NADCAP furnaces are thermal processing components certified by the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP). It is an industry-driven program designed to certify organizations working in the aerospace and defense sectors. The criteria used to accredit an industrial furnace to NADCAP standards are established by qualified experts in the aerospace sector and are tailored to specific processes.
This blog post will explore the purpose of NADCAP certification and the latest specifications for NADCAP furnaces in more detail:
The Purpose of NADCAP Accreditation
The NADCAP process is organized by the Performance Review Institute (PRI). PRI administrators help suppliers gain tighter controls of their processing capacities by providing an industry-recognized standard for conformity in the aerospace sector. They ensure that norm compliance is maintained by organizing regular and extensive audits by qualified professionals within the aerospace and defense sector.
Outlining NADCAP Furnaces
The specific accreditation for NADCAP furnaces is covered under AMS 2750, which defines the pyrometric requirements for instruments used in the heat treatment of aluminum components. Fully-constructed furnaces can be certified to AMS 2750, as can the individual components such as thermocouples, metallic heating elements, and ceramic insulation.
The latest specification (AMS 2750E) for NADCAP furnaces outlines the various instrumentation types based on the furnace’s quality requirements. Type A refers to the most precise thermal monitoring requirements with a direct attachment between the controller and each control zone via distinct thermocouples, sensors for recording both the coldest and hottest points in the thermal processing chamber, and over-temperature protection units for all control zones.
NADCAP furnaces are also classified by their temperature uniformity, with class 1 NADCAP furnaces representing a temperature uniformity of +/- 3°C (+/- 5°F). A class 6 NADCAP furnace, the lowest classification, would display a thermal uniformity of +/- 24°C (+/- 50°F).
NADCAP Furnaces from Thermcraft
Thermcraft have manufactured multiple furnaces and thermal processing equipment for the aerospace and defense sector. We engineered and supplied a NADCAP accredited Multi-Door Recirculating Oven with a large internal heating chamber and a maximum operating temperature of 177°C (350°F). The furnace displays a thermal uniformity of +/- 6°C (+/- 10°F) as per AMS 2750 specification. NADCAP accreditation requires furnaces to reproduce the conditions of AMS 2750E for regular and extensive auditing. Our thermal processing equipment is designed for maximal service longevity in demanding industrial conditions, to improve the return on investment and ensure that your furnace meets the stringent requirements of the industry.
If you would like any more information about our NADCAP furnaces, please do not hesitate to contact us.