Material
Define alloy family or chemistry limits where required; do not use hardness as the only material identifier.
Material & inspection
Refiner Segment Materials, Hardness & First-Article Inspection
Hardness is only one variable. Material definition, heat treatment, casting quality, dimensional control and acceptance evidence should be reviewed as a package.
Inspection framework
Heat treatment
Specify the required condition and the evidence needed to confirm it.
Dimensions
Inspect mounting, thickness, holes, seating datums and other critical dimensions against the approved definition.
Traceability
Define part marking, batch identification and report linkage before production.
First-article package — project dependent
| Material evidence | Chemistry or material certificate when required |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Range, test method and measurement locations when specified |
| Dimensions | FAI report for agreed critical features |
| Set control | Weight/set matching or other agreed set-level checks |
| Balance/runout | Clarify whether the requirement applies to a segment, matched set, holder or final assembled rotor |
| Release | Buyer-approved acceptance criteria before controlled trial |
Balance responsibility must be precise
A statement that a component is 'balanced' does not automatically prove that the final assembled rotor meets the machine or plant acceptance requirement.
Define the evidence before the first article
Inspection expectations are easiest to manage when they are agreed before tooling and production.