ASEA METAL — Quality Assurance Manual
Scope: Stainless steel tubes & pipes (Heat Exchanger Tubes, Instrumentation Tubing, U-bend Tubes, Finned Tubes) and related inspection / documentation.
Company: ASEA METAL CO., LTD.
Revision: 2026-04 (Website edition)
1) Quality Policy
ASEA METAL is committed to delivering stainless steel tubing and piping that meet customer specifications and applicable standards through controlled manufacturing,
verified inspection, and complete documentation. Our core principles are traceability, consistency, and on-time delivery.
- Fit-to-spec: dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and cleanliness aligned to project requirements.
- Traceability: heat number / lot control from raw material to shipment.
- Verification: inspections and tests performed to defined acceptance criteria and recorded.
- Continuous improvement: corrective actions and preventive actions based on nonconformance and customer feedback.
2) Applicable Standards (Typical)
The exact standard and inspection scope are defined by the purchase order / project ITP. Common references include (but are not limited to):
- ASTM / ASME: A213, A269, A312, A688 (as applicable to product and service).
- EN 10204: 3.1 / 3.2 (when requested).
- NDT methods: Eddy Current (ET/ECT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Hydrostatic / Pneumatic (as specified).
- Customer requirements: inspection hold points, third-party inspection, special marking / packing.
3) Definitions (Key Terms)
- Heat / Melt No.: unique identifier linking finished tubes to the melt.
- Lot: a controlled grouping (same size, grade, heat, and heat-treatment charge unless specified otherwise).
- MTC / MTR: Mill Test Certificate / Report (chemical + mechanical).
- ITP: Inspection and Test Plan (customer/project specific).
4) Material Control & Traceability
- Incoming verification: grade / heat number / documentation check (MTC) before release to production.
- Identification: materials remain identified through production using heat number, lot number, and production travelers.
- Segregation: nonconforming or suspect material is clearly labeled and segregated.
- Records: traceability records are maintained from raw material to final shipment.
5) Manufacturing Control (Overview)
Process steps vary by product type. ASEA METAL controls critical parameters and verifies outputs at defined checkpoints.
| Process |
Control Point |
Typical Record |
| Cold drawing / sizing |
OD / WT control, surface condition |
In-process dimensional sheet |
| Heat treatment (if applicable) |
Time / temperature, furnace chart |
Heat-treatment record |
| Straightening / cutting |
Length, end condition, squareness |
Cut length report |
| Cleaning / preservation |
Cleanliness, caps, moisture control |
Cleaning / packing checklist |
6) Inspection & Testing (Typical Menu)
Inspection items are selected by standard and customer specification. ASEA METAL provides records and certificates as required.
| Item |
Method (Example) |
Acceptance (Example) |
Record |
| Visual |
Surface check, dents, scratches |
No harmful defects per spec |
Visual inspection sheet |
| Dimensional |
OD / WT / length / straightness |
Per ASTM/PO tolerance |
Dimensional report |
| PMI (optional) |
XRF or OES |
Grade confirmation |
PMI log |
| Eddy Current (ET/ECT) |
NDT per applicable standard |
Per standard criteria |
ET record |
| Hydro / Pneumatic (optional) |
Pressure test per PO/ITP |
No leakage |
Test certificate |
7) Measuring Equipment & Calibration
- Measuring instruments are identified and controlled.
- Calibration is performed at defined intervals; out-of-calibration equipment is segregated and investigated.
- Calibration records are retained and can be provided when requested.
8) Nonconformance & Corrective Action (CAPA)
- Nonconforming products are identified, segregated, and dispositioned (rework / use-as-is with approval / scrap).
- Corrective actions address root cause; preventive actions reduce recurrence risk.
- Customer notification is performed when required by contract/ITP.
9) Packaging, Preservation & Shipping
- Protection: end caps, wrapping, moisture control (as required).
- Marking: heat number/lot, size, grade, standard, PO reference.
- Packing: bundles / wooden cases per size and transportation mode.
- Documents: packing list, MTC, inspection records (as agreed).
10) Document Control & Record Retention
- Documents are reviewed and issued with controlled revision.
- Records are retained for an agreed period (project requirement / internal policy).
11) Responsibilities (RACI Overview)
Role assignments may vary by project. The following overview clarifies practical responsibility across sales, production, and QA/QC.
| Activity |
Sales |
Production |
QA/QC |
Mgmt |
| Contract review / requirements confirmation |
R |
C |
C |
A |
| Incoming material verification |
I |
R |
A |
I |
| Nonconformance disposition |
I |
R |
A |
C |
| Final release / shipment documentation |
C |
R |
A |
I |
12) ITP (Inspection & Test Plan) — Template
Use this template for customer projects. Add/Remove items per PO/spec and indicate Hold/Witness points.
| Stage |
Inspection / Test |
Method |
Acceptance |
Record |
| Incoming |
MTC check / Heat No. verification |
PO / EN 10204 |
Match grade |
Incoming log |
| In-process |
OD / WT / length check |
ASTM tolerance |
Within tol. |
Dim report |
| NDT |
Eddy Current (ET/ECT) |
Applicable ASTM |
Per criteria |
ET record |
| Final |
Visual / marking / packing |
Work instruction |
OK |
Final checklist |
13) Appendix — Blank Checklists
| Checklist Item |
Result / Remark |
| OD/WT/Length verified | □ OK □ NG |
| End caps installed | □ OK □ NG |
| Marking matches heat/grade/size | □ OK □ NG |
| Packing condition damage-free | □ OK □ NG |