MRB Workflows 9 min read August 11, 2026
MRB Dispositions Explained: Use As-Is vs. Repair vs. Rework Under AS9100D
The 5 standard MRB outcomes, who has legal authority to sign off on each, and why confusing "Rework" and "Repair" is an automatic audit nonconformance.
The 5 Standard AS9100D Material Review Board (MRB) Dispositions
Under AS9100D Clause 8.7.1, the authority for dispositioning nonconforming material must be strictly defined. The five recognized outcomes are:
1. Rework (Brings Product into 100% Spec Conformance)
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**Definition**: Action on a nonconforming product to make it conform to original drawing requirements.
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**Example**: A hole machined undersized (Ø0.498" vs Ø0.500" ±0.001") is reamed to nominal Ø0.500".
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**Approval Level**: Shop Quality / Manufacturing Engineering. Customer concession is generally **not** required because the final part satisfies all drawing specifications.
2. Repair (Acceptable Condition, But Does Not Meet Full Spec)
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**Definition**: Action on nonconforming product to make it acceptable for intended use, even though it does not fully conform to the original drawing requirements.
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**Example**: Applying a bushing or helical insert into an oversized hole to restore functional thread strength.
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**Approval Level**: **Design Authority (Engineering)** sign-off is mandatory. If the drawing is customer-owned (standard for build-to-print suppliers), **Customer Engineering Concession / Waiver** is legally required.
3. Use As-Is (Acceptance Without Alteration)
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**Definition**: Accepting a nonconforming condition because structural, functional, and safety margins remain intact without modification.
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**Example**: Minor cosmetic plating blemish outside a hydraulic sealing face, or dimensional variance backed by finite element stress analysis.
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**Approval Level**: **Design Authority (Lead PE / Chief Engineer)** signature required. For customer designs, customer MRB approval is mandatory.
4. Scrap (Mandatory Destruction and Positive Control)
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**Definition**: Rendering nonconforming product permanently unusable so it can never enter the aerospace supply chain (counterfeit/bogus parts prevention).
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**Audit Mandate**: AS9100D requires scrap to be *conspicuously and permanently marked or physically controlled until rendered unusable*. Quality systems must record scrap verification witness signatures and date of destruction.
5. Return to Supplier (Vendor Nonconformance)
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**Definition**: Returning raw materials or sub-tier processed parts (heat treat, plating) to the vendor, accompanied by a Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR).
The Audit Trap: Logging a "Repair" as a "Rework"
Auditors frequently check whether a shop performed a repair procedure (like welding a mis-drilled boss) under the guise of an internal rework without informing the prime customer. Building strict role-based gating into your QMS software completely prevents this risk.
Get our MRB Approval Decision Matrix Flowchart (PDF).Includes Excel sheet, CSV mapping, and Clause 8.7 / 10.2 registrar checklist.