Tekna earns first-ever NADCAP accreditation for metallic powder manufacturing

Tekna Advanced Materials Inc., a subsidiary of Tekna Holding ASA (OSE: TEKNA), has become the first company globally to receive NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) certification for metallic powder manufacturing. The accreditation, granted in October following a formal audit in August, establishes a new quality standard for the aerospace and defense supply chain.

The milestone follows Tekna’s participation in the development of the newly published NADCAP audit criteria AC7143, which outlines rigorous requirements for powder manufacturing processes. Since 2023, the company has worked alongside industry stakeholders such as BAE Systems, GKN Aerospace, Safran, and the Performance Review Institute (PRI) to define the framework. Tekna also hosted auditor training at its Sherbrooke, Québec, facility, contributing real-world validation for the criteria.

New audit standard targets traceability and process control

The AC7143 standard introduces formal audit guidelines for raw material traceability, contamination control, process stability, and quality assurance in metallic powder production. While NADCAP previously covered various critical aerospace processes, including heat treatment and non-destructive testing, this marks the first dedicated certification for powder manufacturing.

Claude Jean, Chief Executive Officer of Tekna, said the company viewed its involvement as a contribution to industry-wide reliability. “From day one, we saw this effort not just as an internal quality upgrade, but a contribution to the aerospace and defense supply chain globally,” Jean said. “By helping to shape the audit criteria, and then demonstrating compliance through our own processes, we believe we are offering reassurance to our customers that our powders meet the most rigorous standards possible.”

Tekna completed a multi-year preparation process, including gap analyses, mock audits, and internal process refinements. During the formal NADCAP audit in August, Tekna’s facility was assessed on procedural controls, documentation, and traceability systems. Two minor nonconformances were resolved before certification was issued.

Implications for aerospace and defense supply chains

The new certification framework is expected to streamline supplier approvals for aerospace and defense original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) by reducing the need for individualized audits. By achieving NADCAP accreditation under AC7143, Tekna now offers its customers a third-party validation of manufacturing quality and consistency.

The company states that the certification provides a competitive advantage for securing contracts with OEMs requiring the highest levels of supplier qualification. It also positions Tekna to support industry trends toward additive manufacturing and powder-based production technologies.

NADCAP is administered by the PRI, a nonprofit that coordinates consensus-driven audits across the aerospace and defense sector. More information on the new AC7143 criteria is available at p-r-i.org.