I have been using IMDS almost since it started, and I think I am well versed in its requirements. However, I have no idea how to create a component with alternative finishes.
For example:
Component 'A' when completed is coated with Finish 'X' if it is manufactured by one supplier, and with Finish 'Y' if manufactured by another supplier.
Both finishes are OK on IMDS.

It is not possible to have only one finish!

It is not feasable to create two IMDS sheets.

Any body have any suggestions?

John M

We were looking for an IMDS spreadsheet to use, one of our customers is requiring we submit the info.
If you have the Excel spreadsheet, we would appreciate it if you could post it or send it.
Sorry, but can't help with your question.

I have been using IMDS almost since it started, and I think I am well versed in its requirements. However, I have no idea how to create a component with alternative finishes.
For example:
Component 'A' when completed is coated with Finish 'X' if it is manufactured by one supplier, and with Finish 'Y' if manufactured by another supplier.
Both finishes are OK on IMDS.

It is not possible to have only one finish!

It is not feasable to create two IMDS sheets.

Any body have any suggestions?

John M

This is a subject I know next to nothing about, but a few questions occur to me: How do you distinguish between components in your business and in the IMDS? Why is creating two sheets unfeasible? What I'm thinking is that you probably have unique identifiers of some sort (part numbers, e.g.) for each finish, which seems to me to point towards separate IMDS entries. No?

We use part numbers for components, and where possible standard nomenclature for existing finishes already posted ton IMDS.
Therefore each component will have two materials in the chain (raw material for the component and material for the finish)

John M

What info are looking to include in the spreadsheet?

John M

Well, our automotive customer is asking us to fill out one so not exactly sure. We supply forged and machined steel gears for rear axel differentials.
Customer said there is a download form on AIAG websie but haven't found it yet.

Why not list the finish as optional, or a choice of either "X", and "Y"? You could affect this change on either the MDS or the spec (drawing). Naturally, you'll need to develop some form of spec "X" and "Y" conditions, and reference these on the MDS/drawing.

Customer said there is a download form on AIAG websie but haven't found it yet.

Try looking here:
http://mows.aiag.org/elv_doc/elv.cfm?section=elv

B.G. Wiehle

Try looking here:
http://mows.aiag.org/elv_doc/elv.cfm?section=elv

B.G. Wiehle

Thanks B.G., found it and downloaded the ELV file

It is not possible to have only one finish!

Is this right? I think it is more possible to create a component with one finish rather than to have two.
Since the system (IMDS) will consider both finish as part of the material content and must divide the portions content for both finish.
(i.e. Finish 'X' = 50% & Finish 'Y' = 50%)

It is not feasable to create two IMDS sheets.

Yes it is feasible to create two IMDS sheets even you created with the same part numbers. Both IMDS sheet with same part numbers will only have difference in the ID/Version no.

Any body have any suggestions?

Sir, may i know exactly what you need?
1. Do you need both Finish 'X' & 'Y' exists in the same component?
- Create Finish 'X' under subcomponent 'a' & Finish 'Y' under subcomponent 'b'.

2. Do you need Finish 'X' & 'Y' separate in the same part no./component?
- *Create an MDS/MODULE for component 'A' with Finish 'X' (indicate manufacturer/supplier)
- *Create a new MDS/MODULE for component 'A' with Finish 'Y' (indicate manufacturer/supplier)

*Both MDS/MODULE must have the same part no.

Note: Have a list of ID/Version no. for both component 'A' with Finish 'X' & 'Y' with different manufacturer/supplier to avoid confusion.

OK, everyone seems to appreciate my problem, I have tried all the options suggested and they work fine if you only have one component with two alternative finishes.
We have tried tried combining finishes but have realised that we could have problems in the future that if a substance becomes declarable, it could be missed because the percentage shown would not be accurate.

Now we come to the real problem!

We have a number of different components with the same two alternative finishes.
These components are used in the same BOM and in other BOM's.
We can have component 'A' with the two finishes 'X' and 'Y'.
We can have component 'B' with the two finishes 'X' and 'Y'.
We can have component 'C' with the two finishes 'X' and 'Y'.
We can have component 'D' with the two finishes 'X' and 'Y'.

All of the components are in the same BOM,
But 'A' could be 'X' or 'Y'
And 'B' could be 'X' or 'Y'
And 'C' could be 'X' or 'Y'
And 'D' could be 'X' or 'Y'

Then we have component 'E' with finish 'S' or 'T'
etc., etc., etc

To be able to cover all the possible variations would require hundreds of different IMDS sheets for each top level assembly

See my problem?

John M

Hi there,

I have a question about your problem. How different are the finishes? Are you having a problem with your two suppliers giving you different ranges of substances for what you call the same finish or is it a totally different finish?

If you are talking about different finishes that have a totally different chemistry, I see no way around creating two MDS's for your component.

Kim

Kimmy,
There are a minimum of two (2) different finishes

John M

oi! that would multiply out to be a lot of work! I don't think there is any way to do what you are asking (unfortunately). Have you tried the IMDS help desk? if anyone would know, it would be them.

I would ask your customer how they want it and hopefully they don't tell you they want every combination possible. Do you used one coating more often than the other? is one more hazardous than the other? maybe these considerations can be examined and you can submit one or the other. Or maybe make one top level part MDS with all X and one top level part MDS with all Y and submit that way. Good luck!