ISO 12690:2010

Overview

ISO 12690:2010 - Metallic and other inorganic coatings - Thermal spray coordination - Tasks and responsibilities - defines the tasks, responsibilities and competence requirements needed to ensure the quality of thermally sprayed coatings and coated components. The standard covers coordination of thermal spraying activities within a manufacturing department or company, allocation of duties when more than one coordinator is involved, and the requirement that the manufacturer specifies the responsibilities of the spraying coordinator. ISO 12690:2010 supports consistent execution, inspection and documentation of thermal spray work to achieve reliable in-service performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and responsibilities
  • Coordination of activities related to thermal spraying, including planning, supervising, executing and inspecting.
  • The manufacturer must appoint at least one spraying coordinator and define their responsibilities. Subcontracting is permitted but the manufacturer retains responsibility.
• Tasks and quality activities
  • Use of Annex B to allocate essential, thermal-spraying-related tasks (contract/design review, subcontractor control, personnel and equipment checks, procedure qualification, inspection and acceptance).
  • Preparation and control of the spray procedure specification, process instructions, and acceptance criteria.
• Job description and authority
  • Job descriptions (where required) should list assigned tasks, position, extent of authorization and signing/acceptance powers (e.g., approving procedure specifications or supervision reports).
• Technical knowledge and competence
  • Coordination personnel must demonstrate adequate technical knowledge (general and specialized). Annex A references EWF recommendations for practitioner and specialist levels.
  • Three competence levels described: comprehensive, specific, and basic technical knowledge depending on production complexity and assigned duties.
• Inspection and testing
  • Inspections, non-destructive testing and testing of coatings are integral to coordination; personnel qualifications and testing standards are referenced.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 12690:2010 is intended for:

• Manufacturers and production managers in industries using thermal spraying (aerospace, power generation, oil & gas, automotive, heavy industry).
• Thermal spraying coordinators, QA/QC engineers, production planners and NDT inspectors responsible for spray process control and acceptance.
• Procurement and contract managers who oversee subcontracting and supplier qualification.
• Organizations implementing quality systems for thermally sprayed coatings to ensure compliance with client specifications and national/international regulations.

Practical benefits include clear role definition, improved process control, repeatable coating quality, and reduced risk from improper subcontracting or unqualified personnel.

Related standards

Key normative references cited in ISO 12690:2010:

• ISO 14922 series - Quality requirements for thermally sprayed structures
• ISO 14918 - Approval testing of thermal sprayers
• EN 15339 series - Safety and environmental requirements for thermal spraying equipment
• EN 1395 series - Acceptance inspection for thermal spraying equipment
• EN 473 - Qualification and certification of NDT personnel
• EN 15648 - Component-related procedure qualification

Using ISO 12690:2010 alongside these standards helps create a robust, compliant thermal spray quality management framework.