Web Industries Inc. Aerospace division has earned official accreditation from Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) covering its aerospace-related composite ply cutting and kitting operations. Nadcap is an industry-managed assessment organization that establishes standards and conducts audits of aerospace industry suppliers. Web Industries is the first supplier in the world to earn this Nadcap accreditation, which was introduced in mid-2017 and specifically applies to composite ply cutting and kitting.

The official certification is Nadcap AC 7118 Rev E ply cutting and kitting. It covers Web production facilities in Suwanee, Ga. The facility passed rigorous audits to earn the designation.

"Our success in passing stringent on-site audits and gaining Nadcap accreditation confirms that Web is on the leading edge of aerospace composite innovations," says, Web Industries General Manager Ben Winters. "Being the first to earn this particular designation further assures our customers that Web's operations conform to the highest standards."

Strict Requirements

Web Industries sought Nadcap accreditation at the request of a major aerospace engine OEM customer. The process involved intensive two-day assessments at Web's Georgia facility, conducted by an experienced Nadcap auditor. The facility's operations involve precision cutting and kitting of composite materials for eventual production into aerospace components. All aspects of these activities were audited for adherence to strict standards, including the receiving, storage and handling of composite materials, CCA conditions, material tracking and recordkeeping, and employee training.

"Nadcap assessments are renowned throughput the aerospace industry for their depth and thoroughness," says Web Industries' Winters. "The auditor identifies any practice or process that does not conform with best practices as determined by Nadcap experts. We benefited from the auditor's feedback and were able to further improve our practices, such as handling of materials as they're positioned for cutting."

Nadcap assessments generally replace routine audits conducted by aerospace contractors and parts producers. Web's Nadcap accreditation is in effect through January 2019.