How can DMS-based purity control be traced and reflected in my part quality reports?
The integration of DMS-based purity control into your part quality reports is a rigorous, document-driven process that provides a complete chain of custody from raw material to finished component. This traceability is fundamental to certifying parts for use in regulated industries, such as aerospace and medical, offering verifiable proof of compliance and material integrity.
The Digital and Physical Chain of Custody
Our quality management system establishes a seamless digital thread, connecting every step of the manufacturing process to your final part.
Material Lot Traceability
This is the foundational element of the entire traceability system.
Unique Powder Lot Identification: Every batch of incoming metal powder is assigned a unique lot number. This number is digitally linked to the supplier's Certificate of Analysis (CoA), which details the full chemical composition, including ultra-trace element levels as per the relevant DMS or ASTM standard.
Powder Lifecycle Tracking: This same lot number is tracked throughout its lifecycle in our facility—recording each time it is used in a Powder Bed Fusion build, sieved, and blended with virgin material. This ensures we can trace any part back to the specific powder batch(es) from which it was made.
Build Parameter and Process Logging
Purity can be compromised by improper processing. Therefore, we document all critical build parameters.
Machine and Job Specifics: The report will specify the 3D printer used and the unique job ID.
In-Process Environment: Data logs from the build, including oxygen and humidity levels within the build chamber throughout the entire process, are archived and can be referenced to prove the material was processed in a controlled environment that protects its purity.
How This Traceability is Reflected in Your Part Quality Report
Your final quality report is not a single document but a comprehensive dossier that aggregates all this traceability data.
Section 1: Material Certification and History
Powder Lot Number(s): Clearly listed for your part.
Chemical Composition Report: This will often be a direct copy of the supplier's CoA for the virgin powder, verified by our own inbound inspection data. It will explicitly list the values for controlled interstitial (O, N, H) and tramp elements (S, P, Pb, etc.), showing compliance with the specified DMS limits.
Section 2: Manufacturing and Post-Process Verification
Build Data Summary: Key parameters and a confirmation of a stable processing environment.
Post-Processing Records: Certifications for critical post-processing steps are included. For example, a Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) certificate confirms the part underwent the required cycle to eliminate internal defects, and a Heat Treatment chart certifies the thermal cycle used to achieve the required material properties.
Section 3: Part-Specific Validation Data
This is the most critical section, demonstrating that the controlled raw material yielded a high-integrity part.
Witness Coupon Test Results: Mechanical test results (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation) from coupons built alongside your part in the same job are presented. This directly correlates the powder lot and process parameters with mechanical performance.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Report: Results from CT scanning or dye penetrant inspection are included, providing evidence of a dense, defect-free part that is a direct result of using high-purity powder and optimized parameters.
Final Part Certification: A summary statement of conformity, affirming that the part meets all specified requirements, including the DMS-based material purity standards.
This comprehensive reporting structure provides you with undeniable evidence that the advanced material controls we implement are not just a claim but a fully documented practice, ensuring your parts possess the material integrity required for the most demanding applications in Aerospace and Aviation and Medical and Healthcare.
