Heat Treat & Coatings Traceability: What to Document

Why It Matters

Heat treatment and coatings are critical processes that directly affect part performance. Without proper documentation, there's no way to verify that specifications were met.

Heat Treatment Documentation

• Furnace charts showing time-temperature cycles
• Hardness test results post-treatment
• Batch/lot identification linking parts to furnace runs
• Procedure reference (AMS 2759, customer spec, etc.)

Coating Documentation

• Coating specification and type
• Thickness measurements
• Adhesion test results
• Batch certificates from the coating supplier

Best Practice

Require sub-supplier certifications to flow back to you. Your machine shop should include heat treat and coating certificates in the final documentation package — not just their own inspection results.