AboutJoe Martin Expertise I can answer questions about Quality Systems (AS9100, AS9103, Boeing D6-82479, etc.) Particular areas of expertise are Statistical Process Control (SPC), sampling inspection, design for Six Sigma, and Six Sigma tools in general.
Experience Quality engineer in aerospace for 20+ years. ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (#8920) since 1982.
Question We are working to improve our characteristic definitions. A definition that has come up is Key Manufacturing Characteristic - a physical characteristic of a part/product that needs to controlled so that key part/product characteristic affecting function is always in control. e.g. datum surfaces, part features critical for assembly etc.
Question is where do these need to be captured/identified? We do not think it needs to be in the part or product drawings. Currently we try to put all of this on part/product drawings? what is common in the manufacturing world?
Thanks
Answer Over the past 20 years there has been much discussion, especially in the aerospace industry, about how to handle key characteristics on engineering drawings.
I would suggest reading AS9103, although there are many things in that specification that I do not like. Personally, I would agree with you that KCs should not be a part of the drawing but should be handled separately on a "control plan" or some other document.
