Home » What is AS9103 Variation of Key Characteristics?

What is AS9103 Key Characteristics?

AS9100 Rev C mentions Key Characteristics several times.

9103 Definition:

The feature of a material or part whose variation has a significant influence on product fit, performance, service life or manufacturability

• Key characteristic for a part, sub-assembly or system: selected geometrical, material properties, functional and cosmetic features which are measurable and whose variation is necessary in meeting Customer requirements
• Key characteristic for a process: selected measurable parameters of a process whose control is essential
• Substitute Key characteristic: when Customer defined key characteristic is not readily measurable and other characteristic may need to be controlled

Scope of 9103

•Primarily intended to apply to new parts but should also be applied through out the life of the program
to ensure that changes are taken into consideration
•Establishes requirements for management of key characteristics variation
•Specifies general requirements
•Provides a process

Managing Variation in Key Characteristics (AAQG)

IAQG has an excellent Key Characteristics Presentation, listed here for your convenience:

The presentation outlines the seven stages process for Key Characteristics

1. Understand KCs and required performance
2. Plan Manufacturing Processes
3. Operate on Trial Basis to generate Data
4. Analyse data to identify appropriate Action
5. Take action from study
6. Continue to Monitor the Performance
7. Is a process change required?

More Info:

• AAQG Key Characteristic Variation Presentation
• AS9102 Form Examples:
  • AS9102 Samples of forms 1,2 & 3 - AAQG Website
  • AS9102 Form examples (filled in) - Elsmar
• Buy a copy of the guidance FAI Standard (AS9102A)