Define marking requirements in the TDP/PO and control them as part of the qualified process. Use serialization methods compatible with the alloy, heat treatment, and fatigue requirements (e.g., laser mark or dot peen only in non-critical, low-stress areas; avoid sharp indentations on fatigue-critical surfaces unless specifically approved). Apply marking after final heat treatment and machining when possible, and verify legibility after any surface finishing or coating. Treat serialization as part of the traceability chain that ties the part to build ID, powder lot, and certification records, and ensure marking data and associated digital records are handled under the program’s ITAR/DFARS controls.

Establish requalification triggers in the process control plan and align them to AS9100 change control. Common triggers include: machine model change or major optical/mechanical rebuild; parameter set revision; powder supplier change or chemistry/PSD limits change; significant powder reuse policy change; HIP or heat treat cycle changes beyond allowed tolerances; post-processing vendor change for special processes (HIP, heat treat, NDE, coatings); build orientation/support strategy changes that affect CTQs; and inspection method or acceptance criteria changes. The response typically ranges from documentation review and bridging builds with coupons to partial or full requalification depending on risk and CTQ sensitivity.

RFQs/POs should require a traveler-level manufacturing route and explicitly prohibit substitutions without written approval. Call out: controlled drawing/model revision; AM process and machine family; frozen parameter set identifier; powder specification limits and lot traceability requirements; required post-processing sequence (stress relief, HIP/heat treat, machining, finishing) and special-process certifications; NDE methods and coverage; inspection deliverables (CMM, NDE reports, build traveler, CoC, AS9102 FAI if applicable); serialization/marking; packaging and preservation; and change notification requirements. Include clear acceptance criteria and objective evidence expectations so suppliers cannot swap material, process steps, or vendors without triggering review.