Why NADCAP Certification Matters for Aerospace Heat Treating

In the high-stakes world of aerospace and defense manufacturing, quality isn’t just a benchmark—it’s a necessity. When lives and multimillion-dollar systems are on the line, every component must meet the most stringent standards. That’s why NADCAP certification has become a critical requirement for companies performing aerospace heat treating processes. At Southwest Metal Treating, we proudly carry NADCAP accreditation, offering our clients across Texas and beyond the assurance of quality, consistency, and compliance. But what exactly is NADCAP, and why is it so crucial for aerospace heat treating? 

What Is NADCAP?

NADCAP stands for National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program. It is a global cooperative accreditation program overseen by the Performance Review Institute (PRI). Established in 1990 at the request of the U.S. aerospace industry, NADCAP was developed to manage a consensus approach to special process certification.

Rather than each aerospace prime (like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or Raytheon) conducting its own audits, NADCAP allows these companies to rely on a standardized accreditation process to ensure their suppliers comply with rigorous quality standards. NADCAP auditors are highly trained experts who conduct thorough reviews of processes like heat treating, chemical processing, non-destructive testing, and more.

Key elements of NADCAP accreditation include:

• Strict process control and documentation requirements 
• Verification of industry specifications such as AMS2750 for pyrometry 
• Comprehensive audit procedures conducted by PRI-approved professionals 
• Regular surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance 

For heat treating providers like Southwest Metal Treating, NADCAP is not just a badge of honor—it’s a clear signal to the aerospace and defense community that our work can be trusted at the highest levels.

Why NADCAP Matters for Aerospace Heat Treating

Aerospace components are exposed to some of the most extreme operating environments on the planet—and beyond. From jet engine turbines spinning at tens of thousands of RPMs to spacecraft enduring reentry temperatures, failure is not an option. This level of performance demands absolute consistency in material properties, especially when it comes to thermal processing.

1. Precision and Repeatability

Heat treating involves controlled heating and cooling cycles that modify a material’s properties—such as hardness, strength, or resistance to wear and fatigue. For aerospace components, even slight deviations can compromise the integrity of the final product. NADCAP accreditation ensures that every step of the process is controlled, measured, and repeatable.

2. Traceability and Documentation

Aerospace manufacturers must be able to trace the processing history of every part back to its source. NADCAP requires strict documentation practices, which ensure complete traceability. This is vital for regulatory compliance, warranty issues, and in rare cases, root cause analysis of a failure.

3. Meeting Prime Contractor Requirements

Major aerospace OEMs often require NADCAP accreditation from their suppliers. Without this certification, heat treating providers may be disqualified from participating in aerospace and defense contracts. NADCAP is the industry’s way of ensuring that subcontractors meet the same quality standards as prime contractors.

4. Compliance With AMS2750 Pyrometry Standards

For heat treating, one of the most critical standards is AMS2750, which governs pyrometry—the measurement and control of temperature in heat treat systems. This standard covers:

• Sensor calibration 
• System accuracy tests (SATs) 
• Temperature uniformity surveys (TUS) 
• Instrumentation requirements 

Adhering to AMS2750 ensures that ovens and furnaces perform as expected, minimizing the risk of process deviations.

Heat Treating Processes We Offer Under NADCAP Oversight

At Southwest Metal Treating, we’ve built our reputation on providing NADCAP-compliant heat treating services that meet the demanding needs of the aerospace industry. Here’s a closer look at our core offerings:

Vacuum Heat Treating

Vacuum heat treating is ideal for processing high-performance aerospace alloys such as titanium, Inconel, and other superalloys. This process takes place in a high-vacuum environment, which prevents oxidation and contamination. It produces clean, bright parts with precise metallurgical properties.

Applications:

• Turbine blades 
• Aircraft fasteners 
• High-strength landing gear components 

Benefits:

• No scale formation 
• Excellent repeatability 
• Controlled cooling rates 

Ion Nitriding & Gas Nitriding

Both ion and gas nitriding are surface-hardening techniques that enhance fatigue strength and wear resistance without distorting the component. These processes introduce nitrogen into the surface of the part at controlled temperatures, creating a hardened case.

Ion Nitriding (Plasma Nitriding):

• Conducted in a vacuum chamber using ionized gases 
• Allows for highly uniform case depths 
• Ideal for complex geometries and tight tolerances 

Gas Nitriding:

• Performed in an ammonia-rich environment 
• Produces consistent surface hardness 
• Common for gears, shafts, and aerospace tooling 

AMS2750 Pyrometry Compliance

We strictly follow the AMS2750 standard, ensuring that our thermal processes meet aerospace-specific pyrometry requirements. Our equipment undergoes regular:

• Sensor calibrations 
• System accuracy tests (SATs) 
• Temperature uniformity surveys (TUS) 

We maintain full records for traceability and audit compliance, so you can trust that every batch meets the thermal specifications required by your application.

Benefits of Working With a NADCAP-Certified Partner

Choosing a NADCAP-accredited heat treating provider like Southwest Metal Treating offers significant advantages for aerospace and defense manufacturers:

• Regulatory Confidence: Meet FAA, DoD, and OEM requirements with documented compliance. 
• Reduced Risk: Eliminate uncertainties around heat treat quality and documentation. 
• Audit Readiness: NADCAP compliance simplifies internal and external quality audits. 
• Competitive Edge: Partnering with accredited providers strengthens your supply chain credentials. 

Our customers span the aerospace, space exploration, military, and defense sectors—all of whom require top-tier quality assurance in their supply chain. We support them with a commitment to zero defects, on-time delivery, and full transparency.

Partner With Southwest Metal Treating

At Southwest Metal Treating, our NADCAP-accredited processes provide the precision, documentation, and reliability that aerospace manufacturers demand. From vacuum heat treating to nitriding and pyrometry compliance, we help ensure that every part performs as expected—no matter how high it flies or how hard it lands.

Looking for a qualified partner for aerospace heat treating in Texas and beyond? Contact Southwest Metal Treating today to learn more about our NADCAP-certified services.