11.04.2022What is a Declared Materials List?
A Declared Materials List (DML) is a document declaring all materials which are included in a project/product.
The document is used by Quality or Product Assurance managers to ensure the security of materials used in aerospace projects. The purpose of the DML is to provide the client/customer with the information related to the materials and their traceability. The DML contains the how, where and why of each material type. Identifying the form and composition of the materials in addition to their origin.
DML Specifics
As part of AEON’s product management and product assurance processes, AEON uses DMLs to document which materials are being used, and how they are being used to meet the project requirements.
AEON has adopted this process to clearly inform and explain to its customers the materials used for the project, how they are used and what standards they comply to, for instance ISO, BS or DIN.
The DML comprises the different material groups, and within these groups each material is given a unique item number (i.e., 1.1, 2.1, 2.2), its commercial identification (e.g., stainless steel 304), chemical name, source/origin, product type, manufacture/supplier, how it is manufactured (milled, turned, welding), the part name and number, the material size code and the relevant reference number within the material’s standard (e.g., C.1.4 (ECSS-Q-70-71).
The Materials International Space Station Experiment
MISSE project specimens are placed onto trays and inserted into Passive Experiment Containers (PECs).
The Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) launched by NASA is a prime example of the kinds of quality checks carried out to ensure materials are fit for purpose, before their application in each mission. In most cases, materials are subjected to stringent qualification processes before they are approved for use. Test campaigns, such as MISSE, demonstrate that materials can withstand the harsh environment of space, and that they do not jeopardise the odds of success for the specific mission (which is can be up to several hundred million euros).
There are about 1,500 samples being tested on the MISSE project. Samples range from components such as switches, sensors, and mirrors to materials like polymers, coatings, and composites
MISSE is the ultimate qualification test because it deploys prospective materials into space, subjecting swatches (samples) to real environments for considerable periods of time. After a year of exposure, MISSE was be retrieved and terrestrial-based tests were conducted on the materials to evaluate changes due to their exposure. In most cases, materials that we document in DMLs make use of historic qualification test results, thereby removing the need to re-qualify them.
AEON apply DML's to your project
AEON specifically tailors a DML towards your project included within its project management services to ensure a high level of confidence in the materials used for each system, and with the necessary traceability to assure the supply chain.
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If you have an upcoming project that requires expert knowledge, contact us and discuss your requirements with our team.
