Weldaloy Metallurgical Laboratory Earns NADCAP Accreditation for Materials Testing Laboratories

Weldaloy Metallurgical Laboratory NADCAP AccreditedWeldaloy Metallurgical Laboratory (WML) has earned NADCAP accreditation for materials testing laboratories on November 26, 2024, a testament to the lab’s quality and competence. This milestone is especially significant, as the lab was only founded in 2022. Since then, it has grown rapidly into a center of excellence. By February 2023, it earned ISO 17025 accreditation and in nine months after initiating the NADCAP accreditation process, earned its NADCAP accreditation.

Ramachandra Canumalla, Ph.D. (Dr. Ram), VP/CTO and Director of WML, led a talented and dynamic team of metallurgists to establish the lab and fast-tracked its development. His team includes Sam Meyer, Lab Manager and Metallurgist, Nathan Fleming, Lab Supervisor and Metallurgist, Conor McKinney, Lab Metallurgist, and Benjamin Schaus, Lab Technician.

Starting from scratch, they meticulously wrote the quality manual, developed SOPs, and procured specialized equipment, such as metallography equipment, optical and Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM/EDS), Optical Emission Spectroscope, tensile testing frames, and macro and micro hardness testers. The team’s dedication to creating a robust quality system laid the foundation for a world-class operation.

Dr. Ram also credited the leadership of Weldaloy Specialty Forgings’ Rick Warren, Chairman and Owner, and Andrew Smith, CEO and President for their steadfast support and visionary leadership.

The NADCAP Accreditation Advantages

Achieving NADCAP accreditation elevates Weldaloy’s reputation, as NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) is recognized as the pinnacle of quality for aerospace and defense contractors. It mandates strict adherence to technical specifications and ensures laboratories demonstrate excellence in specific testing categories. For Weldaloy, NADCAP accreditation positions the lab as a trusted partner for key aerospace companies.

The accreditation process was an intensive undertaking. Dr. Ram described NADCAP as “a rite of passage” into the aerospace industry, highlighting the lab’s commitment to exceeding industry standards. “NADCAP represents the gold standard of excellence in the aerospace and defense industries,” noted Dr. Ram.

The Importance of ISO 17025 Accreditation

ISO 17025 accreditation is the highest benchmark for quality and competence in testing and calibration laboratories. It ensures the lab adheres to stringent quality management principles, focusing on traceability, impartiality, and consistency. According to Dr. Ram, this accreditation goes beyond a “seal of approval.” It confirms that Weldaloy’s test results align with national and international standards, demonstrating proficiency compared to other labs globally. The accreditation assures clients of the lab’s technical competence and credibility, making it a preferred choice for the rigorous testing requirements for various industries worldwide.

What Sets Weldaloy’s Lab Apart

The Weldaloy Metallurgical Laboratory stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality, expertise, and tailored customer solutions. Weldaloy prioritizes precision and meaningful outcomes. As Sam Meyer highlights, their testing and metallurgical inputs are more than mere “reports”—they are actionable insights rooted in decades of metallurgical and manufacturing expertise. Weldaloy’s team goes beyond delivering test results, offering technical solutions customized to clients’ needs through the generation of precise and authentic data.

A prime example of the lab’s precision and integrity is its collaboration with a leading space program, where Weldaloy’s meticulous grain size evaluations and unwavering commitment to accurate reporting set it apart. Their commitment to accuracy and integrity builds trust with clients, ensuring they receive reliable and actionable data.

Services Offered by Weldaloy Metallurgical Laboratory

The lab offers a wide array of services, including:

  • Mechanical Testing: Room temperature tensile tests and micro/macro hardness testing.
  • Metallography and Microscopy (in lab and onsite -in-situ): Microstructure and grain size evaluations, Fractography, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy.
  • Research and Development: Process development, metallurgical consultancy, process validation, Product and process failure investigations, Correlation of microstructure and mechanical properties in various grades of alloys, and decision science driven selection of materials.

Looking ahead, the lab plans to expand its capabilities to include elevated temperature tensile tests, stress rupture testing, and advanced chemical analysis.

Weldaloy Metallurgical Laboratory’s rapid evolution, combined with its ISO 17025 and NADCAP accreditations, positions it as a premier choice for testing of metals used across aerospace, defense and other critical manufacturing sectors. By prioritizing quality and client collaboration, the lab is setting new standards in the industry.