AC7102/5 REV.

F
Issue Date 2008-06
AUDIT CRITERIA
161 Thorn Hill Road Revision Date 26-Jan-2023
Warrendale, PA 15086-7527
Superseding AC7102/5 Rev. E

Nadcap
AUDIT CRITERIA FOR HEAT TREATING
For Hardness and/or Conductivity Testing

*TO BE USED ON AUDITS STARTING ON OR AFTER 30-Apr-2023*

1. SCOPE

This Audit Criteria supplements Nadcap AC7102 Audit Criteria. This

Audit Criteria applies to Auditees seeking Nadcap accreditation for the
Hardness and/or Conductivity Testing of Heat Treating and includes
both Hardness Testing and Electrical Conductivity Testing.
Accreditation can be granted for Hardness Testing, Conductivity
Testing or both Hardness Testing and Conductivity Testing.

2. GENERAL INFORMATION:

2.1 Company:

2.2 Company contact:

2.3 Auditor:

2.4 Initial Audit Reaccreditation Audit VCA Audit

2.5 Tests Audited:

Brinell Hardness (ASTM E10 OR EN ISO 6506)

Portable Brinell Hardness (ASTM E10 OR EN ISO 6506)

Rockwell Hardness (ASTM E18 or EN ISO 6508)

Portable Rockwell Hardness (ASTM E18 or EN ISO 6508)

Vickers Hardness (ASTM E92 or EN ISO 6507) – Used for

Macro Vickers only

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Copyright 2023 Performance Review Institute. All rights reserved.

t-frm-1115 19-Mar-2021
Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F -2-

Portable Vickers Hardness (ASTM E92 or EN ISO 6507) – Used

for Macro Vickers only

Portable Hardness (ASTM E110) - Indentation type, not capable

of Direct Verification

Electrical Conductivity Inspection (AMS2658, ASTM E1004,

MIL-STD-1537, EN 2004-1)

2.6 Written Procedures

2.6.1 Do written procedures cover the following testing variables:

2.6.1.1 Number of tests or impressions for each test value reported? YES NO

2.6.1.2 Reading techniques for non-digital readout testing (e.g. parallax YES NO NA
considerations in reading analog dials)?

2.6.1.3 Periodic verifications and recording? YES NO

2.6.1.4 Locations on the hardware for performing the tests? YES NO

2.6.1.5 Environmental conditions for performing the tests? YES NO

2.6.1.6 Test frequency, sample size and acceptance ranges for testing? YES NO

2.6.2 Do written procedures cover operator options for re-testing? (Some YES NO
operator discretion is permitted).

2.6.3 Are the test frequency, sample size and acceptance ranges for testing YES NO
of each order of hardware listed on the job planning or on a controlled
media traceable to the individual hardware?

2.6.3.1 Does the test frequency, sample size and acceptance ranges meet the YES NO
customer requirements?

2.6.4 Do written procedures require the use of only that equipment allowed YES NO
by the applicable specification or customer for product acceptance
testing?

2.6.5 Do written procedures cover operator guidance regarding when YES NO NA

portable testers may be employed (size, weight, geometry of parts,
safety concerns, etc.) in lieu of fixed bench testers?

2.7 Personnel and Training (U11)

2.7.1 Are their internal procedures for training of conductivity testing and/or YES NO
hardness testing and qualification/certification?

2.7.1.1 Are the personnel that perform conductivity testing and/or hardness YES NO
testing trained and qualified/certified per the internal procedure?
Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F -3-

2.7.2 Does the hardness and/or conductivity training meet the applicable YES NO NA
customers’ specification requirements?

2.7.3 Do procedures require personnel performing tests to demonstrate test YES NO

machine operation, calibration or standardization, and part testing as
part of operator qualification?

2.7.4 Does training include representative geometry of parts tested in the YES NO
facility (e.g. size, weight, overall configuration, part geometry, safety in
handling, thickness, parallelism, convex and concave configurations,
etc.)?

2.7.5 Is training documented? YES NO

2.7.6 Verify personnel training for one hardness testing discipline and for
conductivity testing, if applicable:

2.7.6.1 Function/Job Description:

_________________________________________________________

2.7.6.2 Equipment operated:

_______________________________________

2.7.6.3 Function/Job Description:

2.7.6.4 Equipment operated:

3. HARDNESS TESTING SECTION NA

3.1 FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

3.1.1 Is hardness equipment capable of performing the tests in accordance YES NO

with all applicable requirements?

3.1.2 Is the equipment, base and support designed such that no rocking or YES NO
lateral movement occurs while load is being applied or removed?

3.1.3 Does the Auditee have a documented maintenance plan in place? YES NO

3.1.3.1 Is there objective evidence that the maintenance plan is followed? YES NO

3.2 CALIBRATION

3.2.1 Are calibration records available? YES NO

3.2.2 Do records show that calibration is traceable to national standards? YES NO

(NIST, UKAS, PTB, etc.)?
Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F -4-

3.2.3 Is calibration performed in accordance with applicable requirements? YES NO

(U11)

3.2.4 Is there objective evidence that hardness testers (Rockwell, Brinell, and
Vickers) are verified in accordance with applicable requirements?

3.2.4.1 Direct Verification: is there objective evidence of direct verification when YES NO NA
a testing machine is new, or when adjustments, modifications or repairs
are made that could affect the application of the test forces, depth
measuring system, test cycle, or machine hysteresis, or when a testing
machine fails an indirect verification following allowed corrective
actions?

Guidance: NA would be applicable for Portable Testers complying to

ASTM E110 or to customer requirements.

3.2.4.2 Indirect Verification: periodically, not to exceed the maximum interval YES NO
allowed by the applicable ASTM or customer specifications.

3.2.4.3 Daily Verification: performed at a minimum of each day the tester is YES NO
used (in the prior week for Vickers) and for each scale for which the
tester is used or more stringent customer requirement?

3.2.4.3.1 Daily Verification, immediately prior to use of portable testers, once YES NO NA
moved to the work site where product is to be tested, and in the same
orientation to be used for the product being tested?

3.3 ALTERNATIVE METHODS SECTION NA

3.3.1 Are alternative methods, including the use of portable hardness testers, YES NO
used only when permitted by one of the following?

3.3.1.1 Material or Process Specification

3.3.1.2 Customer

3.3.1.3 Other, as described below:

3.4 HARDNESS CONVERSION SECTION NA

3.4.1 If conversion is used, is the conversion in accordance with ASTM E140, YES NO NA
ASTM A370 or EN ISO 18265?

Guidance: Hardness conversion wall charts provided by hardness

testing manufacturers may not be consistent with the conversions in the
above-referenced specifications and should only be used as
reference, unless verified against one of the specifications listed above.
Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F -5-

3.4.2 When alloys are not covered by ASTM E140, ASTM A370 or EN ISO YES NO NA
18265, is the conversion method used specified or approved by the
customer?

3.4.3 When conversion is used, do the inspection records show the YES NO
measured values as well as the converted values (i.e. conversion from
or to another hardness scale, or from tensile test values)?

3.5 HARDNESS TEST REPORTS SECTION NA

3.5.1 Do test reports show the hardness number and appropriate scale per YES NO
customer requirements?

3.5.2 If conditions are other than normal operating conditions (ball YES NO NA
diameter/load/load time/etc.), are those conditions reported as
required?

3.5.3 Are the actual hardness values recorded as required? YES NO

3.5.3.1 When performing hardness tests, are the actual values generated by a YES NO NA
portable hardness tester reported with a suffix of "/P"?

3.5.4 Is test temperature reported if ambient temperature was outside of 10° - YES NO NA
35°C (50° - 95°F) (unless it has been shown not to affect the
measurement result)?

3.6 HARDNESS PERIODIC (INDIRECT and DAILY) VERIFICATION

(The auditor to verify compliance of test blocks as required)

3.6.1 Are test blocks available for the scales/loads/and other key variables YES NO
that are used for production testing?

3.6.2 Are test blocks certified to the standard applicable to the customer YES NO
work, and/or dual certified to both ASTM and EN ISO, when applicable?

(ASTM E10, ASTM E18, ASTM E92, EN ISO 6506, EN ISO 6507 and
EN ISO 6508)

3.6.3 Do test blocks appear to be in a condition suggesting acceptable

verification, including:

3.6.3.1 Surfaces not re-polished? YES NO

3.6.3.2 Indentations only on the allowable test surface? YES NO

3.6.4 Are the test blocks being used appropriate for the materials being YES NO
tested?

3.6.5 Is the marking of each test block compliant with the applicable YES NO
standard?
Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F -6-

3.6.6 Are replacement indenters qualified by performing a daily verification YES NO NA

prior to use?

3.6.6.1 Is there a record of when indenters are removed and/or replaced? YES NO NA

Guidance: NA would be applicable for both questions when an indenter

is never changed – dedicated testers for the dedicated scale.

3.6.7 Is hardness tester verified against test block(s) representing the YES NO
indenter, load and time used for production testing?

3.6.8 Do the values or ranges of the test blocks meet the requirements of the YES NO
customer specifications being tested?

3.6.9 Are hardness tester periodic verifications recorded, complete, and the YES NO
test block identified?

3.6.10 Are indentations spaced (center to center, center to edge of test block, YES NO
etc.) at acceptable distances per the given test method, unless marked
to disregard?

3.6.11 Do written procedures define the action to take if periodic verifications YES NO
result in an out-of-tolerance condition, including direction to retest all
tests performed since the last correct periodic verification unless the
suspect population can be further restricted?

3.7 BRINELL HARDNESS TESTING (ASTM E10 or EN ISO 6506) SECTION NA

3.7.1 Brinell Equipment Operating Characteristics

3.7.1.1 Does the measuring scope permit direct measurement of the YES NO NA
indentation diameter as required by scope type (ASTM E10 Table 2) or
permitting estimation of the indentation diameter to ±0.5% (EN ISO
6506-2 paragraph 4.4.1)?

3.7.2 Brinell Equipment Daily Verifications

3.7.2.1 If testing to ASTM E10, are daily verifications performed on each scale YES NO NA
to be used that day?

3.7.2.2 If testing to ASTM E10, are procedures and methods for determination YES NO NA
of error and repeatability (as applicable) for all verifications and
calibrations in accordance with the requirements?

3.7.2.3 If testing to ASTM E10, are at least two measurements performed on YES NO NA
each of the daily verification test blocks? (U11)

3.7.2.4 Is the center of indentation no closer than 2 ½ times its diameter to the YES NO
edge of the specimen or the edge of another indentation?

3.7.2.5 If the machine fails the verification test, is the appropriate action taken YES NO NA
to adjust and verify the hardness equipment?
Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F -7-

3.7.3 Specimens for Brinell Testing

3.7.3.1 Is the thickness of the specimen such that no bulge or other markings YES NO
show the effects of the test force on the side opposite the indentation?
(As a general rule, the thickness of the specimen should be at least 10
times the depth of the indentation).

3.7.3.2 If testing to EN ISO 6506-1, is the thickness of the specimen at least 8 YES NO NA
times the depth of the indentation?

3.7.3.3 If testing to ASTM E10, is the specimen radius of curvature greater than YES NO NA
2.5x the indenter diameter (25 mm for a 10 mm indenter, 12.5 mm for a
5 mm indenter, etc.)?

3.7.4 Brinell Test Cycle (For One Indentation)

3.7.4.1 Is the major load applied steadily, without a jerk? YES NO

3.7.4.2 Is the load applied for a time of 10 to 15 seconds, unless otherwise YES NO
required by the product specification?

3.7.4.3 If other than 10 to 15 seconds is used, is the time reported? YES NO NA

3.7.5 Brinell Hardness Readings

3.7.5.1 Are the number and location of the tests in accordance with customer YES NO NA
requirements?

3.7.5.2 For each indentation, are two diameters at 90° (perpendicular) YES NO
measured, within required limits, and the mean used to calculate
hardness?

Guidance: Automated test machines may convert from indentation

depth or from an assessment of the projected indentation area into the
material surface.

3.8 ROCKWELL HARDNESS TESTING (ASTM E18 or EN ISO 6508) SECTION NA

3.8.1 Rockwell Equipment Operating Characteristics

3.8.1.1 Is the equipment protected from vibrations during tests? YES NO

3.8.2 Rockwell Equipment Periodic Verifications and Calibrations

3.8.2.1 If testing to ASTM E18, do indirect verification calibration test reports YES NO NA
include evidence of “As found” condition, indenters verified with the test
machine and final calibration results?

3.8.2.2 Is the center to center spacing between indentations on the test block YES NO
kept at a minimum distance as defined by the applicable specification?
Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F -8-

3.8.2.3 Are at least two preliminary indentations (results ignored) made to YES NO
ensure smooth operation and seating of indenter/anvil when the
indenter/anvil is changed?

3.8.2.4 If testing to ASTM E18, are at least two measurements performed on YES NO NA
each of the daily verification test blocks? (U11)

3.8.2.5 If testing to EN ISO 6508, are at least two measurements performed on YES NO NA
each of the daily verification test blocks? (EN ISO 6508-1 Appendix E)

3.8.2.6 If testing to EN ISO 6508, are procedures and methods for YES NO NA
determination of bias and repeatability (as applicable) for all
verifications and calibrations in accordance with the requirements? (EN
ISO 6508-1 Appendix E)

3.8.2.7 If testing to ASTM E18, are procedures and methods for determination YES NO NA
of error and repeatability (as applicable) for all verifications and
calibrations in accordance with the requirements?

3.8.2.8 If testing to ASTM E18, does the operator check prior to verification the YES NO NA
indenter/anvil/fixture to ensure the absence of damage or foreign
material?

3.8.3 Testing Cycle

3.8.3.1 Is the Preliminary Force applied for the time defined by the applicable YES NO
specification?

3.8.3.2 Is the standard Dwell time for total force application 2 to 6 seconds for YES NO
materials that do not exhibit excessive time dependent plasticity?

3.8.3.3 If times are greater than what is stated above, are those times specified YES NO NA
in the product specification?

3.8.3.4 For materials that exhibit excessive time dependent plasticity, as YES NO NA
defined by the material specification, is the actual Dwell time for total
force application recorded?

3.8.4 Rockwell Hardness Readings

3.8.4.1 Are the number and location of the tests in accordance with customer YES NO NA
requirements?

3.9 VICKERS HARDNESS TESTING (ASTM E92 or EN ISO 6507) - Used SECTION NA
for Macro Vickers only (test forces ranging from 1 kgf to 120 kgf)

3.9.1 Vickers Equipment Operating Characteristics

3.9.1.1 Is the equipment protected from environment induced vibrations during YES NO
tests?

3.9.2 Vickers Equipment Periodic Verifications

Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F -9-

3.9.2.1 If testing to ASTM E92 or if required by customers specifications, is the YES NO NA

zero reading of the measuring apparatus correctly adjusted before
making the verification?

3.9.2.2 Does the operator check prior to verification that the stage and test YES NO
block are clean?

3.9.2.3 Are the correct number of hardness readings per applicable YES NO
specification taken on a standardized hardness test block on the scale
and at the hardness level at which the machine is being used
performed as part of weekly routine check?

3.9.2.4 Does the center to center spacing between indentations, and the center YES NO
to edge spacing on test block meet the distance criteria as defined by
the applicable specification?

3.9.2.5 If testing to ASTM E92, are procedures and methods for determination YES NO NA
of error for all verifications and calibrations in accordance with the
requirements?

3.9.3 Specimens for Vickers Testing

3.9.3.1 Is the surface of specimen sufficiently smooth enough to permit the YES NO
reading of the indentation diagonals as required?

3.9.3.2 Are corrections for radii of curvature (spheres, cylinders) made in YES NO NA
accordance with ASTM E92 or EN ISO 6507?

3.9.4 Vickers Test Cycle for One Indentation

3.9.4.1 Is the applied test load as required? YES NO

3.9.4.2 Is the applied test load reported? YES NO

3.9.4.3 Is the test load applied without shock or vibration? YES NO

3.9.4.4 Is the load applied for a time of 10 to 15 seconds, unless otherwise YES NO NA
required by the product specification?

3.9.4.5 If other than 10 to 15 seconds is used, is the time reported? YES NO NA

3.9.5 Vickers Hardness Readings

3.9.5.1 Are the number and location of the tests in accordance with Drawing YES NO NA
and/or specification requirements?

3.9.5.2 For each indentation, are two Diagonals at 90° (perpendicular) YES NO
measured and the mean used to calculate hardness?

4. CONDUCTIVITY TESTING SECTION NA

4.1 Calibration of Conductivity Test Equipment

Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F - 10 -

Guidance: As it applies to this section, calibration is defined as the

periodic instrument calibration to national standards.

4.1.1 Do procedures define the required instrument accuracy, sensitivity, lift- YES NO
off effect, readability and repeatability per customer requirements?

4.1.1.1 Do records indicate that the conductivity measurement instrument YES NO

meets customer requirements for accuracy, sensitivity, lift-off effect,
readability and repeatability? (U11)

4.1.1.2 Are calibrations performed using laboratory test instruments of equal or YES NO
better accuracy than the unit under test?

4.1.2 Do procedures define the instrument oscillator frequency settings for YES NO
calibration per customer requirements?

4.1.2.1 Do records indicate the instrument calibration oscillator frequency YES NO

meets customer requirements?

4.1.3 Do procedures define the required calibration intervals (period between YES NO
calibrations) per customer requirements? (U11)

4.1.3.1 Do records indicate calibrations are performed at the required test YES NO
intervals per customer requirements?

4.1.4 Do procedures address calibration standards and their accuracy? YES NO

4.1.4.1 Do records indicate calibration standard conformance? YES NO

4.1.4.2 Are the working and/or laboratory conductivity standards properly YES NO
maintained, protected from damage and available in appropriate IACS
(MS/m – MegaSiemens/meter) ranges for the material inspected or
instruments to be calibrated? (U11)

4.1.4.2.1 If surface of working and or laboratory conductivity standards were YES NO NA

damaged, have the conductivity standards been retested prior to further
use to ensure they have accurate calibration values?

4.1.4.3 If used at the Auditee, do the laboratory conductivity standards have YES NO NA
values assigned in accordance with ASTM B193, or the values for the
laboratory calibration test blocks assigned by an independent agency
using standards traceable to a national standard?

4.2 Standardization of Conductivity Test Equipment

Guidance: As it applies to this section, Standardization is defined as the

in-use working verification performed by operators.

4.2.1 Do the Auditee procedures and/or work instructions require operator YES NO
standardization, including the lift-off effect, upon start of testing and
define a re-standardization interval thereafter?
Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F - 11 -

4.2.1.1 Does the defined standardization test interval comply with customer YES NO
requirements?

4.2.2 Are working conductivity standards available in the IACS (MS/m) YES NO
ranges for the material inspected and the instruments to be calibrated?
(U11)

4.2.2.1 Do procedures define the IACS (MS/m) ranges in accordance with YES NO
customer requirements?

4.3 Performance of Conductivity Testing

4.3.1 Is there controlled documentation (procedure, job traveler, drawing,

etc.) to specify the following?

4.3.1.1 The selection and number of test locations? YES NO

4.3.1.2 Effect and control of thin gauge and / or clad aluminum? YES NO

4.3.1.3 The maximum surface roughness of the hardware? YES NO NA

Guidance: NA applies when the applicable specification does not define

a maximum surface roughness.

4.3.1.4 Effect and control of curvature, edge effect and minimum surface area? YES NO

4.3.1.5 Operating frequency and probe size? YES NO

4.3.1.6 Test instrument, standard, and part temperature stabilization? YES NO

4.3.1.7 Sample Size? YES NO

4.3.2 Are acceptance criteria accurately flowed down to the YES NO

inspector/operator?

4.3.3 Does documented objective evidence show conductivity meets YES NO

acceptance criteria?

4.3.4 Are the tested values recorded individually or as a range for the lot (not YES NO
as an average)?

4.3.5 Auditor shall verify the following:

4.3.5.1 Operators are performing standardizations at instrument start-up and YES NO

frequency defined.

4.3.5.2 Tests are taken at sufficient locations, including extremes of metal YES NO NA
thickness when required?

4.3.5.3 Apparent conductivity tables are properly utilized for clad and thin YES NO NA
gauge alloys. (U11)
Nadcap AC7102/5 Revision F - 12 -

4.3.5.4 Controls on curvature, edge effect, and/or minimum surface area are YES NO NA
observed during testing.

4.3.5.5 Test instrument, standards and parts are stabilized to the same YES NO
temperature before testing.

4.3.5.6 The oscillator frequency of the conductivity instrument is appropriate for YES NO
the apparent conductivity tables being utilized; as well as the material
form & thickness being tested.

4.3.5.7 Number of parts tested conforms to requirements (e.g. sample size)? YES NO