ASTM E2910-12(2018)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Preferred Methods for Acceptance of Product
Standard Guide for Preferred Methods for Acceptance of Product
ABSTRACT
This guide establishes lot or batch and continuous sampling plans using MIL-STD-1916 as a basis. It represents an alternative sampling approach to attributes sampling (MILSTD-105E, same as Practice E2234), variables sampling (MILSTD-414, Practice E2762), and continuous sampling (MILSTD-1235B, Practice E2819). This standard provides a set of sampling plans and procedures for planning and conducting inspections to assess quality and conformance to contract requirements. This standard eliminates acceptable quality levels (AQL’s) and associated practices within specifications.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Procurement practices encourage industry innovation and provide flexibility to achieve the benefits of continuous improvement.
5.2 There is an evolving industrial product quality philosophy that recognizes the need for quality policy changes that will provide producers with opportunities and incentives toward improvement of product quality and cooperative relationships between the producer and the consumer.
5.3 Process controls and statistical control methods are the preferable means of preventing nonconformances, controlling quality, and generating information for improvement. An effective process control system may also be used to provide information to assess the quality of deliverables submitted for acceptance. Producers are encouraged to use process control and statistical control procedures for their internal control and to submit effective process control procedures in lieu of prescribed sampling requirements to the consumer for approval.
5.4 Sampling inspection by itself is an inefficient industrial practice for demonstrating conformance to the requirements of a contract and its technical data package. The application of sampling plans for acceptance involves both consumer and producer risks; and increased sampling is one way of reducing these risks, but it also increases costs. Producers can reduce risks by employing efficient processes with appropriate process controls. To the extent that such practices are employed and are effective, risk is controlled and, consequently, inspection and testing can be reduced.
5.5 The following points provide the basis for this standard:
5.5.1 Producers are required to submit deliverables that conform to requirements and to generate and maintain sufficient evidence of conformance.
5.5.2 Producers are responsible for establishing their own manufacturing and process controls to produce results in accordance with requirements.
5.5.3 Producers are expected to use recognized prevention practices such as...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide establishes lot or batch and continuous sampling plans using MIL-STD-1916 as a basis. It represents an alternative sampling approach to attributes sampling (MIL-STD-105E, same as Practice E2234), variables sampling (MIL-STD-414, Practice E2762), and continuous sampling (MIL-STD-1235B, Practice E2819).
1.2 This guide provides the sampling plans of MIL-STD-1916 in ASTM format for use by ASTM committees and others. It recognizes the continuing usage of MIL-STD-1916 in industries supported by ASTM. Most of the original text in MIL-STD-1916 is preserved in Sections 4 – 6 of this guide. The original wording of “Government” in MIL-STD-1916 has been changed to “consumer”, and “contractor” has been changed to “producer” to make this standard more generic.
1.3 Purpose—To encourage producers supplying goods and services to its consumers to submit efficient and effective process control (prevention) procedures in place of prescribed sampling requirements. The goal is to support the movement away from an AQL-based inspection (detection) strategy to implementation of an effective prevention-based strategy including a comprehensive quality system, continuous improvement and a partnership with the consumer. The underlying theme is a partnership between consumer and the producer, with the requisite competence of both parties, and a cle...
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2910 − 12 (Reapproved 2018) An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Preferred Methods for Acceptance of Product
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2910; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This guide establishes lot or batch and continuous
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
sampling plans using MIL-STD-1916 as a basis. It represents
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
an alternative sampling approach to attributes sampling (MIL-
STD-105E,sameasPracticeE2234),variablessampling(MIL-
2. Referenced Documents
STD-414, Practice E2762), and continuous sampling (MIL-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
STD-1235B, Practice E2819).
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
1.2 This guide provides the sampling plans of MIL-STD-
E2234 Practice for Sampling a Stream of Product by Attri-
1916 in ASTM format for use by ASTM committees and
butes Indexed by AQL
others.ItrecognizesthecontinuingusageofMIL-STD-1916in
E2762 Practice for Sampling a Stream of Product by Vari-
industries supported by ASTM. Most of the original text in
ables Indexed by AQL
MIL-STD-1916 is preserved in Sections4–6 of this guide.
E2819 Practice for Single- and Multi-Level Continuous
The original wording of “Government” in MIL-STD-1916 has
Sampling of a Stream of Product byAttributes Indexed by
been changed to “consumer”, and “contractor” has been
AQL
changed to “producer” to make this standard more generic.
2.2 Other Standards:
1.3 Purpose—To encourage producers supplying goods and
MIL-STD-105E Sampling Procedures and Tables for In-
services to its consumers to submit efficient and effective
spection by Attributes
process control (prevention) procedures in place of prescribed
MIL-STD-1235B Single- and Multi-Level Continuous Sam-
sampling requirements. The goal is to support the movement
pling for Attributes
away from an AQL-based inspection (detection) strategy to
MIL-STD-1916 DoD Preferred Methods for Acceptance of
implementation of an effective prevention-based strategy in-
Product
cluding a comprehensive quality system, continuous improve-
MIL-STD-414 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspec-
ment and a partnership with the consumer. The underlying
tion by Variables for Percent Defective
theme is a partnership between consumer and the producer,
with the requisite competence of both parties, and a clear
3. Terminology
mutual benefit from processes capable of consistently high
3.1 Definitions—The terminology defined in Terminology
quality products and services. The objective is to create an
E456 applies to this guide except as modified below.
atmosphere where every noncompliance is an opportunity for
3.1.1 critical defect, n—a defect that judgment and experi-
corrective action and improvement rather than one where
ence indicate would result in hazardous or unsafe conditions
acceptable quality levels are the contractually sufficient goals.
for individuals using, maintaining, or depending upon the
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
product, or a defect that judgment and experience indicate is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
likely to prevent performance of the function of a major end
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
item. E2234
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.2 inspection, n—the process of measuring, examining,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
testing, or otherwise comparing the unit of product with the
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
requirements. E2234
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E11 on Quality and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Statistics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E11.30 on Statistical contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Quality Control. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2012. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E2910 – 12. DOI: Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
10.1520/E2910-12R18. Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2910 − 12 (2018)
3.1.3 major defect, n—a defect, other than critical, that is 3.2.11 nonconforming unit, n—see non-conforming item.
likely to result in failure, or to reduce materially the usability
3.2.12 quality, n—the composite of material attributes in-
of the unit of product for its intended purpose. E2234
cluding performance features and characteristics of a product
or service to satisfy a given need.
3.1.4 minor defect, n—a defect that is not likely to reduce
materially the usability of the unit of product for its intended
3.2.13 quality assurance, n—a planned and systematic pat-
purpose, or is a departure from established standards having
tern of all actions necessary to provide adequate confidence
little bearing on the effective use or operation of the unit.
that adequate technical requirements are established; products
E2234
and services conform to established technical requirements;
and satisfactory performance is achieved.
3.1.5 non-conforming item, n—an item containing at least
one non-conformity. E2234
3.2.14 quality audit, n—asystematicexaminationoftheacts
and decisions with respect to quality in order to independently
3.1.6 production interval, n—a finite period of production,
verify or evaluate the operational requirements of the quality
N items in length. E2819
program or the specification or contract requirements of the
3.1.6.1 Discussion—In this guide, the production interval is
product or service.
a period of production under continuous sampling assumed to
consist of essentially homogeneous quality. It is normally a 3.2.15 quality program, n—a program which is developed,
planned, and managed to carry out cost effectively all efforts to
shift;itcanbeadayifitisreasonablycertainthatshiftchanges
do not affect quality of product, but shall not be longer than a effect the quality of materials and services from concept
through validation, full-scale development, production,
day.
deployment, and disposal.
3.1.7 screening, n—100 % inspection where all defective
3.2.16 screening inspection, n—see screening.
units are removed from the production flow. E2819
3.1.7.1 Discussion—The two terms, screening and 100 %
3.2.17 traceability, n—the ability to trace the history, appli-
inspection, are used interchangeably in this practice.
cation or location of an item or activity, or similar items or
activities, by means of recorded identification.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.18 verification level (VL), n—prescribes the level of
3.2.1 acceptance, n—the act of an authorized representative
of the consumer by which the consumer, for itself or as a agent significance or utility of a characteristic to the user.
3.2.18.1 Discussion—The amount of effort to assure confor-
of another, assumes ownership of existing identified supplied
tendered or approves specific services rendered as partial or mance can be allocated on the basis of importance to the user.
(Major characteristics will require more verification effort than
complete performance of the contract.
minor characteristics.) VL-VII requires the highest level of
3.2.2 contract quality assurance, n—the various functions,
effort, and the effort decreases as the VL decreases to the
including inspection, performed by the consumer to determine
lowest level, VL-I.
whether a producer has fulfilled the contract obligations
pertaining to quality and quantity.
4. Summary of Practice
3.2.3 contract quality requirements, n—the technical re-
4.1 Acceptance by Producer-Proposed Provisions:
quirements in the contract relating to the quality of the product
4.1.1 General:
or service and those contract clauses prescribing inspection,
4.1.1.1 This standard, when referenced in the contract or
and other quality controls incumbent on the producer, to assure
product specifications, requires the producer to perform sam-
that the product or service conforms to the contractual require-
pling inspection in accordance with paragraph 4.2 and the
ments.
product specification. However, it is recognized that sampling
3.2.4 critical characteristic, n—see critical defect. inspection alone does not control or improve quality. Product
quality comes from proper product and process design and
3.2.5 critical nonconforming unit, n—a unit of product that
process control activities. When such activities are effective,
fails to conform to specified requirements for one of more
sampling inspection is a redundant effort and an unnecessary
critical characteristics.
cost. Producers that have an acceptable quality system and
3.2.6 major characteristic, n—see major defect.
proven process controls on specific processes are encouraged
3.2.7 major nonconforming unit, n—a unit of product that to consider submitting alternate acceptance methods for one or
fails to conform to specified requirements for one or more more contractually specified characteristics. In addition, pro-
major characteristics, but conforms to all critical characteris- ducers that have a successful quality system and a history of
tics. successful process controls relevant to the products/services
being procured in this contract, are encouraged to consider
3.2.8 minor characteristic, n—see minor defect.
submitting a systemic alternate acceptance method for all the
3.2.9 minor nonconforming unit, n—a unit of product that
contractual sampling inspection requirements associated with
failstoconformtospecifiedrequirementsofoneormoreminor
paragraph 4.2.
characteristics, but conforms to all critical and major charac-
4.1.1.2 Submissions shall describe the alternate acceptance
teristics.
methods, the sampling inspection provision to be replaced, and
3.2.10 nonconformance, n—a departure from a specified an evaluation of the protection provided by the alternate
requirement for any characteristic. methods as compared with the inspection requirement to be
E2910 − 12 (2018)
replaced. The alternate acceptance method shall include evi- 4.1.4 Withdrawal of Approval of Alternates—The consumer
dence of process control and capability during production reserves the right to withdraw approval of alternate acceptance
together with adequate criteria, measurement, and evaluation methods that are determined to provide less assurance of
procedures to maintain control of the process. The acceptabil- quality than the inspection requirements originally specified or
ity of the alternate acceptance methods is dependent upon the when the inability to maintain process stability and capability
existence of a quality system, the demonstration of its process over time becomes apparent.
focus, and the availability of objective evidence of effective-
4.2 Acceptance by Tables:
ness.
4.2.1 Preferred Sampling Plans—This standard establishes
4.1.2 Requirements and Procedures:
three sets of matched sampling plans for the sampling inspec-
4.1.2.1 Producers currently operating quality systems in
tion of product submitted to the consumer for acceptance.
accordance with such models as ISO 9000, ANSI/ASQC
These sampling plans provide for inspecting the samples from
Q9004, or others that are deemed satisfactory to the consumer
lots or batches by attributes or variables measurement and for
representative are qualified to apply for alternate acceptance
continuous sampling by attributes measurement. The three sets
methods if demonstration of process focus and objective
of matched sampling plans are indexed by seven specified
evidence of effectiveness exists.
verification levels (VL) and five code letters (CL), which are
4.1.2.2 The producer shall include in his request for ap-
determined by the lot or production interval size.The sampling
proval of an alternate acceptance method an assessment plan to
plans are matched between corresponding VL and CL combi-
periodically verify process stability, capability, and other con-
nations to result in essentially similar protection. The producer
ditions under which the alternate acceptance method was
has the option to utilize the type of plan, at the same
developed. The current minimum values of process capability
verification level, that best complements the production pro-
are equivalent to a Cpk of 2.00 for critical characteristics, 1.33
cess.
for major characteristics, and 1.00 for minor characteristics.
4.2.2 Formation and Identification of Lots or Batches—The
Upon approval of the assessment plan, the producer may
product shall be assembled into identifiable lots, sublots, or
reduce or eliminate inspection sampling when the plan criteria
batches,orinsuchothermannerasmaybeprescribed.Eachlot
are met or exceeded.
or batch shall, as far as practicable, consist of units of product
4.1.3 Submission and Incorporation:
of a single type, grade, class, size, and composition, manufac-
4.1.3.1 Submission—There are two ways of submitting al-
tured under essentially the same conditions, and at essentially
ternate acceptance methods:
the same time. The lots or batches shall be identified by the
(1) Submission of individual alternate acceptance methods
producer and shall be kept intact in adequate and suitable
for one or more contractually specified sampling inspection
storage space.Although lot or batch size is not used to select a
requirementsthroughtheconsumerqualityassurancerepresen-
continuous sampling plan, the formation of lots or batches may
tative (QAR) to the procuring contracting officer (PCO) for
remain desirable for reasons of homogeneity, shipping
approvalatanytimeduringthecontractperiodofperformance.
convenience, and facilitation of payment.
(2) Submission of a systemic alternate acceptance method
4.2.3 Determination of Sampling Plan—A sampling plan is
to the PCO prior to contract being awarded. This pre-approval
determined by:
...
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