AC7122-P REV.

B
Issued 2007-10
AUDIT CRITERIA
Revised 2013-09
161 Thorn Hill Road
Warrendale, PA 15086-7527 Superseding AC7122 Rev A

TO BE USED ON AUDITS STARTING ON OR AFTER 27 APRIL, 2014

Nadcap
AUDIT CRITERIA FOR
NONMETALLIC MATERIALS – TESTING LABORATORIES
P - PART MANUFACTURERS CAPTIVE LABORATORIES

Note: AC7122 Rev A previously included details on the accreditation process utilizing the AC7122 series documents and
all questions for P, I and R. For Revision B, the AC7122 document has been broken into four documents:
• AC7122 (base document) - Contains details on the accreditation process utilizing the AC7122 series documents.
• AC7122-P - Contains questions only applicable to Part Manufacturers Captive Laboratories
• AC7122-I - Contains questions only applicable to Independent Test Laboratories
• AC7122-R - Contains questions only applicable to Raw Material Manufacturers Captive Laboratories

PRI operating procedures provide that "This report is published by PRI to advance the state of technical, engineering, and quality
sciences. The use of this report is entirely voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent
infringement arising there from, is the sole responsibility of the user."

PRI values your input. To provide feedback on this document, please contact the appropriate commodity staff engineer.
(Contact information is located at http://www.eauditnet.com under “Contact Us”.)
Copyright 2014 Performance Review Institute. All rights reserved.
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TABLE OF AUDIT CONTENTS

1. Verification of Corrective Actions ............................................................................................................................ 3

2. Facility (General) ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Quality Assurance (Q.A.) and Procedure System .................................................................................................. 3
4. Specimen Identification and Tracking ..................................................................................................................... 3
5. Specimen Handling ................................................................................................................................................. 4
6. Computer-Controlled Equipment ............................................................................................................................ 4
7. Calibration Identification .......................................................................................................................................... 4
8. Standards ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
9. Out of Service Equipment ....................................................................................................................................... 4
10. Employee-Owned Equipment ................................................................................................................................. 4
11. Specimen Dimensions ............................................................................................................................................ 4
12. Test Fixtures ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
13. Thermocouples ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
14. Specimen Replacement Testing and Retesting ...................................................................................................... 5
15. Accountability .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
16. Invalidation of Test Results ..................................................................................................................................... 5
17. Probable Cause ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
18. Test Report ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
19. Preparation of Test Report ...................................................................................................................................... 6
20. Revisions to Test Reports ....................................................................................................................................... 6
21. Mechanical Testing Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 6
22. Physical Testing Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 9
23. Chemical Testing Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 9
24. Thermal Testing Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 9

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1.0 VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTIONS SECTION N/A

1.1 For re-accreditation audits, was corrective action from previous audits YES NO N/A
implemented and sustained?

2.0 FACILITY (GENERAL)

2.1 Attach a list of Subscriber Voting Members represented at this Laboratory.

2.2 Does the laboratory have one of the following active certifications: AS/EN/JISQ YES NO N/A
9100 (AS/EN9110)?

The Nadcap Composites Task Group - Non Metallic Materials Testing Sub-Group recognizes
AS/EN/JISQ9100 (AS/EN9110). If the supplier has been audited and approved by any Nadcap
recognized agency for compliance with AS/EN/JISQ9100 (AS/EN9110), then no further assessment for
quality management systems will be required. Although specific audit criteria for evaluation of the general
quality management system is not included within the text of this checklist, the requirements of
AS/EN/JISQ9100 (AS/EN9110) do form a part of the standard used in the Nadcap Non Metallic Materials
Testing Accreditation program.
As such, auditors may identify and record nonconformances related to the quality management system.
The supplier must address these nonconformances in order to obtain Nadcap Accreditation.

2.3 Is the testing environment designed to minimize vibrations, electrical transients, YES NO
voltage fluctuations, RF pollution, and atmospheric contamination?

2.4 Does the laboratory maintain cleanliness, housekeeping, and orderly handling of YES NO
material?

2.5 Is equipment used in an environment that is not detrimental to their function? YES NO

3.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE (Q.A) AND PROCEDURE SYSTEM

3.1 Do controlled, written procedures/instructions exist for the following: YES NO

a. Detailed testing methods
b. Records of results
c. Validation and security of electronic data storage, transfer, analysis, and
presentation systems and software
d. Disposition of samples (e.g., retain, return to customer)

3.2 Are written procedures or computer programs, under revision control and (as YES NO
applicable) software quality assurance control, issued and followed for all
applicable tests?

3.3 Do test procedures include specimen preparation, and are they sufficiently detailed YES NO
so that the test can be consistently repeated in that laboratory?

3.4 Are test procedures or test methods being used of the latest revision, unless YES NO
otherwise specified by the customer?

4.0 SPECIMEN IDENTIFICATION AND TRACKING SECTION N/A

N/A for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited Labs.

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4.1 Are there documented procedures/work instructions established to uniquely YES NO N/A
identify specimens so they are traceable to the material lot number or part number
they represent?

5.0 SPECIMEN HANDLING SECTION N/A

N/A for ISO/IEC 17025 accredited Labs.

5.1 Does the laboratory's system provide for tracking and accountability of all YES NO
specimens?

5.2 Are specimens stamped, tagged or otherwise identified to avoid inter-mixing, until YES NO
disposal or return?

5.3 Does a procedure exist that defines specimen handling policies, including: YES NO
a. Specimen protection for possible future examination
b.

6.0 COMPUTER-CONTROLLED EQUIPMENT SECTION N/A

6.1 Is computer controlled and/or data acquisition equipment calibrated as a system? YES NO

7.0 CALIBRATION IDENTIFICATION

7.1 Are calibration status labels posted on each calibrated test machine and YES NO
measuring device? (Where a status sticker is impractical, other means shall be
used to identify the status of the calibration.)

7.2 Do calibration labels contain as a minimum: YES NO

a. Unique identification number traceable to the calibrated test instrument
and the records of calibration
b. The calibration agency/individual
c. Calibration limitations if applicable
d. Date calibrated
e. Date equipment is due for re-calibration (if applicable)

8.0 STANDARDS

8.1 Are standards clearly identified to prevent mixing between primary, secondary, and YES NO
working standards and non-calibrated equipment and standards?

9.0 OUT OF SERVICE EQUIPMENT

9.1 Is out of service equipment identified and segregated (if possible) from equipment YES NO
in use?

10.0 EMPLOYEE-OWNED EQUIPMENT SECTION N/A

10.1 Is there a procedure addressing the calibration and usage of “employee-owned” YES NO
equipment used for acceptance purposes?

11.0 SPECIMEN DIMENSIONS SECTION N/A

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11.1 Are all gage dimensions that are used in calculations measured and recorded? YES NO

11.2 Are specimens visually inspected for surface anomalies prior to test? YES NO

11.3 Is magnification recorded when used? YES NO N/A

12.0 TEST FIXTURES SECTION N/A

12.1 Do test fixtures meet applicable requirements? YES NO

12.2 Are fixtures maintained to preclude deformation or damage? YES NO

12.3 Are parts of fixture assemblies matched by number when meant to be used YES NO N/A
together? Refers to large pieces only.

12.4 Are fixtures traceable to test, if requested by the customer? YES NO N/A

13.0 THERMOCOUPLES SECTION N/A

13.1 Are thermocouples used, appropriate for test range? YES NO

13.2 Are exposed wires free of twists prior to junctions or per customer requirements? YES NO

13.3 Is the thermocouple junction either welded or pressure joined? YES NO

13.4 If thermocouples are not individually calibrated, is wire calibrated (certified) in YES NO N/A
accordance with standards as specified by the customer (e.g. ASTM E220 or
EN60514-2)?

13.5 If calibrations are performed in-house, are thermocouple calibration procedures YES NO N/A
documented?

14.0 SPECIMEN REPLACEMENT TESTING AND RETESTING SECTION N/A

14.1 Is there a written policy for specimen replacement testing and retesting (in YES NO
accordance with customer requirements), established and referenced through the
Quality System?

14.2 When an outlier is identified in a set of specimen results, is there an assignable YES NO N/A
cause investigation?

15.0 ACCOUNTABILITY SECTION N/A

15.1 Are all specimens tested by the laboratory accounted for, whether tested to YES NO
completion or failure, including replacement tests and retest?

15.2 Are replaced specimens documented in the laboratory’s internal records? YES NO

16.0 INVALIDATION OF TEST RESULTS SECTION N/A

16.1 Is invalidation of test results authorized by the material specification, or other YES NO
contractual documents?

16.2 Are invalid test results evaluated and retained? YES NO

17.0 PROBABLE CAUSE

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17.1 Do the laboratory’s procedures concerning replacement testing require that invalid YES NO
tests, subject to replacement testing, be assigned a probable cause?

18.0 TEST REPORT

18.1 Does the laboratory document all valid test results in a test report? For captive YES NO
laboratories, this is controlled by a quality assurance function.

19.0 PREPARATION OF TEST REPORT

19.1 Is the use of `white-out' or erasures on the signed test reports, test record YES NO
documents or copies prohibited?

19.2 Are test results for all specimens in the same set included on the same test report? YES NO

19.3 Are retest and nonconforming values identified? YES NO N/A

20.0 REVISIONS TO TEST REPORTS SECTION N/A

20.1 Are revisions to test reports handled in one of the following manners: YES NO
a. A new test report number is issued, and referenced to the erroneous test
report.
b. An amended test report is issued.
c. If not addressed as in section a. or b., there is a procedure specifying the
method used by the laboratory.

21.0 MECHANICAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS SECTION N/A

21.1 Test Laboratory Environmental Requirements

21.1.1 Are temperature and humidity requirements of the testing environment monitored? YES NO

21.1.2 Are the tests performed within the requirements of temperature and humidity? YES NO

21.2 Load Measuring System

21.2.1 Is the load measuring system calibrated according to standards as specified by the YES NO
customer (e.g. ASTM E4 and/or ISO 7500-1)?

21.2.2 Is the load cell calibrated with the range of use to ensure accurate load data? YES NO

21.3 Strain Gauge Application Section N/A

21.3.1 Is there a written strain gauge application procedure available which includes: YES NO
a. Specimen Surface Preparation
b. Strain Gage Alignment and Location
c. Bonding of strain gage to the specimen
d. Compatibility of the adhesives and gages to the material and test
temperature

21.3.2 Is adhesive cure temperature below the specimen’s minimum cure temperature? YES NO

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21.3.3 Are chemicals and adhesives used for strain gauging properly identified and YES NO
stored?

21.3.4 Are strain gages, if used, a minimum size of 6mm, unless otherwise specified? YES NO N/A

21.4 Strain Measurement Devices SECTION N/A

21.4.1 Are extensometers or compressometers directly attached to the gage length or as YES NO
required by the test specification and is the method of attachment recorded?

21.4.2 Are extensometers class B2 (ASTM E83), class 0.5 (ISO 9513) or better used, YES NO
unless otherwise specified by the test specification?

21.4.3 Are deflectometer class C (ASTM E83), class 1 (ISO 9513) or better used, unless YES NO
otherwise specified by the test specification?

21.5 Grip Alignment Capability (For Class A: Composites) SECTION N/A

21.5.1 Grip Alignment Procedure

21.5.1.1 If there is a customer test method requirement for grip alignment, is there a written YES NO N/A
procedure for carrying out the alignment check?
(P only)

21.6 Specimen Grip Method SECTION N/A

21.6.1 Laboratory Uses Mechanical Grips SECTION N/A

21.6.1.1 Does the grip face texture prevent slipping or uneven loading? YES NO

21.6.1.2 If the laboratory uses other material between grip faces and the specimen, is this YES NO N/A
practice documented in the written procedure?

21.6.2 Laboratory Uses Hydraulic Grips SECTION N/A

21.6.2.1 Does the grip face texture prevent slipping or uneven loading? YES NO

21.6.2.2 If the laboratory uses other material between grip faces and the specimen, is this YES NO N/A
practice documented in the written procedure?

21.6.2.3 Is the grip pressure recorded or documented for each specimen type? YES NO

21.7 Compression Platens SECTION N/A

21.7.1 Is parallelism of compression platens flat within 0.001 inch (0.025 mm)? YES NO

21.8 Crosshead Rate

21.8.1 Does the laboratory carry out tests under crosshead displacement control? YES NO

21.8.2 Is the crosshead displacement rate during the test 0.05 in/min ± 0.01 in/min or 1 YES NO
mm/min ± 0.3 mm/min unless otherwise specified by the customer?

21.8.3 Is the crosshead displacement rate calibrated using equipment traceable to YES NO
National Standards?

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21.8.4 Does the test report identify the crosshead displacement rate used? YES NO

21.9 Specimen Machining SECTION N/A

(Applies to Laboratories that perform specimen machining.)

21.9.1 Is it ensured that coolants used for specimen machining are not detrimental to the YES NO
specimen material?

21.9.2 Rough Machining/Blanking SECTION N/A

21.9.2.1 Are process variable criteria established for rough machining and blanking different YES NO
types of materials?

21.9.2.2 Do work instructions reference the process specification tolerances or engineered YES NO
tolerances?

21.9.2.3 Is it ensured that rough machining/blanking shall not cause damage to the YES NO
specimen gage section area?

21.10 Specimen Tabbing/Adherend Bonding SECTION N/A

(Applies to Laboratories that perform specimen tabbing or bonding of

adherends/blocks/tubes.)

21.10.1 Are approved tabbing materials, adherend and adhesive materials as specified YES NO
and processed per customer/supplier requirements?

21.10.2 For tensile specimens, is the taper machined correctly (approximately .005 to YES NO N/A
0.015 inches in height) or per customer requirement?

21.10.3 Is chemical processing, grit blasting or hand abrading performed to tab panels or YES NO
on adherends as per customer/supplier requirement where stock does not have a
peel ply?

21.10.4 Is the tab panel solvent cleaned and allowed to air dry prior to use? YES NO

21.10.5 Is grit blasting or hand abrading performed to test panel tabbing area as per YES NO
customer requirements where stock does not have a peel ply?

21.10.6 Is the test panel/adherends solvent cleaned per customer/supplier requirements? YES NO

21.10.7 Is there no fiber damage of test panel and tab faying surfaces due to grit blasting YES NO
or hand abrading?

21.10.8 Are control procedures in place describing shelf life and out time controls for YES NO
tabbing adhesive?

21.10.9 Is shelf life of expired tabbing adhesives extended with a lap shear or alternate YES NO
mechanical test that meets specification requirements?

21.10.10 Are tabbing materials stored per manufacturer’s requirements? YES NO

21.10.11 Is the tabbing adhesive allowed to warm/thaw to room temperature without the YES NO
application of heat source prior to removing from bag?

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21.10.12 If a press is used, is it checked for parallelism within .010 inch? YES NO N/A

21.10.13 Is there a temperature profile of the press platen or autoclave and is it checked YES NO
annually?

21.10.14 Are records of the cure cycle with traceability to the test specimen maintained? YES NO N/A

21.10.15 Is tooling used to minimize excess adhesive in the gage area? YES NO

21.11 Finish Machining/Grinding

21.11.1 Is final machining/grinding conducted in accordance with customer/supplier YES NO

requirements?

21.11.2 Where drilling is performed, are breakouts controlled within specification YES NO
tolerances?

21.12 Quality Assurance Provisions

21.12.1 Dimensional Inspection

21.12.1.1 Is there a procedure in place to control specimen dimensions? YES NO

21.12.1.2 Is each specimen dimensionally inspected prior to testing? YES NO

21.12.2 Visual Inspection

21.12.2.1 Is each specimen visually inspected for surface damage prior to testing? YES NO

21.12.2.2 Does the finished surface exhibit uniform surface texture? YES NO

22.0 PHYSICAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS SECTION N/A

22.1 Test Laboratory Environmental Requirements

22.1.1 Are temperature and humidity requirements of the testing environment monitored? YES NO

22.1.2 Are the tests performed within the requirements of temperature and humidity? YES NO

23.0 CHEMICAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS SECTION N/A

23.1 Test Laboratory Environmental Requirements SECTION N/A

23.1.1 Are temperature and humidity requirements of the testing environment monitored? YES NO N/A

23.1.2 Are the tests performed within the requirements of temperature and humidity? YES NO N/A

24.0 THERMAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS SECTION N/A

24.1 Test Laboratory Environmental Requirements

24.1.1 Are temperature and humidity requirements of the testing environment monitored? YES NO

24.1.2 Are the tests performed within the requirements of temperature and humidity? YES NO

24.2 Test Of Conditioned Specimens SECTION N/A

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24.2.1 Are conditioned specimens tested within customer specified time after removal YES NO
from the conditioning chamber?

24.2.2 If specimens are not tested immediately upon removal from conditioning, are they YES NO N/A
stored per customer requirements?

24.3 Thermal/Analytical Test Equipment

24.3.1 Is all analytical testing equipment which is used less frequently than weekly YES NO
verified prior to use?

24.3.2 Is all analytical testing equipment which is used at least once per week verified YES NO
monthly?

24.3.3 Is analytical testing equipment verified whenever suspect results are obtained? YES NO

24.3.4 Is analytical testing equipment verification conducted according to manufacturer’s YES NO

instructions?

24.3.5 Are verification/calibration logs (or outside certification documents) maintained for YES NO
all chemical/thermal/analytical equipment? Logs include the following information.
a. Verification/calibration date
b. Procedure used
c. Technician’s name
d. Actual results
e. Required results range
f. Pass/Fail statement

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