What is traceability?
Traceability is the recording of every stage of a part from its raw material to final delivery, so that it can be tracked backward. In the defense industry this is not a preference but, most of the time, a requirement.
Why is it critical?
If a fastener fails in a critical system, it must be possible to trace the source of the problem: Which batch? Which steel heat? Which production date? Without traceability, a single defective batch casts doubt over the entire production.
Components of traceability
- Material mill certificate: documents the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the steel
- Batch number tracking: each production batch is recorded with a unique number
- Production records: which die, which machine, which date
- Quality control reports: dimensional, hardness, and strength test results
Catalog versus a certified producer
A fastener bought from a standard catalog generally has no traceability record — its source is unknown. For defense projects this is unacceptable. A certified producer can document what material each batch was made from and how it was produced.
The ANG FAST approach
For defense industry projects we work with certified steel sourcing, batch-based recording, and production reporting. For specific confidentiality or technical requirements we carry out a project-specific evaluation.