Bob,

"Critical process" refers to any process or procedure that can adversely
affect the form, fit, function, reliability, or performance of the hardware
over its expected life and service environment.

For instance: If a vendor proposes to hand solder circuit boards (which is
the process often used for small-lot production quantities of "special"
hi-rel. / aerospace hardware), the entire soldering process could be
considered "critical" due to the potential variability introduced by the
process. Use of preheat would be considered a "critical" process. Lead
bending, and staking for strain relief, too.

Even cleaning could be viewed as "critical" if the proposed process has the
potential to adversely affect the hardware by introduction of latent
defects, or leave any residue that could sublimate and contaminate optical
surfaces or the habitable compartment.

Bob


-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Crain, Bob
Sent: Saturday, August 07, 2004 3:36 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Critical Processes (to Aerospace Folks)

We recently had a meeting with customers where the issue of "critical
processes" came up. This phrase is seen in most statements of work for both
prime and sub contracts. Between the customers, quality, manufacturing and
engineering, there were 3 or 4 ideas of what this aerospace concept means.

I thought it would be interesting and helpful to see if TechNET aerospace
folks have any kind of consensus on this.
I of course am not supplying any further description or definition, since
that is what we are looking for here.

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