2000 West Grandview Boulevard
Erie, PA USA 16514-0038
USA
LORD Corporation Cage Code 76005
Technical Specification Number PRC-T-0010
Supersedes Technical Document Number
Original Issue Date 5/6/2009
Revision A Date 10/8/10
TITLE: Requirements for Visual Inspection of Aerospace Products
RESTRICTED DISCLOSURE NOTICE
The information contained herein is proprietary to LORD Corporation and shall not be reproduced or
disclosed in whole or in part or used for any design or manufacture except when such user possesses
direct written authorization from LORD Corporation.
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Specification No. PRC-T-0010
Rev. A Date 10/8/10
Page ii
Revision Summary
Revision Date Prepared By Change Description
Original 05/06/2009 R.P. Biondi Initial release
A 10/8/10 J. Fullum Paragraph 7.1 Added the term "Tin Solder" method and
added the need to establish a "Master" part from the
manufacturing lot and compare remaining parts to the
master. This change is being made as a result of DMAIC
100266 Part Marking Project.
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Specification No. PRC-T-0010
Rev. A Date 10/8/10
Page iii
INDEX
Section Description Page
1.0 Scope ................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose .......................................................................................... 1
1.2 Application ...................................................................................... 1
2.0 Applicable Documents ....................................................................... 1
2.1 LORD Corporation Documents ....................................................... 1
3.0 Definitions ........................................................................................... 1
4.0 Equipment Requirements................................................................... 2
4.1 Lighting ........................................................................................... 2
4.2 Supplemental Lighting ..................................................................... 2
4.3 Probe .............................................................................................. 2
4.4 Special Aids .................................................................................... 2
5.0 Personnel Requirements .................................................................... 3
5.1 Proficiency ...................................................................................... 3
5.2 Vision .............................................................................................. 3
6.0 General Requirements........................................................................ 4
7.0 Specific Inspection Requirements..................................................... 4
7.1 General Appearance ....................................................................... 4
7.2 Surface Condition ........................................................................... 4
7.2.1 Machined Parts ......................................................................... 5
7.2.2 Elastomeric Bonded and Molded Parts...................................... 5
7.3 Acceptance Criteria ......................................................................... 5
List of Figures
Figure 1 LORD Part Number FIS-56177-1 Inspection Probe .............................. 2
List of Tables
Table 1 Vision Requirements ............................................................................. 3
Table 2 General Acceptance Criteria for Surface Imperfections on
Machined Parts ..................................................................................... 6
Appendices
Appendix A Use of a Probe for Visual Inspection .................................................. A-1
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Specification No. PRC-T-0010
Rev. A Date 10/8/10
Page 1 of 7
1.0 SCOPE
1.1 Purpose. This specification describes the general requirements for evaluating
surface imperfections on parts using visual techniques. It also defines the
acceptance limits for imperfections on parts.
1.2 Application. This specification applies to aerospace products and is applicable when
referenced on a LORD engineering drawing or LORD inspection procedure or in the
case of a supplier when invoked by contract (if not invoked by the LORD engineering
drawing). When there is a conflict between this specification and a visual inspection
requirement specified by the engineering drawing, the drawing requirement shall
take precedence.
2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
The following documents form a part of this specification to the extent applied
herein. Unless otherwise specified, the latest issue of the documents shall apply. In
the event of conflicts between the requirements of this specification and the
references cited herein, the requirements of this specification shall take precedence.
2.1 LORD Corporation Documents
TS-002 Standard Elastomeric Component Quality Requirements
(LORD Corporation proprietary document)
3.0 DEFINITIONS
The listed below definitions apply to machined parts. Refer to TS-002 for definitions
that apply to elastomer products.
Imperfection: An interruption (non-uniformity) in the normal surface condition of a
part configuration which shall be evaluated for acceptance to the applicable
standard.
Lay: The direction of the predominant surface pattern.
Smooth: A surface that is continuously even, free of irregularities, presenting no
resistance to the sliding of a finger or probe.
Superficial Imperfection: An imperfection on a surface which although appears to
penetrate the surface finish texture, does not have a dark bottom, and would not
cause a probe to hesitate (catch) when passed over it.
Surface Roughness: Marks left on the surface of a part by the action of machined
tools.
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Specification No. PRC-T-0010
Rev. A Date 10/8/10
Page 2 of 7
4.0 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Lighting. Fixed white lighting in the inspection area shall be a white light intensity of
100 foot-candles minimum when measured at the inspection surface for the parts.
The lighting shall be designed and arranged so as to provide shadow free and glare
free illumination of the part surface to be inspected.
4.2 Supplemental Lighting. Hand held white lights shall be available to provide a
minimum of 200 foot-candles at a distance of 8 inches. High intensity light sources
shall have an intensity of 200 foot-candles at 1.5 inches.
4.3 Probe. A probe (stylus) with a spherical end (nose) radius ranging in size from
0.005 to 0.025 inch shall be available to assist in the detection of raised material or
an imperfection. See LORD Corporation part number FIS-56177-1 probe shown in
Figure 1. For inside surfaces that cannot be accessed by a straight probe, an angle
probe shall be available for use. Probes may be purchased from:
Gary Tool Company
26 Grant Street
Stratford, CT 06615-6136
Phone No. (203) 377-3077
Probes can be ordered in any end radius size. The following standard part number
probes are available from Gary Tool Company:
P/N STD 1360-453-005 straight probe
P/N STD 1360-453-006 angled probe
A Diameter R Radius
.130 0.025
Figure 1. LORD Part Number FIS-56177-1 Inspection Probe
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Specification No. PRC-T-0010
Rev. A Date 10/8/10
Page 3 of 7
4.4 Special Aids. Mirrors, borescopes (rigid and non-rigid), video systems and other
optical devices.
5.0 PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Proficiency. Personnel performing visual inspection shall be proficient in the
operation of all visual inspection equipment and techniques and be capable of
interpreting engineering drawings, standards and inspection instructions that pertain
to the parts being inspected.
5.2 Vision. Personnel performing visual inspection shall meet the near vision and color
perception requirements listed in Table 1 in at least one eye natural or corrected.
Near vision and color perception examinations shall be administered annually.
Table 1 - Vision Requirements
Vision Examination Requirement
Near Vision Snellen 14/18 (Snellen 20/25) or equivalent
Color Perception Distinguish and differentiate between colors applicable
to the product being inspected.
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Specification No. PRC-T-0010
Rev. A Date 10/8/10
Page 4 of 7
6.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Visual inspection shall be performed without magnification. However, magnification
up to 10X may be used as an aid in the evaluation of an observed condition.
6.2 A probe (see 4.3) shall be used to assist in the detection and evaluation of surface
imperfections and conditions. See Appendix A for the instructions in using a probe.
6.3 All accessible surfaces shall be inspected. Parts shall be inspected from various
angles and directions to assure the detection of all imperfections. Holes shall be
inspected at both ends when possible.
6.3.1 In areas when visual access results in a line of sight viewing angle greater than 45
degrees from a line perpendicular to the surface being inspected, or where the
surface to be inspected extends beyond a depth to opening ratio greater than 1, or
where other limitations prevent a valid unaided (direct vision) inspection, probes and
special aids (see 4.4) shall be used. Inspection of holes less than 0.25 inches in
diameter shall be confined to the edges.
6.3.2 Enclosed surfaces shall be inspected prior to closing.
6.4 Visual imperfections which will be removed by subsequent machining or processing
operations specified in the work instructions/routing/planning may be disregarded.
7.0 SPECIFIC INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
7.1 General Appearance. When visually inspecting a group of parts, use the "Tin Soldier
Method". Establish a "Master" part from the manufacturing lot and verify it meets the
drawing requirement for part marking. Line up the remaining parts from the
manufacturing lot on the examination surface such that they are all in the same
orientation. Visually inspect the remaining parts against the "Master" checking for
the following:
Proper geometry (i.e., no missing features such as holes, threads, chamfers,
radii, etc.)
For an assembly, presence and proper installation of all components (including
inserts, bushings, hardware, lock-wire, etc.)
Presence of required surface treatment (e.g., shot peen, plating, anodize, paint,
etc.)
Correct, legible and properly located marking
No damage
7.2 Surface Condition. Visually inspect surfaces of the parts to identify any surface
imperfections or flaws. Use a probe, magnification and other special aids as
required to assist in the detection of any imperfections. Comparison with similar
parts or photographs may be used to assess any observed conditions.
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Specification No. PRC-T-0010
Rev. A Date 10/8/10
Page 5 of 7
7.2.1 Machined Parts. Typical surface imperfections for machined parts are listed in Table
2. Table 2 also includes imperfections associated with surface treatments applied to
machined parts.
7.2.2 Elastomeric Bonded or Molded Parts. Typical elastomer surface defects for
elastomeric bonded or molded parts are listed in TS-002.
7.3 Acceptance Limits. Visual surface imperfections for machined parts shall be
evaluated in accordance with Table 2. Visual surface imperfections or flaws for
elastomeric bonded and molded parts shall be evaluated in accordance with TS-002.
Superficial imperfections are acceptable unless other specified by the engineering
drawing.
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Specification No. PRC-T-0010
Rev. A Date 10/8/10
Page 6 of 7
Table 2 General Acceptance Criteria for Surface Imperfections of Machined Parts
Imperfection Type Definition Applicable Parts Disposition Comments
Blister A localized lifting of a coating, plating or paint All coated, plated or Not Acceptable
from the surface of the part base material. It painted parts
appears as a protuberance that may break
when probed.
Burnish Mark A local smoothing of a metal surface, often to All parts Acceptable Acceptable provided it cannot be
a high luster from rubbing. It may show (see comments) felt by a probe and that the
scratches of no apparent depth. Includes material thickness still meets the
buffing and polishing marks. drawing requirement.
Burr A rough ridge or edge left at the intersection of All parts Not Acceptable
two surfaces. A fragment of metal which
remains attached to the surface after a
machining operation.
Chatter Mark Recurring undulations or irregularities on the All parts Acceptable Acceptable provided it meets the
surface that result from vibration or jumping of (see comments) drawing surface roughness
a machining cutting tool. requirement.
Corrosion A deterioration of a metal surface resulting in All parts Not Acceptable
a change of color and leaving a rough surface
that may show pitting. Caused by chemical or
electrochemical interaction.
Crack A separation of metal on the surface visible to All parts Not Acceptable
the un-aided eye.
Crazing A network of fine cracks All parts Not Acceptable
Deformation Convex or Concave change in the profile a All parts Not Acceptable
part.
Dent A surface depression having rounded edges, All parts Not Acceptable
corners and bottom caused by impact with an
object.
Foreign material Material or substance not integral to the part. All parts Not Acceptable
The material or substance may or may not be
adherent to the part surface. Chips from
machining are considered foreign material.
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Specification No. PRC-T-0010
Rev. A Date 10/8/10
Page 7 of 7
Table 2 General Acceptance Criteria for Surface Imperfections of Machined Parts
Imperfection Type Definition Applicable Parts Disposition Comments
Gouge A relatively wide trough-like depression All parts Not Acceptable
caused by tearing away of the surface by
another object.
Heat Discoloration Staining, ranging from straw color (low Heat treated parts Acceptable Acceptable provided it is light
temperature effects) to purple in color (high (see comments) straw to light blue in color.
temperature effect).
Nick A negative indication having raised sharp All parts Not Acceptable Acceptable provided it can not be
edges, corners or bottom. (see comments) felt by a probe or it is not deeper
then the machining lay.
Peeling A section of a coating, plating or paint lifting All coated, plated or Not Acceptable
away from the surface. painted parts
Pits Small irregular cavities in surfaces generally All parts Not Acceptable
rough or dark bottomed resulting from
corrosion.
Rolled Edges A plastic deformation of the edges resulting in Shot peened parts Not Acceptable
a lap of the adjacent surface and normally
appearing after shot peeing.
Scoring Multiple scratches caused by contact with a All parts Not Acceptable Acceptable provided the
mating part or tooling. (see comments) scratches cannot be felt by a
probe (see 4.3).
Scratch A linear depression with a sharp bottom. All parts Not Acceptable Acceptable provided it cannot be
(see comments) felt by a probe (see 4.3).
Stain Visual indication result from liquid drying on a All parts Acceptable Acceptable provided it does not
part surface. (see comments) detract from the overall
appearance of the part.
Step An abrupt change in the surface contour which All parts Not Acceptable
looks like a step in cross section.
Tool Marks A mark in the direction of the machining lay All machined parts Acceptable Acceptable provided they cannot
left by the machining tool or across the lay (See comments) be felt by a probe (see 4.3).
caused by improper tool withdrawal or metal
chips. Mark can be straight, circular or spiral.
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Specification No. PRC-T-0010
Rev. A Date 10/8/10
Appendix A
Page A-1
USE OF A PROBE FOR VISUAL INSPECTION
A probe with a specified radius is used to detect raised material around a surface imperfection
or the minimum drop of the imperfection from the surrounding surface. The proper use of a
probe shall be as follows:
The probe shall be held lightly near the top, between the thumb and forefinger, inclined at a
60 degree angle to the part surface toward the imperfection, and be pushed forward over
the surface without applying pressure other than the weight of the probe itself, in a direction
approximately 90 degrees to the lay of the imperfection. If the movement is smooth with no
interruption and the radius point of the probe does not hesitate or pause in the imperfection,
the imperfection is acceptable.
If the 60 degree probe position is impractical due to the part configuration, the probe can be
held at any angle between 60 and 90 degrees.
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