A Journey Through Our Inspection Process

The electronic parts and components we supply are used in important applications that power innovation and drive technology. Our electronic parts are used in various applications from common commercial products to high-grade military, defense, aerospace, and space applications. That’s why we practice the highest level of quality assurance and counterfeit mitigation standards in the industry. Our large inventory of obsolete parts and hard-to-find components go through verification and rigorous lab testing. Here’s a glimpse into our inspection process from start to finish. For more details on each step, hover over the numbers in the orange circles under the UFO illustration below.

UFO illustration with aliens going through the area51 electronics quality checking process
UFO Counts-1
UFO Counts SVG-1
UFO Counts-2
UFO Counts SVG-2
UFO Counts-3
UFO Counts SVG-3
UFO Counts-4
UFO Counts SVG-4
UFO Counts-5
UFO Counts SVG-5
UFO Counts-6
UFO Counts SVG-6

Shipment Received

Package Verified & Inspected

Our logistics department receives incoming product and carefully verifies the following:

  • The condition of the product’s exterior/outer carton
  • Product label and documentation accuracy to purchase order requirements

Quality Inspection

Our in-house inspectors perform a variety of non-destructive and destructive tests on the components to authenticate the parts. Digital images are taken during this process for product identification, traceability, and communicating any non-conforming qualities. Our inspection and verification methods include the following:

  • Documentation and Packaging Inspection (Non-Destructive)
  • General External Visual Inspection (Non-Destructive)
  • Detailed External Visual Inspection (Non-Destructive)
  • Mechanical Inspection (Non-Destructive)
  • Remarking and Resurfacing Inspection (Destructive)

Testing

Our testing includes the following processes:

  • Radiological (X-ray) Inspection

    X-ray technology is used to inspect the internal construction of components for defects and inconsistencies and is considered to be non-destructive if the radiation exposure to the parts does not exceed the manufacturer’s specification.

  • Lead Finish Evaluation

    This process is conducted by X-ray spectroscopy or energy dispersive spectroscopy to determine a lot’s consistency in terms of elemental composition and specifically to verify the presence or absence of lead.

  • De-Lid/De-Capsulation Internal Analysis

    This process is one of the “destructive” testing methods as it entails exposing the internal cavity or surface of the product to allow further analysis. Testing is also performed to verify die size, markings, manufacturers’ logos, and part numbers.

  • Electrical Testing

    Our quality control inspectors utilize advanced electrical testing equipment on components to verify operational status and ensure the parts will perform to specified standards.

Shipping Verification

Our shipping and receiving team members will then verify the shipment to the customer including:

  • Customers’ shipping instructions and method
  • Shipping terms
  • Quantity
  • Sales order number and part number

Departs to Customer

Outstanding Quality,
Out-of-this World Service

We believe the smallest things can make the biggest difference. We care about the people who depend on our products and services, and every component we distribute. Our quality team, processes, and technologies enable us to consistently distribute conforming products and services that meet our customers’ requirements. Our quality management system (QMS) meets the highest standards for testing and inspection and is certified to AS9100D, AS9120B, AS6081:2012, ISO9001:2015, and ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021. We are also FAA AC 00-56B certified. This system is followed throughout our organization to ensure operational efficiency and consistency.

area51 electronics employees wearing lab coats and alien masks performing quality checks

Trusted Across the Universe

We go to the ends of the earth to provide the highest level of quality and reliability in our products and services. That is why we’re committed to exceeding industry standards in all our internal operations. Our commitment to quality is the heart of our business and what makes our customer service out-of-this-world.

SCHEDULE AN AUDIT

Our Quality Management System Certifications

AS9100D

This certification includes ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements and specifies additional aviation, space, and defense industry requirements, definitions, and notes for organizations that design, develop, or provide aviation, space, and defense products and services.

View Certificate

AS9120B

This certification includes ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements and specifies additional aviation, space, and defense industry requirements, definitions, and notes for organizations that procure parts, materials, and assemblies and resell these products to customers in the aviation, space, and defense industries.

View Certificate

AS6081:2012

The AS6081 standard provides requirements, practices, or methods to identify reliable sources to procure parts, assess and mitigate the risk of distributing fraudulent/counterfeit parts, control suspect or confirmed fraudulent/counterfeit parts, and report suspect and confirmed fraudulent/counterfeit parts to other potential users and to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

View Certificate

ISO 9001:2015

The ISO 9001 standard specifies Quality Management System requirements for organizations to ensure their products and services consistently meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, improving customer satisfaction.

View Certificate

ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021

This certification covers the requirements necessary to design, establish, implement, and maintain an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control Program to protect electrical or electronic parts assemblies and equipment susceptible to damage by electrostatic discharge greater than or equal to 100 volts Human Body Model (HBM), 200 volts Charged Device Model (CDM), and 35 volts on isolated conductors.

View Certificate

FAA AC 00-56B

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 00-56B is an accreditation that “assures that the parts a customer receives are of the quality stated, the appropriate documentation is on file at the distributor’s place of business, and the distributor is able to maintain the quality system.”

View Certificate

    contact us