EN 10204 inspection documents
EN 10204:2004 defines the types of inspection document for metallic products. ISO 10474 is its international counterpart.
| Type | Name | Content | Validated by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Declaration of compliance with the order | Statement of compliance, no test results | Manufacturer |
| 2.2 | Test report | Statement of compliance with results of non-specific inspection | Manufacturer |
| 3.1 | Inspection certificate 3.1 | Statement of compliance with results of specific inspection on the delivered products or their inspection unit | Manufacturer's authorised inspection representative, independent of the manufacturing department |
| 3.2 | Inspection certificate 3.2 | As 3.1 | Manufacturer's authorised inspection representative and the purchaser's authorised representative or an inspector designated by official regulations |
"Specific inspection" means that the tests were carried out on the products supplied or on the inspection unit of which they are part. For castings, an inspection certificate 3.1 with the heat analysis and mechanical test results is the usual requirement. A 3.2 certificate involves an independent inspector and must be planned before production, because witnessing cannot be added afterwards.
Typical document package
- Material certificate with heat number, chemical analysis, heat-treatment condition and mechanical test results.
- Dimensional report: first article report with all characteristics, or series report with agreed characteristics.
- NDT reports for each method, with procedure, acceptance standard, personnel qualification and results.
- Heat-treatment record or furnace chart, where specified.
- Visual inspection record and, where applicable, pressure or leak test report.
- Weld repair records, if repairs were permitted and carried out.
- Certificate of conformity summarising compliance with the order.
- Declarations required by the customer, for example on substances or origin.
Traceability
Traceability links each delivered casting to its heat, its heat-treatment load and its inspection results. In practice it is maintained by:
- a heat number assigned at melting and carried on the mould;
- marking on the casting, cast in through the wax pattern or applied by stamping, engraving or laser, as agreed;
- batch travellers that accompany the parts through finishing and inspection;
- identification of test bars with heat and furnace load.
The drawing should state which marking is required, where it may be placed and by what method. Low-stress stamps or laser marking are specified where surface integrity matters.
Initial sample documentation
For new parts, customers may require a defined initial sample package, such as a first article inspection report or an automotive-type sample submission. The format and level are agreed at the start, as they determine the measurement and testing effort.
Retention
Records are retained for an agreed period so that certificates and test results can be reproduced. Where long retention periods apply, for example for pressure equipment, they should be stated in the order.
Related: material testing, non-destructive testing, standards library.