Inspection

Introduction

RPM’s policy is to build an outstanding reputation with its customers by providing them with outstanding products. In order to ensure that this high standard is maintained throughout RPM’s entire product line, critical inspection is performed on every part produced, and each final product is subjected to a rigorous final inspection and performance test.

RPM’s documented in-house quality assurance procedures are per the requirements of RPM-I-45208A, which is directly derived from MIL-I-45208. The Quality Assurance Department maintains a highly qualified Material Review Board (MRB) that functions per these requirements.

In order to ensure that our vendors are maintaining the levels of quality and workmanship that are required to produce a high quality product, RPM requires that test data and a Certification of Conformance be supplied for all critical purchased parts. When requested, this data can be passed along to RPM’s customer as part of the Acceptance Test Data Package.

When evaluating a new potential vendor, RPM will send a member of our Quality Assurance Department to the vendor’s facility to perform an audit. A ranking is then assigned to the vendor, and a decision made as to whether or not this vendor’s capabilities are in line with RPM’s requirements. Only those vendors with the highest quality workmanship and products are considered acceptable sources of supply by RPM.

Procedure

The list below represents “inspection codes” to be used on purchase orders. To indicate that a particular activity be applied to a purchase order, place the number of the activity desired in the inspection code block of that purchase order. It is possible to require two or more codes: simultaneously (e.g. 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 6). Where multiple choices are available (e.g. paragraph 3), use both the number and letter of the activity. Codes beginning in "R" are for internal use only.

1. Parts are to be inspected 100% by the supplier, unless otherwise stated on the purchase order. Noncompliant products will only be considered when RPM has been notified prior to delivery. Acceptance is based on verification at RPM.
2. A CoC is required and must include product nomenclature, product identification number (part number of model number), serial number, RPM purchase order number, supplier shipper number, and quantity delivered. The CoC will be signed by an officer with authority from the supplying company.
3. Material certification is required and shall include RPM purchase order number and supplier shipper number.
   1. Material chemical analysis: An analysis report will include material batch number, heat lot, or other identifying number unique to the material specified on the purchase order.
   2. Material physical report: A report specifying the condition of the material including but not limited to hardness, surface finish, surface treatment, or metallurgical defeat inspection. The report will include the material batch number, heat lot, or other identifying number unique to the material specified on the purchase order.
   3. Electrical test report: A report verifying the electrical characteristics of the material, including bot not limited to conductance, resistance, inductance, or capacitance. The report will include a batch number of lot order number that is unique to the material.
   4. Electronic test report: A functional test report verifying the performance of an electronic assembly is required. The report will include the serial number that is unique to the electronic assembly and all specifications related to the assembly.
4. The supplier will certify that a process or procedure was accomplished per all applicable specifications noted on the purchase order.
5. A copy of the supplier’s dimensional inspection report, unique and serialized to match the product that will acompany the shipment.
6. Unless otherwise specified, all supplied products will be 100% inspected. The supplier may request, in writing, a sampling plan based on MIL-STD-105.
7. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive. Handling of the product shall only be done in accordance with EIA standard 625 or equivalent.
8. Acceptance inspection and testing shall be conducted by RPM at the supplier’s facility prior to shipment.
9. Government/customer source inspection. The government and/or the customer will perform inspection and acceptance at the supplier’s facility.
10. RPM and its customers reserve the right to witness any and all inspection and test of the product noted on the purchase order.

• R1.  No incomming material for the S&R Dept. to receive: Buyer will advise S&R Dept. of the order's completion (i.e. Drop-Shipments, Services, etc.)
• R2.  Receiving Inspection subject to Specialized Inspection: The inspection is to be conducted by Electronics Lab, Engineering, QA, or RF Lab as required. S&R Dept. to forward the material with an RIEI form with the associated Drawing, Schematic, or other pertinent Documentation for verification, attached.
1. Receiving inspection subject to Electrical Inspection: The Inspection is to be conducted by QA or Electronics personnel.
2. Receiving inspection subject to ESD handling: The inspection is to be conducted at an ESD station by quallifed QA or Electronics personnel.
3. Receiving inspection subject to Engineering Compliance Inspection : THe inspection is to be conducted by the Engineering Department.
4. Receiving inspection subject to Microwave (RF) Compliance Inspection: The inspection is to be conducted by the Microwave Lab (RF Dept.)
5. Receiving inspection subject to Mechanical Inspection: The inspection is to be conducted by the QA Dept.
6. Receiving inspection subject to acceptance with the results from a prior inspection at vendor's facility: Consult Buyer as required. (RIEI form or Traveler is applicable.)
• R3.  Receiving inspection to be Co-Inspected by RPM's Customer, Vendor, or Government Representative upon receipt/arrival: S&R Dept. to advise Buyer of material arrival and not to proceed until directed to do so.
• R4.  Receiving inspection not to be conducted. S&R Dept. to forward the material as directed by the Buyer without opening the package. Buyer or designated personnel authorized to open the package will advise of acceptance.