SPECIAL-PROCESS QUALITY
Alternate source qualification for controlled shot peening
Compare requirements, evidence and the approval plan before launching a second controlled shot peening source.
When should a manufacturer qualify a second shot peening source?
A second source is useful when a single supplier creates a capacity, continuity, logistics or lead-time risk. It can also support a new product introduction, regional sourcing strategy or recovery plan. Qualification should start before a supply interruption because trials, approvals and documentation take time.
| Trigger | Qualification question | Evidence to collect |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity constraint | Can the alternate route meet volume and process controls? | capacity review, trial plan, process records |
| Single-source risk | Which requirements must remain equivalent? | drawing, specification, approved source requirements |
| New product introduction | What must be demonstrated before series? | samples, FAI/PPAP, control plan, customer approvals |
| Regional sourcing | Does logistics change part condition or release timing? | packaging, transport route, chain of custody |
| Supplier performance issue | Is the problem process, documentation or delivery? | nonconformity data and acceptance criteria |
What must be compared between the existing and alternate routes?
The comparison must be requirement-led. The existing supplier’s settings are not automatically the correct acceptance criteria. The drawing, specification and customer requirements determine which variables and evidence must be equivalent.
| Comparison area | Questions for the review |
|---|---|
| Component input | Is material, heat treatment, surface condition and incoming status defined? |
| Process requirement | Are intensity, coverage, media, masking and protected areas controlled by a valid document? |
| Equipment and tooling | Can the alternate route reproduce access, positioning and repeatability? |
| Inspection | Which in-process and final checks release the component? |
| Documentation | Are traceability, process records, FAI/PPAP and customer formats defined? |
| External verification | Is XRD or another laboratory method required, and who controls chain of custody? |
| Approval | Does the customer require source approval, Nadcap or another project-specific status? |
How can SP Center support the qualification plan?
SP Center’s quality scope includes planning based on trials, sample parts, PPAP or FAI requirements and residual stress measurements when required. The agreed route can include process flow, control plan, PFMEA linkage, traceability, inspection points and release documentation. XRD residual stress measurement is supported in cooperation with a specialised laboratory.
The schedule is established after reviewing the component, specification, testing scope, documentation and available capacity. A lead time should not be promised before those dependencies are known.
What does the SP Center quality certificate cover?
SP Center holds BSI certificate FM 829811 for EN 9100:2018 and ISO 9001:2015. The published scope is “Shot peening services for the aerospace, automotive, medical and general industries”, with validity shown through 7 October 2028.
What are the outputs of an alternate-source review?
A useful first review should produce:
- a list of complete and missing technical requirements;
- a proposed trial and qualification scope;
- required evidence, approvals and customer decisions;
- a capacity and logistics check;
- a quotation or a clear reason why the project cannot proceed.
An alternate-source review is successful when the decision path becomes explicit. Approval follows only after the agreed technical and quality evidence meets the controlling requirements.
Frequently asked questions about alternate shot peening sources
Can SP Center copy the current supplier’s process parameters?
Only when those parameters are available, controlled and valid for transfer. The qualification must follow the drawing, specification and approval route. Supplier settings alone do not prove equivalence.
Is a sample run enough to approve a second source?
Not necessarily. The required evidence depends on the component, specification, customer approvals and risk. A sample run may be one part of FAI, PPAP, laboratory verification or a broader qualification package.
Can SP Center support customer-specific documentation?
Customer-specific documentation can be included in the agreed scope. The forms, approval workflow, language, records and retention requirements must be supplied or confirmed during review.
Does EN 9100 remove the need for source approval or Nadcap?
No. EN 9100 is a quality-management-system certificate. It does not replace a customer source approval, Nadcap accreditation or component-specific qualification when those are required.
Review an alternate-source requirement
Send the drawing, specification, current approval requirements, expected volume, reason for the alternate source and required timing. A process engineer will identify missing inputs and confirm the next step.
Describe the part and process requirements
A process engineer will review the input and confirm the next step.