Standards Comparison

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    European standards for steel and aluminium structural execution

    VS

    AS9120B

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace QMS standard for distributors ensuring traceability and authenticity.

    Quick Verdict

    EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium via FPC and execution classes in EU construction, while AS9120B certifies QMS for aerospace distributors emphasizing traceability and counterfeit prevention. Firms adopt them for regulatory compliance and supply chain access.

    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months
    Quality Management

    AS9120B

    AS9120B: Quality Management Systems for Distributors

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Traceability and chain-of-custody controls for split lots
    • Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
    • Risk-based external provider evaluation and monitoring
    • Configuration management via sales order records
    • Product safety and ethical behavior awareness training

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family for execution and conformity assessment of steel and aluminium structural components. It implements CPR requirements, enabling CE marking. Primary scope covers fabrication, assembly, and market placement of load-bearing components. Key approach: risk-based scaling via Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4) linking consequence, service, and production categories.

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, FPC certification, DoP issuance.
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical execution rules for steel/aluminium (materials, welding, tolerances, inspection).
    • Integrates ISO 3834 for welding quality.
    • AVCP systems with Notified Body oversight.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for EU market access; reduces liability, ensures traceability. Drives capability in welding, inspection; enhances competitiveness via certified quality. Builds stakeholder trust through audited FPC and CE marking.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, personnel qualification, NB certification, surveillance. Targets fabricators in construction; 6-12 months typical. Requires welding coordinators, digital traceability.

    AS9120B Details

    What It Is

    AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, built on ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure. It establishes requirements for organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, using a risk-based thinking and Plan-Do-Check-Act approach to mitigate supply chain risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.

    Key Components

    • Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
    • Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, preservation, counterfeit prevention), performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Built on 10-clause HLS; includes external provider controls, configuration management.
    • Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing, surveillance audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Commercial prerequisite for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
    • Reduces risks of nonconformities, counterfeits; enhances market access.
    • Builds stakeholder trust via auditable chain-of-custody.
    • Drives efficiency, continual improvement, competitive edge.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
    • Applies to aviation/space/defense distributors globally.
    • Cross-functional teams; internal audits, management reviews required.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    EN 1090
    Execution and conformity of steel/aluminium structures
    AS9120B
    QMS for aerospace parts distribution and traceability

    Industry

    EN 1090
    Construction, structural metal fabrication (EU/EEA)
    AS9120B
    Aerospace, aviation, space, defense distribution (global)

    Nature

    EN 1090
    Harmonized standard enabling mandatory CE marking
    AS9120B
    Voluntary QMS certification standard

    Testing

    EN 1090
    FPC certification, ITT/ITC, NDT, notified body surveillance
    AS9120B
    Internal audits, management review, certification body audits

    Penalties

    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, legal liability without CE marking
    AS9120B
    Loss of certification, customer disqualification

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about EN 1090 and AS9120B

    EN 1090 FAQ

    AS9120B FAQ

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