NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Association) accreditation for EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) is a critical, rigorous certification standard required for suppliers in the aerospace, defence and space industries, focusing on non-conventional machining processes.
To help its EDM customers achieve and maintain NADCAP certification, United Machining has developed a dedicated service package for its AgieCharmilles EDM machines that optimises their high performance, repeatability and traceability.
NADCAP certification ensures that wire and spark erosion technologies and processes used by component manufacturers in the global aerospace, defence and space sectors meet a range of standardised, high-quality controls for critical components and the processes employed to manufacture them.
United Machining, previously GF Machining Solutions, has developed a dedicated service package to help its
AgieCharmilles EDM (wire, sink and fast hole drilling) customers achieve and maintain this global mark of excellence.
The core element of this package focuses on planned preventive maintenance conducted by highly-experienced United Machining engineers, in accordance with NADCAP AC7116 specifications, to guarantee the repeatability and traceability of their EDM processes and ensure that their EDM machines are operating at peak performance.
According to NADCAP AC7116 specifications, repeatable EDM machining results require perfect mastery of the EDM spark. Using highly calibrated oscilloscope technology, United Machining engineers, during their customer visits, measure and, where and when appropriate, adjust the shape of the spark to guarantee repeatability, ensure tight tolerances and consistent surface finishes, and reduce the heat affected layer.
NADCAP compliance also requires customers to have in place procedures that record, validate and document EDM parameters used; these can include dielectric fluid condition, generator settings and machine maintenance etc., and that all processes and procedures, including machine operator skills, qualifications and training match NADCAP checklist requirements.
Martin Spencer, Managing Director of United Machining (UK) said: “NADCAP certification is tough and intensive. Our dedicated and proven service and support package can help customers prepare for, and pass, their scheduled NADCAP audits by ensuring that their EDM documentation is up to scratch and that strict and robust EDM process controls are in place.”