This process specification is for manufacture of cantilever spring blades for Advanced LIGO. It includes material requirements, limitations on shaping, detail on the nickel plating process and details of the age hardening fixture. These springs are for use in an Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) system.
Version 6 inlcudes the following updates: -
1) To section 2.5.3 : -
i) we added "Filtration at a minimum and changing fluid is preferred"
2) To section 2.5.9 : -
i) we changed spec from low (5%) phosphor bath - to - low (5%) phosphor bath and add reference to ASTM B733-97 table 1 (Type III phosphorus % wt - 2% - 4%)
ii) we added a tolerance to the 0.5 micron thickness - 0.4 to 0.6microns thickness,
iii) we expanded last sentance to include alternate measurement method may be used for example the Weigh, Plate, Weigh Method from ASTM B733-97 9.3.5.
Any associated SOW should consider the following items for content: -
1) Request summary from vendor of how they will follow specification.
2) Request Certifications on thickness and phosphorous content.
3) Highlight that this is not a standard plating job.
4) Indicate that if vendor chooses stainless steel box as an option to meet section 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6 in te specification then these should be supplied by the vendor.
5) Indicate that wire rack, called out in section 2.7 is also provided by the vendor.