Process Control Methods Standard Debuted for Aerospace Applications

 

A global association committed to providing and monitoring standards for the engineering profession recently published a new standard with guidance material to support specific aerospace engine applications, with a focus on the practical application of control methods for many different situations.

Dan Eigenbrode, vice president of module centers & supplier quality at Pratt & Whitney and AESQ Executive Sponsor for AS13006

SAE International in Warrendale, PA, released AS13006: Process Control Methods, which AESQ Strategy Group members will accept the immediate use of AS13006 within their respective supply chains. In addition, organizations are strongly encouraged to begin using this latest standard before it becomes a contractual requirement.

Aerospace engine manufacturers and their suppliers currently have differing requirements for process control that have similar intent. This new SAE standard establishes a common practice and methodology, defining the requirements for ongoing process control to improve quality performance through optimized process variation management beyond customer-defined key characteristics.

“The release of AS13006 is a big step forward in harmonizing requirements in the Aero-Engine supply chain,” said Dan Eigenbrode, vice president of module centers & supplier quality at Pratt & Whitney and AESQ Executive Sponsor for AS13006. Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ), an SAE ITC program, was founded and formed by major aerospace engine companies to standardize quality requirements across the supply chain.

“Process Control is the key ingredient for sustained product quality and AS13006 provides the means for all suppliers to implement robust systems to ensure consistent quality regardless of product type,” added Eigenbrode.

AS13006, the previously released AS13003, Measurement Systems Analysis Requirements for the Aero Engine Supply Chain, and AS13004, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and Control Plans align and support the SAE standard AS9145, Requirements for Advance Product Quality Planning and Production Part Approval Process, developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG)/SAE G-14 AAQSC Committee. The SAE G-22 AESQ Committee and the IAQG/SAE G-14 AAQSC Committee worked together cooperatively to ensure proper alignment of these standards.This standard also aligns and collaborates with the requirements of AS9103, Quality Management Systems – Variation Management of Key Characteristics.

Although designed for the aerospace engine supply chain, AS13003, AS13004, and AS13006 may be applied effectively by other segments of the aviation, space, and defense industries.

The Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ) Strategy Group, a program of the SAE ITC, was established to develop, specify, maintain, promote, and deploy quality standards specific to the aerospace engine supply chain. AESQ member companies include Arconic, GE Aviation, GKN Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace, MTU Aero Engines, PCC, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Safran.