3 MAS)
MPS 250-303 Hardness and Electrical Conductivity Testing of Metals - Aerospatiale
(Bombardier) A330/A340
PPS 20.07
Electrical Conductivity Testing of Aluminum Alloys
(Bombardier - De Havilland)
PPS 30.01
Heat Treatment of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
(Bombardier - De Havilland)
PS 323
Temper Inspection of Aluminum Alloys
(Messier Dowty)
PS 21207
Eddy Current Determination of Electrical Conductivity for Aluminum Alloys
(Boeing – St-Louis)
STP54-101
Heat Treatment of Aluminum Alloys for Use on Aircraft
(Lockheed Martin Aero
Instruction Manual - Verimet M4900C Accurate Conductivity Meter

Note: With reference to BAC 5946 and the three above common standard specifications, Vac
Aero has been classified as having a Type II test system with operating ranges of 18%
to 51% IACS and 18% to 60% IACS.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 4 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

4.0 Calibration Requirements

4.1 OEM’s calibration frequency requirement

Calibration
Frequency
Frequency Written approval
OEM Specification reduction
Required required
(max)
(max)

Bombardier /
PPS 20.07 6 months Not allowed No
DeHavilland

Bombardier BAPS168-013 6 months Not allowed No

BAC5951 and all

Boeing 6 months 12 months Yes
related PSDs

Bell Helicopter BPS 4453 12 months Not allowed No

AMS 2658 (refers Refer to Mil- Refer to Mil- Refer to Mil-Std-

AMS
to Mil-Std-1537) Std-1537 Std-1537 1537

No (objective
Mil-Std Mil-Std-1537 120 days 12 months evidence required
only)

4.2 Based on para 4.1, the conductivity meter, the probe and the standards shall be calibrated
in accordance with MIL-STD-1537 and BAC5651 as a system at least every 4 months
(120 days) by an approved and certified laboratory.

4.2.1 The calibration frequency may be reduced to a maximum of six (6) months only
if three (3) consecutive calibration results do not show any out-of-tolerance
condition.

4.2.1.1 In the event calibration results show any out-of-tolerance condition

after frequency reduction, the calibration frequency shall be brought
back to a maximum of 120 days.

4.2.2.2 Calibration frequency may be reduced to a maximum of six (6) months

again only when para. 4.2.1 requirements are satisfied.

4.2.2 Calibration source shall be certified to MIL-STD-45662, ISO 17025 or

equivalent and their certification shall refer to their quality standard.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 5 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

4.3 Reference to Boeing type test system and operating range shall be on the calibration
sticker and certificate.

4.4 The test system shall be re-calibrated whenever:

4.4.1 the conductivity meter lacks the capability of measuring with an accuracy of
1% IACS
4.4.2 the probe or probe cable is replaced
4.4.3 the instrument needs repair
4.4.4 instrument standards are damaged
4.4.5 the probe cable length is changed

4.5 Laboratory conductivity reference standards used by the certified calibration source shall
comply with MIL-STD-1537 and BAC5651 requirements.

4.5.1 The laboratory conductivity reference standards shall consist of a minimum of

five (5) certified non-ferrous conductivity standards (Type II certification with
respect to BAC5651).

4.5.1.1 The reference standards selected shall provide widely spaced data
points to verify the test instrument accuracy within the certified range.

4.5.1.2 One standard shall be within ±2.5% IACS of the low end of the range of
the certification and one standard shall be within ± 2.5% IACS of the
high end of the range of the certification.

4.5.2 The laboratory conductivity reference standards shall have an uncertainty equal
to or less than the requirements shown below (at 68°F ± 5°F)

%IACS range Uncertainty

0.9 to 16 ±2.0% of value
>16 to 35 ±1.0% of value
>35 to 62 ±0.35% IACS
>62 to 104 ±1.0% IACS

4.6 The primary conductivity reference standards shall have an uncertainty equal to or less
than ±0.2%IACS or 0.7% of stated value, whichever is less. They shall be calibrated at
68°F ± 5°F.

4.7 Instrument conductivity standards (ref section 2.0) shall be calibrated by comparison
with laboratory conductivity reference standards and comply with MIL-STD-1537 and
BAC5651 for accuracy.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 6 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

4.8 Conductivity reference standards (primary, laboratory and instrument) dimensions shall
be as follows:

4.8.1 A size large enough to preclude an edge effect response, unless corrected
values are provided for each test instrument, instrument frequency and
reference standard size.

4.8.2 A minimum thickness of 3.0 times the Standard Depth of penetration.

4.9 Calibration shall include testing for accuracy, drift, linearity and lift-off capability. The
test instrument operates on the principle of maintaining a constant depth of penetration
by adapting the oscillator frequency to the conductivity of the part. The instrument shall
be calibrated to maintain a constant depth of penetration of 0.050”.

5.0 Test Limitations

5.1 Roughness and Cleanliness

The maximum surface roughness of parts to be tested shall be RMS 165. The areas to
be tested shall be free of dirt, grease, oil, or other visible contaminants. If required, the
surface shall be wiped with a clean cloth soaked in a solvent, followed by wiping with a
dry clean cloth.

5.2 Thickness

5.2.1 When thin or clad material is tested for electrical conductivity, a correction factor
shall be used. Thin material limitation is different for each customer:

Bombardier (BAPS) & Boeing (BAC & DPS) Less than 0.064”
Bombardier - De Havilland (PPS) Less than 0.060”
Bell Helicopter Textron (BPS) Refer to appendix IV
SAE (AMS) & Lockheed-Martin (C) Less than 0.044”

5.2.2 Bombardier (BAPS), De Havilland (PPS) and Boeing (BAC/BSS) have

correction factors included in their conductivity tables.

5.2.2.1 For thin Boeing parts, correction tables shall be applied in accordance
with BSS7351 requirements table V through VIII, depending on material
condition. Corrected acceptance values shall be determined from the
tables as follows:
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 7 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

a. Find the minimum material acceptance limit value (uncorrected) in the

left hand column of the applicable table. Read across the column until
you are at the part/material thickness. Note this value as the
corrected minimum acceptance limit.

b. Repeat above process to obtain corrected maximum acceptance limit,

except use the maximum material acceptance limit (uncorrected).

c. For material acceptance limit values (uncorrected) that have a

fraction of a %IACS, interpolate the corrected value from the next
higher and the next lower uncorrected value.

d. For material thicknesses that are between the thicknesses listed in

the tables, interpolate the corrected values from the next thicker and
the next thinner corrected values in the table.

e. Results may be rounded using the rounding technique detailed in

para. 9.10.1.

5.2.3 Bell Helicopter (Textron) parts shall be tested with a back-up plate without any
other correction factor in accordance with BPS 4453 depending on the
thickness of the part and on the expected conductivity. The back-up plate shall
be a flat sheet of 5052 aluminum alloy in the O condition, 0.050" thick or
greater. Refer to Appendix IV to determine the minimum thickness of the part
for which conductivity may be measured without a back-up plate.
For the Verimet 4900C used at 60kHz, the minimum sample thickness without
use of the back-up plate are given below for specific conductivity.

Conductivity
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
(%IACS)
Minimum
thickness 0.087 0.072 0.062 0.055 0.050 0.047 0.044 0.042 0.039
(in)

5.2.4 Lockheed-Martin parts tested in accordance with AMS 2658 requirements and
parts heat treated in accordance with AMS 2770 do not include a correction
factor. Testing in accordance with those specifications or a specification that
doesn’t include correction factor shall be inspected and actual values shall be
corrected, as per Appendix III.

5.3 Concave Curvature

The minimum concave curvature of a surface to be tested shall be on a 10” radius (or
20” diameter). Otherwise refer to customer specification.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 8 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

5.4 Convex Curvature

5.4.1 The minimum convex curvature of a surface to be tested shall be on a 3” radius

(or 6” diameter). Otherwise refer to customer specification.

5.4.2 Refer to BPS 4453 for inspection criteria of 2024 tubing for Bell Helicopter parts.

5.4.3 Refer to BSS7351 tables IX for acceptance value of round tubing for Boeing
parts.

5.4.3.1 The following technique shall be used for measuring conductivity on

round tubing:

a. Place the probe on the part surface.

b. Slowly rock the probe and watch for the maximum reading
c. Record the maximum reading

5.4.3.2 For part/material wall thickness equal to or greater than 0.063”, refer to
table IX for conductivity values corrected for surface curvature.
Corrected acceptance values shall be determined as follows:

a. Find the minimum material acceptance limit value (uncorrected) in the

left hand column. Read across the column until you are at the
curvature diameter. Note this value as the corrected minimum
acceptance limit.

b. Repeat above process to obtain corrected maximum acceptance limit,

except use the maximum material acceptance limit (uncorrected).

c. For material acceptance limit values (uncorrected) that have a

fraction of a %IACS, interpolate the corrected value from the next
higher and the next lower uncorrected value.

d. For material curvatures that are between the diameters listed in the
tables, interpolate the corrected values from the next larger radius
and the next smaller radius corrected values in the table.

e. Results may be rounded using the rounding technique detailed in

para. 9.10.1.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 9 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

5.4.3.3 For part/material wall thickness less than 0.063”, refer to para 5.2.2.1 to
obtain conductivity values corrected for thin gauge materials (table V
through VIII). Then apply the surface curvature correction values of table
IX to the thin gauge corrected values. Corrected acceptance values
shall be determined as follows:

a. Find the minimum thin gauge (corrected) conductivity value in the left
hand column of table IX. Read across the column until you are at the
curvature diameter. Note this value as the corrected minimum
acceptance limit.

b. Repeat above process to obtain corrected maximum acceptance limit,

except use the maximum thin gauge corrected conductivity value.

c. For material acceptance limit values (uncorrected) that have a

fraction of a %IACS, interpolate the corrected value from the next
higher and the next lower uncorrected value.

d. For material curvatures that are between the diameters listed in the
tables, interpolate the corrected values from the next larger radius
and the next smaller radius corrected values in the table.

e. Results may be rounded using the rounding technique detailed in

para. 9.10.1.

5.5 Edge Limitations

5.5.1 No reading shall be taken with the edge of the probe closer than ¼” (0.25”) to
any edge of the surface under test.
The Verimet M4900C probe housing is 1¼” (1.25”) diameter and the probe
diameter is 0.438”.

5.5.2 For Boeing parts

a. a minimum distance of ¾” from the center of the test probe to the edge of the
part or from an adjacent metal part shall be maintained, which gives a local
test area with a minimum width of 1½” to maintain system accuracy.

b. a minimum distance of 1” from the center of the test probe to the sides of a
recess, cutout or slot in a part.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 10 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

5.6 Nonconductive (Surface) Coating

5.6.1 Conductivity measurements may be taken through thin surface finishes such as
anodize (except hard anodize), zinc chromate or other non-conductive coatings,
paints and primers provided these coatings do not exceed 0.003” in thickness.
The instrument lift-off limitation is 0.003” maximum for automatic compensation.
Beyond this limit a correction factor shall be applied.

5.6.2 Conductivity measurements shall not be taken through surface coatings of

conductive paint/prime, solid film lubricants, hard anodize or any other similar
coatings that could influence the conductivity reading.

5.6.3 For Boeing parts, the lift-off shall not exceed 0.005” to maintain system
accuracy.

5.7 Limited Surface Areas

For long narrow parts and parts with small surface areas, the areas to which the eddy
current test apply shall be as defined in customer specification (as in BSS7351) or if
not, in DPS 1.05-8.

5.8 Alclad Material

5.8.1 The alclad material shall be inspected in accordance with customer

specification. Most customers have included a “clad” correction factor in their
conductivity tables.

5.8.2 For Boeing parts, the clad correction tables shall be used (BSS7351 tables VI,
VII and VIII).

5.8.3 For Bell Helicopter parts, acceptance limits shall be as shown below. For
annealed (O temper), non-clad values for conductivity apply.

Alloy Temper Conductivity (%IACS)

T42 30.5 max
2024
T62 36.0 – 41.0
7075 T62 31.5 – 36.0

5.9 Surface Flatness

The surface of the tested part shall be flat such that all of the probe face touches the
part.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 11 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

5.10 In cases where coatings shall be removed prior testing for compliance, coating removal
shall be limited to the minimum area necessary for testing. The area shall be buffed
lightly with a scouring pad using a pneumatic tool until a constant conductivity value is
obtained. Thickness of part at the testing location shall be measured before and after
coating removal and recorded on the process sheet.

6.0 Periodical Test System Verification (Standardization)

6.1 Immediately prior to performing inspections of parts, the lift-off effect shall be determined
using a 0.003” thick nonconductive flat shim (or calibration foil) Immediately prior to
performing inspections of parts, the lift-off effect shall be determined using a 0.003” thick
nonconductive flat shim (or calibration foil) and the conductivity meter calibration shall be
verified against at least three conductivity standard blocks having values close to the
tested parts. Two of the three test blocks chosen shall bracket the expected conductivity
of the part. Adjustment shall be within ±0.3% IACS (Vac Aero practice).

6.1.1 The results of the lift-off effect verification and all standardization readings shall
be recorded on form F5953-3. The instrument standardization procedure is
detailed in Appendix I.

6.2 During continuous inspection, the instrument shall be verified at intervals no greater
than 15 minutes. A final verification shall be performed upon completion of inspection
of parts (BPS 4453 para 4.1.1.2 requirement). Discrepancies of more than ±0.3%
IACS shall be reported to the quality assurance department.

6.3 If surface of conductivity standard blocks is damaged, the block must be retested prior
to be used again to ensure accurate calibration value.

7.0 Operating Temperature

7.1 The conductivity measuring instrument, the standards, and the test material shall be
maintained within 2°F of each other (ref. BAC7351). Parts shall be tested at room
temperature (i.e. 70°F ± 15°F). Avoid performing conductivity test in air draft.

7.2 Before testing for electrical conductivity after an aging cycle, thick aluminum parts of
¾” or more shall be left at room temperature for at least five (5) hours to provide
sufficient time for dissipating residual internal heat. Typical cases are forgings.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 12 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

8.0 Probe Precautions

8.1 Do not rub or slide the probe tip against any surface.
8.2 Wipe the probe tip before applying it on a test block.
8.3 Do not bang the probe tip against surface being measured.
8.4 Maintain a firm consistent pressure while testing.
8.5 Keep the probe tip clean by wiping often with a clean cloth.
8.6 Do not over bend the probe wire.
8.7 Do not place parts or tray on the probe wire. Always keep it free.

9.0 Conductivity Test Operating Procedure

9.1 Before starting any measurement it is imperative to understand and follow the above-
mentioned rules and instructions.

9.2 Place the meter switch in the COMP position and let it warm up for 15 minutes. Verify and
adjust the instrument as per Appendix I.

9.3 Place the probe flat and firmly against the test surface. Read the conductivity directly from
the digital display.

9.4 Sufficient readings shall be taken at locations evenly distributed over the surfaces of the
tested part.

9.5 To obtain representative readings, sufficient measurements shall be performed at various

points on each part.

9.6 Conductivity shall be measured at extremes of metal thickness (thickest and thinnest) on
parts with non-uniform thickness.

9.7 Measurements shall be performed on both major surfaces (upper and lower) of a plate at
areas near corners and center.

9.8 Readings shall be taken with the probe housing edge placed no closer than 0.375” (3/8”)
to any recess, holes and cutouts (refer to para 5.5 for specific customer requirements)
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 13 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

9.9 Conductivity variations within the part or within a lot shall not be greater than 2% IACS. If
greater variation is measured, refer to the specific customer specification for final
disposition. Refer to para 11.4 for Messier-Dowty specific requirements.

9.9.1 For Boeing parts, when hardness inspection is not required, the maximum variation
of conductivity across all measurement areas is 2% IACS. When hardness and
conductivity are both required, the maximum variation in conductivity is 3% IACS.

9.10 Inspection readings shall always strictly respect the minimum and maximum
requirements. Readings round off to the nearest 0.5% IACS shall be used only when it
is not conflicting with the minimum or maximum requirements (e.g. a reading of 29.3%
rounded off to 29.5% would not be acceptable if the minimum requirement is 29.5%).
The same rule applies when reporting the reading summary results rounded off to the
nearest 0.5% IACS.

9.10.1 For Boeing parts, results may be rounded to the nearest 0.5% according to the
following:

a. Results in the range X.000 to X.250 shall be rounded down to X.0

b. Results in the range X.251 to X.500 shall be rounded up to X.5

c. Results in the range X.501 to X.750 shall be rounded down to X.5

d. Results in the range X.751 to Y.999 shall be rounded up to Y.0 (next whole
number)

9.11 Conductivity values shall be reported as a minimum-maximum reading range.

Note: For common causes of problems and their symptoms, refer to Appendix II.

9.12 For Goodrich direct orders, conductivity test shall be conducted on a 2” grid spacing on
a minimum of one part from the center of the load and two parts from other areas of the
load.

10.0 Inspection Frequency

Aluminum parts shall be 100% inspected unless otherwise specified by the customer.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 14 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

11.0 Acceptance Criteria

11.1 Acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with the applicable customer specification
as defined on the process sheets.

11.2 In most cases, hardness shall also be verified to obtain a meaningful conductivity test (both
hardness and conductivity values are required to define a given heat-treat temper condition).

11.2.1 For Bell Helicopter parts, it is mandatory that a hardness or tensile test be performed
in accordance with BPS 4467, BPS 4139 or the applicable material specification when
conductivity does not fall within the limits of acceptability.

11.3 For Lockheed Martin parts, acceptance criteria for 7XXX series alloys shall be based on
AMS 2658 requirements.

11.4 For Messier-Dowty parts, the range of conductivity results between the thinnest and the
thickest sections shall be lower than 3.4% IACS within the same lot and lower than 1.7%
IACS for each part.

12.0 Qualification of Personnel

Qualified personnel shall be those who have succeeded written and practical proficiency tests.
Qualification of personnel shall be renewed every three year (Ref. VAIM 5978).
Complementary training may be obtained through the Bombardier qualification program.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 15 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

13.0 Revision
Issue # Date Summary of Changes and Reason Required by Approved by
1 Feb 25 - 97 First issue M.Bergeron M.Bergeron

2 Mar 25 - 9 8 Add ref. at sec. 3 M.Bergeron M.Bergeron

3 April 21 - 98 Add note at sec.3, Sec.4 refer to Boeing Type system per auditor. M.Bergeron M.Bergeron

4 Jan 4 - 99 Sec. 11 report results as reading range only, mean reading not req’d. M.Bergeron M.Bergeron

5 Apr 9 - 99 General review, reword the procedure M.Bergeron M.Bergeron

6 Apr 17 - 2000 Add at sec. 2.0 std of 20% for Westland Al-Li alloys. M.Bergeron M.Bergeron
Add BPS at sec 3.0
Add ref VAIM at 12.0
7 Apr 25 - 2001 Review 8.0 M.Bergeron M.Bergeron
Add back-up plate designation at 5.2
Add sec par at 7.0 (Bell Textron audit)
Par 6 add final checking
Para 9 j, add round off limitations
8 Apr 24 - 2002 Para 12 rewrite the text M.Bergeron M.Bergeron
Appendix I details the Verimet calibration procedure following Bell (Textron)
audit.
Para 4.0 Add calibration certify per ISO standard or equivalent per Parker
9 Sept 13 - 2003 M.Bergeron M.Bergeron
auditor.
Para 6.0 Add two test blocks shall bracket %IACS expected per Bell (Textron
10 Apr 16 - 2004 M.Bergeron M.Bergeron
Auditor)
11 Feb. 14 - 2005 Para 9.0 l) added to reflect Goodrich conductivity test procedure S. Halwani S. Halwani

12 Jan. 16 - 2006 Acceptable variation with each standard block changed to 0.3% S. Halwani S. Halwani
General review
Section 2 Mention two Verimet Conductivity meters
13 Sept 22 - 2007 Section 3 – Update list of references M. Ciarlo M. Ciarlo
Para 9 i) add max accepted variation within a lot
Quality assurance manager changed
Para 11.3 added to specify Lockheed Martin acceptance criteria on on electrical
14 Apr 4 - 2008 M. Ciarlo M. Ciarlo
conductivity for Al 7XXX series
General Review
15 Nov 15 - 2008 M. Ciarlo M. Ciarlo
Add new conductivity probe
Add Messier-Dowty requirements
16 Dec 20 - 2009 M. Ciarlo M. Ciarlo
Add instrument accuracy and sensitivity requirements
Para 1.2 added – procedure modifications shall be submitted to Lockheed-
Martin
17 Jan 25 – 2012 A. Bujeault M. Ciarlo
Modify par 5.2 to clarify use of correction factor and appendix III added
Modify para 11.3 to replace STP54-101 by AMS 2658
Add para 1.3,
Modify para 2.2.3, 2.2.4 & 2.4 to comply with Boeing requirements
Add para 2.2.6 to 2.2.8, 2.6 & 2.7
Add 4.4.1 to 4.4.5, 4.5.1.1, 4.5.1.2, 4.5.2, 4.8 & 4.9
18 Dec 1 – 2012 M. Ciarlo M. Ciarlo
Modify para 4.5.1& 4.6 to comply with Boeing requirements
Add 5.2.2.1 (a) to (e), 5.4.2, 5.4.3, 5.5.2, 5.6.2, 5.6.3 & 5.8.3
Modify para 5.2.3 to comply with Boeing requirements
Add 9.9.1 & 9.10.1 & appendix IV
19 Mar 4 -2013 Modify Para 4.0. -frequency changed to 120 days M. Ciarlo M. Ciarlo

20 Mar 14 - 2013 Modify Para 4.0. OEM calibration frequency added M. Ciarlo M. Ciarlo

21 Aug 24 - 2013 Add Verimet Instruction Manual as a reference document M. Ciarlo M. Ciarlo

22 Mar 26 - 2015 Add Appendix V M. Ciarlo L. Beauvais

23 Jan 18 - 2018 Note b) Appendix I removed (operating range) M. Ciarlo L. Beauvais

Add lift-off effect determination prior to standardization of the instrument (para
24 Aug 25 - 2021 M. Ciarlo L. Beauvais
6..1 and Appendix I)

Approved by: Approved by:

M. Ciarlo, QA Director L. Beauvais, VP
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 16 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

APPENDIX I
STANDARDIZATION PROCEDURE FOR VERIMET M4900C CONDUCTIVITY METER

a) Ensure that probe is cleaned and that the probe connector is firmly inserted into the meter.

b) All conductivity standards shall be within 2°F (1°C) of the local room temperature where the
conductivity meter is to be used.

c) The meter may be operated from fully charged internal batteries or with the AC
adapter/charger connected to a 115 VAC outlet.

d) If batteries are weak, all displayed decimal points will lit and meter must not be used. When
this occurs, batteries shall be recharge prior to further use or the meter may be operated with
the AC adapter/charger connected.

e) Turn the NORM/OFF/COMP switch to the COMP position. The warm-up period required is
approximately 20 min. The NORM position shall not be used at any time.

f) Immediately prior to every standardization, the lift-off effect shall be determined as follows (use
form F5975-3):

 Place the probe on one of the conductivity standards and record the reading obtained.

 Place a 0.003” thick nonconducting calibration foil between the probe and the same
conductivity standard and record the reading obtained.

 The difference in the two readings shall not exceed 0.5 %IACS. If the difference exceeds
0.5 %IACS, do not use the instrument and notify the quality assurance representative. The
instrument shall be quarantined and returned to the calibration facility for repair.

g) The meter shall be standardized immediately after determining the lift-off effect and at minimum
15-minute intervals during continuous operations using three certified standards as follows:

- Press the probe flat and firmly in the center of the low conductivity standard. Use the
compensation adjustment knob until the conductivity reading matches the IACS value
of the certified standard within 0.3% IACS.

- Repeat the operations with the high conductivity standard and with the middle
conductivity standard.

- Repeat the steps above until the Verimet readings are within ±0.3% IACS for each of
the three (3) conductivity standards.

- If readings exceed 0.3% IACS, notify the quality assurance representative.

Note: The Verimet M4900C accuracy is 0.38% IACS. However, practically Vac Aero has always
succeeded to set the Verimet within 0.3% IACS. A re-calibration shall be required when the
discrepancy is above 0.5% IACS.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 17 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

APPENDIX II
COMMON CAUSES OF PROBLEMS IN CONDUCTIVITY AND THEIR SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM CAUSE OF PROBLEM

1. Batteries weak or dead
Unable to calibrate 2. Damaged probe or cable
3. Using wrong probe
4. Batteries weak
5. Instrument not warmed up
Calibration drifts
6. Instrument voltage stabilizer malfunction
7. Instrument relocated without being recalibrated
8. Damaged probe or cable
9. Loose probe wear shoe
Erratic readings
10. Cable connections loose
11. Test surface exceeds RMS165 or is dirty
12. Mid-range calibration adjustment wrong
13. Not using back-up plate when required
14. Testing through prohibited surface film
High or low readings
15. Instrument not calibrated properly
16. Test surface too small
17. Test surface curved
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 18 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

APPENDIX III
CORRECTION FACTOR FOR VERIMET M4900C

When this appendix is applicable as per para. 5.2, actual values of conductivity obtained shall be
divided by correction factor applicable. This factor is dependent of part thickness.

Thickness (thousandths)* (0.00##) Correction factor

15 0,80
16 0,83
17 0,87
18 0,90
19 0,93
20 0,97
21 1,01
22 1,03
23 1,04
24 1,06
25 1,08
26 1,09
27 1,09
28 1,10
29 1,11
30 1,12
31 1,13
32 1,12
33 1,12
34 1,11
35 1,10
36 1,09
37 1,07
38 1,05
39 1,04
40 1,03
41 1,03
42 1,02
43 1,02
44 1,01
45 **

* Do not conductivity test parts under 0,015'' thick, as compensation (COMP) doesn't work at those
thicknesses.
** No correction factor required for thickness over 0,044''.
Those values are approximated values obtained from figure II of Verimet M4900C instruction manual.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 19 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

APPENDIX IV
DEPTH OF PENETRATION VS CONDUCTIVITY (Ref BPS 4453)

Note: When the combination of a given material thickness and expected conductivity in %IACS lies
below the curve for the frequency used for the measurement (Verimet 4900C uses 60 kHz), a backup
plate shall be used.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 20 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

APPENDIX V
DEFINITIONS

Conductivity ()
Reciprocal of volume resistivity () or 1/. It is the relative value of conductivity of any nonferrous
metal, to the arbitrary value set for commercially pure copper and is usually expressed in percent
Annealed Copper Standard (percent IACS or %IACS), at 20°C by definition, where copper is 100
%IACS.
Measure of the ability of a material to conduct electricity

Eddy current
Electrical current induced in a conductor by means of time-varying electromagnetic magnetic field

Effective Penetration Depth (eff)

Defined as 2.66 times the standard penetration depth
eff = 2.66

Instrument Conductivity Standards

Similar or identical to the secondary or laboratory standards except that they are fastened securely to
an eddy current instrument and certified within ±0.85 %IACS at 20°C when calibrated against
secondary or laboratory standards using the eddy current instrument as tile transfer means.

Lift-Off Effect
Distance between the probe and the surface of the part, typically due to electrically non-conductive
films or coatings (primer, paints, etc.) above which the conductivity varies more than ±0.5% IACS,
or,
Effect observed in the signal of equipment due to a change of the magnetic coupling when the
distance between the part and the probe varies,
or,
The change in eddy current meter indication when the spacing between the surface probe and the
test object changes from an ‘in contact’ position to a position away from the surface of the test
object. The resulting gap between the probe and the object surface is filled with nonconductive air,
coatings or shims

Primary (or Reference) Conductivity Standards

Uniformly dimensioned rectangular or round bars of homogeneous nonferrous metal finished to a
surface finish which will permit dimensional and resistance measurements such that they can be
certified for conductivity values within ±0.2 %IACS or ±0.5 percent of stated value, whichever is less
at 20°C. These standards must be NIST traceable.
 VAC-AERO INTERNATIONAL INC. (QUEBEC DIVISION)
VAIM Procedure No 5975
Issue No 24
August 25, 2021
Page 21 of 21
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY TESTING

Probe
Many turns of fine wire usually wound on a ferrite or laminated iron core in such a way as to produce
a varying electromagnetic field when energized by an alternating current, usually 60 kHz or above for
conductivity measurements

Secondary (or Laboratory) Conductivity Standards

Blocks or coupons on nonferrous homogeneous metal of adequate thickness to prevent noticeable
effects on the meter reading. The surface finish must be of sufficient quality so as to eliminate lift-off
errors and of such an area as to preclude edge effect calibrated on alternating current by comparison
with primary conductivity standards and certified within ±0.35 %IACS or 1% of stated value,
whichever is less at 20°C.

Standard Penetration Depth ()

Depth at which the eddy current density has been reduced of 37% compared to the surface
 = 26 / (  )1/2

where  is the standard penetration depth in inches,  is the relative permeability (1.0 for
nonmagnetic materials),  is the conductivity in %IACS and  is the frequency in Hz

Volume Resistivity ()

Resistivity of a known volume of nonferrous metal expressed in ohm (centimeters) 2 per centimeter or
simply ohm centimeters where the area is of uniform cross-section A in cm 2 and the resistance R in
ohms is the value for a known length L in cm of the area A

 = RA/L (ohm centimeters) @ 20°C