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First Article Inspection Companies

Last updated: January 2026

This directory lists 74 first article inspection companies across the United States, from specialized metrology labs providing independent third-party validation to engineering service firms integrating FAI with broader quality consulting.

Buyers leverage these specialized companies to address critical challenges such as verifying production readiness for new product introductions, validating new suppliers, or confirming changes to existing processes. This proactive approach helps to prevent costly downstream issues by rigorously checking all specified key characteristics, ensuring adherence to the Bill of Materials (BOM), and providing essential documentation like the AS9102 Form 3 for aerospace components or comprehensive PPAP submissions for automotive. Without meticulous FAI, the risk of scaling up production with inherent design or manufacturing flaws is immense, leading to rework, scrap, and potential field failures.

The FAI landscape comprises several distinct supplier types. Standalone metrology houses, often ISO 17025 accredited, offer highly precise, independent measurement services using advanced equipment like CMMs and optical scanners. Complementing these are engineering services firms that provide FAI as part of a broader design for manufacturability (DFM) or quality engineering consultancy. Additionally, some contract manufacturers offer integrated FAI as part of their production services, though buyers must carefully evaluate the independence of such internal reporting.

74 companies·49 emails·67 phones

Company Directory

74 companies nationwide

3D Engineering Solutions provides dimensional inspection services, including First Article Inspection and CMM. They offer contract engineering services, engineering project management, and specialized analysis such as tool life wear analysis and 3D digital archiving.

Bloomfield, CT

Based in Bloomfield, CT, Aerospace Alloys, Inc. is a metal service center and job shop manufacturing high-performance alloy components. Services include waterjet cutting, CNC milling, and EDM. They perform First Article Inspections using Laser QC and Programmable CMMs for aerospace, power generation, defense, and medical industries.

Stockton, CA

Based in Stockton, CA, Applied Aerospace Structures Corporation provides comprehensive aerospace manufacturing solutions. Their in-house capabilities span design and structural analysis, precision machining, composite fabrication, and assembly. They offer robust inspection and testing services, ensuring efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness for various aerospace applications.

East Hampton, CT

Absolute Metrology Services (AMS) specializes in optical metrology, providing expert services to manufacturers for verifying part quality. The company offers detailed formal test reports for various optical parameters, including surface form, flatness, and radius of curvature. AMS also delivers on-site training to optimize metrology techniques for client equipment.

Albuquerque, NM

Advanced Inspection Services (AIS) specializes in dimensional inspection services, including high-accuracy CMM, CT scanning, and surface metrology. ANAB accredited to ISO 17025:2017, AIS offers lab and onsite measurement solutions for critical industries like medical, aerospace, automotive, and agriculture from its US facilities.

San Diego, CA

AmRep Inspection, based in San Diego, CA, offers manufacturing, sourcing, and supply chain solutions. Specializing in quality control, supplier management, and engineering, they provide Initial Production Inspections (IPI). Their services aim to improve product quality, enhance supplier responsiveness, and minimize production issues across their 36 locations.

Houston, TX

AQSS-USA, based in Houston, TX, offers superior quality First Article Inspection and multi-discipline Third Party inspection services. They provide comprehensive auditing, training, and quality assurance for the Oil & Gas, Aerospace and Defense, and Nuclear industries, ensuring compliance with specifications and identifying manufacturing flaws.

Based in Irwin, PA, Astley Precision Machine Co., Inc. provides ISO 9001:2015-certified precision machining and assembly services. Specializing in medical, scientific, and research industries, they offer comprehensive CMM inspection services. This includes verifying dimensional conformance and providing detailed reports for manufactured parts.

Eugene, OR

Based in Eugene, OR, Benchmark International offers third-party inspection and laboratory testing services. They specialize in product certification, in-plant quality control, and compliance auditing for businesses. Their capabilities ensure product quality and regulatory standards are met, suitable for services like First Article Inspections.

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, BMP Testing and Calibration Services Inc. specializes in comprehensive material and product testing. Their services encompass mechanical, chemical, metallurgical, and non-destructive testing, along with precise dimensional calibration and thread profile gaging. This includes failure analysis and welding procedure qualification, crucial for verifying product specifications and ensuring quality.

Greenville, SC

Based in Greenville, SC, Bunty LLC is a custom metal parts fabrication enterprise specializing in machined, forged, and cast components. They manufacture high-quality metal parts to precise specifications, utilizing AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing and inspection facilities for global clients.

Duncan, SC

Based in Duncan, SC, Carolina Metrology provides extensive dimensional metrology services. Specializing in contract CMM inspection, 3D laser scanning, and on-site quality inspections, the company serves clients across machining, molding, and forging. With ISO-17025 and ISO 9001 certifications, it ensures product quality and compliance.

Canoga Park, CA

Based in Canoga Park, CA, CMMLAB is an A2LA accredited laboratory providing comprehensive CMM measurement and inspection services. They specialize in precise dimensional verification for parts, offering First Article Inspection (FAI), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), in-process, final, and batch inspections to ensure specifications are met.

Midlothian, TX

Based in Midlothian, TX, Contract Measurement Services LLC (CMS) offers detailed 3D inspection and precision measurement services. Utilizing state-of-the-art Faro Laser Trackers and Faro Arms, the company provides portable metrology for various engineering and manufacturing projects, reducing inspection cycle periods.

Newark, CA

Based in Newark, CA, Dimensional Inspection Laboratories offers comprehensive inspection services for manufactured parts. Since 1984, they have served the Medical, Aerospace, and Semiconductor industries, utilizing coordinate measuring machines. They provide accurate, timely, and reasonably priced inspection solutions, including free quotes for individual or groups of parts.

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, Dimensional Engineering, Inc. provides 3D metrology and dimensional inspection services, including CMM part inspection, 3D scanning, and reverse engineering. Serving diverse industries like power, energy, oil and gas, aerospace, defense, and automotive manufacturing, the company has offered precision solutions since 2005.

San Diego, CA

Based in San Diego, CA, Dimensional Inspection Services, LLC provides expert dimensional inspections, CMM programming, reverse engineering, and GD&T consulting. Their ISO 9001:2015 certified metrology lab serves medical device, aerospace, defense, and automotive industries with advanced measurement equipment.

Wixom, MI

East Coast Metrology, based in Topsfield, MA, delivers precision measurement and alignment services. Their certified metrology team specializes in first article inspection, CMM scrutiny, and laser tracker services. Providing onsite precision for large-scale industrial applications, ECM serves diverse sectors like aircraft, power plants, and bridges.

Anaheim, CA

Eminence Metrology LLC, based in Anaheim, CA, provides comprehensive quality assurance and metrology services. They specialize in on-site and digital inspections, 3D scanning, modeling, and CMM programming, adhering to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D standards. They offer traditional touch probe and non-contact inspection solutions.

Portsmouth, NH

Enventure Engineering LLP, based in Portsmouth, NH, provides comprehensive PPAP support and First Article Inspection (FAI) services. Serving diverse industrial sectors like Hi-Tech Electronics, Automotive, Construction, Energy, and Medical, the company ensures quality and compliance for complex manufacturing projects.

Milwaukee, WI

Based in Milwaukee, WI, Exact Metrology provides 3D scanning services, equipment sales, and training for industrial applications. Their skilled metrologists utilize cutting-edge 3D scanning instruments to capture precise measurements, enhancing inspection throughput and supporting quality control. The company is ISO 9001 and AS9100 Certified.

Akron, OH

Based in Akron, OH, FM Machine offers precision CNC machining for parts, prototypes, assemblies, and custom machinery. The company maintains high quality control standards, including a 100% inspection process in a climate-controlled room and ISO 9001:2015 certification for meticulous final parts inspection.

Gardena, CA

Based in Gardena, CA, Geoform, Inc. offers comprehensive inspection services including First Article Inspection. They specialize in non-contact measurement, CAD-based inspection, and 3-D scanning and digitizing for various manufacturing quality assurance needs.

Montague, MI

Based in Montague, MI, Global Quality Services (GQS) provides comprehensive third-party quality sorting and inspection for manufacturers and OEMs. Their expert team offers meticulous inspection and rapid validation of non-conforming parts, ensuring product integrity and adherence to stringent aerospace and automotive standards. GQS also handles kitting and packaging.

Marshfield, WI

Based in Marshfield, WI, Hastreiter Industries offers precision machining services, supported by an in-house metrology department. The company ensures the accuracy and quality of manufactured parts through comprehensive inspection capabilities. They provide First Article Inspection to guarantee components meet stringent client specifications and industry standards.

Anaheim, CA

Based in Anaheim, CA, HDH Inspect provides high precision dimensional inspection services, specializing in the medical device and aerospace sectors. They maintain ISO 9001, ISO 17025, and ITAR Registration. With over 10 years of experience, the company delivers thorough inspections and detailed analysis reports.

Precision Metrology Lab, a service offered by The Institute For Advanced Learning And Research, provides NIST-certified contract inspection, CMM programming, and laser scanning capabilities. The lab supports manufacturing advancement and economic development, offering precise metrology services for the region and nation.

Santa Clara, CA

Indicate Technologies offers high-accuracy dimensional and surface finish inspection services from its Santa Clara, CA lab. As an advanced manufacturing solutions provider, it supports clients with various stages of product development including design, testing, and prototyping.

Lab Testing Inc. is an A2LA and Nadcap accredited lab specializing in material testing, Non-Destructive Testing, and calibration services. They provide uncompromised quality and precision for complex material characterization and production testing. Serving mission-critical industries like aerospace, military, and space, the company ensures product measurements meet design specifications.

Carrollton, TX

Based in Carrollton, TX, LAM METROLOGY LLC specializes in metrology services crucial for quality assurance. Offerings include CMM inspections and programming, 3D precision scanning, and reverse engineering. They serve industrial clients in defense, aerospace, medical, automotive, plastic, and sheet metal sectors, supporting critical needs like First Article Inspection.

Chatsworth, CA

Micro Quality Calibration, based in Chatsworth, CA, offers precision measurement equipment inspection, testing, calibration, and repair services. Specializing in First Article Inspection, they serve industries like Defense, Aerospace, Automotive, Medical, and Electronics. From two Southern California locations, they provide nationwide support for quality and precision requirements.

Signal Hill, CA

Based in Signal Hill, CA, NDT & I Labs offers nondestructive testing services, including Fluorescent Penetrant, Magnetic Particle, and Radiography Testing. They specialize in quality inspection for the Aerospace, Automotive, and Military sectors, examining products such as castings, weldments, forgings, plastics, and extrusions.

Tinley Park, IL

Nel Pretech offers comprehensive industrial 3D and CT scanning services, specializing in metrology and engineering solutions. They provide First Article Inspection (FAI) services for diverse industries, including aerospace, to ensure components meet rigorous safety and performance standards. The company aims to deliver better products through advanced scanning and inspection strategies.

Richland Hills, TX

North Texas Precision Instruments (NTPI), based in Richland Hills, TX, offers professional metrology and dimensional inspection services. They specialize in tactile CMM and non-tactile vision inspection for First Article Inspection (FAI), contract, and third-party requirements, leveraging their expertise and facilities.

Valencia, CA

Based in Valencia, CA, Pacific Testing Laboratories provides extensive testing and qualification services. Specializing in electrical, chemical, mechanical, environmental, and metallurgical analysis, they offer sample preparation, thermal analysis, and military and commercial qualification. Their capabilities directly support rigorous first article inspection and product verification for industrial clients.

Lake Orion, MI

Based in Lake Orion, MI, The Productivity Team is a manufacturing engineering firm. They provide quality engineering solutions, including hands-on support for Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and First Time Through (FTT) improvement. Serving diverse B2B clients like automotive, defense, and aerospace, they optimize manufacturing processes.

Wilmington, NC

ProtoSpace Mfg, based in Wilmington, NC, offers AS9100 certified mass custom manufacturing for aerospace and defense. Specializing in rapid 2-3 day lead times, the company performs AS9102 First Article Inspections. Parts are verified with calibrated equipment, including CMMs, ensuring traceability and ITAR compliance.

Carrollton, TX

Based in Carrollton, TX, Quality Assurance Management Inc. provides third-party inspection and testing services for the life science and semiconductor industries. They offer pre-validation, installation verification, and certification testing. QAM leverages Electronic Documentation Systems and experienced personnel to ensure systems meet engineering design and commissioning requirements.

Orange, CA

Based in Orange, CA, Quality Control Systems & Services LLC specializes in providing comprehensive quality control and inspection solutions. The company offers essential services, including First Article Inspection, to ensure manufactured products consistently meet stringent specifications and industry standards, supporting various industrial clients.

Norco, CA

Quality Inspection is a dimensional inspection laboratory specializing in contract inspection services, including First Article Inspections and SPC studies. Utilizing 9 Coordinate Measuring Machines for accurate data, the ISO 9001:2015 registered company is compliant with ISO 17025. They serve the medical, aerospace, plastics, and automotive industries.

Mahwah, NJ

Based in Mahwah, NJ, Rotatek offers precision service solutions, specializing in industrial laser alignment and advanced 3D metrology. Their capabilities include dimensional inspection, GD&T, and laser tracker alignment services. Operating 24/7, Rotatek ensures accuracy and reliability for complex measurement and inspection requirements across critical industries.

Fishers, IN

Based in Fishers, IN, Stratosphere Quality provides comprehensive quality assurance and inspection services. They deploy on-site inspectors and rapid-deploy teams for sorting, containment, and product launch support. Their services help reduce liability and maintain project integrity for various manufacturing clients.

San Antonio, TX

Texas Metrology Group offers comprehensive dimensional inspection services, including First Article Inspections, contract inspection, and reverse engineering. They provide CMM and laser scanner solutions, software upgrades, retrofits, and training for diverse metrology systems.

Tempe, AZ

Based in Tempe, AZ, Total Quality Systems, Inc. provides comprehensive contract dimensional inspection, first article inspection, reverse engineering, and fine metrology services. Serving aerospace, medical, automotive, semiconductor, and manufacturing industries, they are dedicated to delivering high quality products and services at fair prices.

UL Solutions provides global safety science expertise, offering comprehensive auditing and inspection services to minimize supply chain risk. The company helps clients verify product safety, performance, and sustainability through rigorous testing and certification processes.

San Diego, CA

Based in San Diego, CA, Validation Systems Inc. provides full-service validation and laboratory testing to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Since 1990, this FDA-registered and ISO-certified company offers turn-key GMP qualification, quality control compliance, and technical validation services.

Rock Hill, SC

Based in Rock Hill, SC, Hymec provides comprehensive engineering and manufacturing services, including CNC turning, milling, sheet metal fabrication, and product assembly. The company offers skilled, metrology-based quality inspection to ensure dimensional accuracy. Hymec serves the aerospace, automotive, motorsport, and medical industries.

Based in Charlestown, MA, Verus Metrology provides full First Article Inspection (FAI) services to medical device manufacturers. The company offers tailored metrology fixtures, CMM programming, and subcontract measurement. Operating a fully equipped metrology lab, Verus also offers advanced CT scanning services, enhancing precision and efficiency for its industrial clients.

Perris, CA

Advanced Inspection Technology, operating as Visual Plus Inc., provides comprehensive contract measurement services from its Perris, California facility. Specializing in CMM inspection, 3D scanning, and reverse engineering, the company offers critical quality control solutions including First Article Inspection and PPAP inspection for diverse manufacturing applications.

API Metrology offers on-site first article inspection services, providing precise measurement data for parts and assemblies against CAD models or drawings. Utilizing advanced metrology equipment like laser trackers, they support manufacturing and inspection needs across aerospace, automotive, energy, heavy machinery, and defense industries.

Alexandria, VA

Applied Technical Services provides comprehensive first article testing to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance before market launch. Operating from numerous US locations, the company offers diverse inspection, testing, and consulting solutions across various industrial sectors, helping clients verify equipment acceptability and meet stringent industry standards.

Chesterfield, MI

Based in Chesterfield, MI, BMI Injection Molding & Assembly is an IATF 16949 certified manufacturing company. They provide plastic injection molding, contract assembly, and comprehensive quality inspection services, including PPAP submission management. Primarily serving Tier 1 and 2 automotive suppliers, they also support industrial, medical, and consumer industries.

Cedarburg, WI

Carlson Tool & Manufacturing, based in Cedarburg, WI, offers precision measurement and contract inspection services. Their quality team utilizes four CMM machines and is skilled in metrology and CMM technology, supporting plastic injection tooling and precision machining. An ISO certified, ITAR registered, DFARS and NIST compliant company, they provide thorough quality verification.

Whitsett, NC

Cross Company provides comprehensive quality inspection services to verify parts are within specified tolerances, leveraging state-of-the-art equipment like CMMs and video. They specialize in precision measurement solutions, supporting critical sectors such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy.

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, HAK Metrology provides on and offsite precision measurement services. Utilizing ultra-high accuracy CMMs and advanced laser trackers, the company performs first article inspections, alignments, and hole location. They also offer CMM programming, portable CMM inspection, reverse engineering, and third-party witness inspection for industrial clients.

Brush Prairie, WA

Industrial Inspection & Analysis (IIA) offers accredited testing services across the US and Canada. Specializing in defect and compliance testing, the company utilizes a custom Xray vault. IIA is one of three labs accredited for ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 171 for testing seismic and wind restraints, providing comprehensive industrial inspections.

Spring, TX

Inspection Dimension, based in Spring, TX, provides comprehensive first article inspection (FAI), PPAP, and dimensional inspection services. Utilizing advanced CMM and optical equipment, the company serves diverse industries including aerospace, automotive, and medical, ensuring component quality and compliance.

Intertek provides comprehensive Total Quality Assurance (TQA) services, including inspection, testing, and certification, for products, services, and operating systems across diverse industries. With a global network, they help clients validate specifications, mitigate risks, and ensure quality throughout the supply chain.

Germantown, WI

Based in Germantown, WI, Mahuta Tool Corp. provides ISO 9001:2015 certified CMM measuring and inspection services. Specializing in first article inspection for tooling, prototypes, and production parts, they ensure precise dimensional verification. Mahuta Tool also offers CNC milling, turning, and custom manufacturing.

Irwindale, CA

Metrology Labs Inc. is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited dimensional inspection and calibration laboratory based in Irwindale, CA. They specialize in third-party contract inspection services, including First Article Inspection (FAI), PPAP, and reverse engineering. The company also offers calibration services, supporting diverse industrial quality control needs for manufacturers.

Based in York, PA, MicronPA provides comprehensive inspection services for manufacturing. They specialize in crucial quality control documentation, delivering both required first-article inspection (FAI) and last-article inspection (LAI) reports. The company ensures product compliance and accuracy throughout the production lifecycle.

Irvine, CA

Based in Irvine, CA, Pacific Inspection Co. provides comprehensive non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection services. They specialize in First Article Inspections (FAI), verifying initial production runs meet all engineering and design requirements. Serving aerospace, defense, and manufacturing, they deliver detailed FAI reports for quality assurance and compliance.

Houston, TX

Based in Houston, TX, PPI Quality & Engineering provides third-party QA/QC inspection, quality assurance auditing, and engineering consulting. They partner with global companies to verify product quality, safety, and integrity. Their team ensures products and processes meet industry and customer requirements on-site at manufacturing facilities.

Sarasota, FL

Pro QC offers comprehensive quality control and assurance services, including first article inspection, during production, and pre-shipment inspections. Based in Sarasota, FL, the company also provides factory audits and supplier development to improve product quality for various industries across the USA and internationally.

Hendersonville, TN

Hendersonville, TN-based QLS Quality provides comprehensive quality assurance solutions for new product launches, including inspection, containment, and rework/repair services. They offer on-site support at OEM and supplier facilities, specializing in the aerospace, defense, heavy-duty truck, and construction/agriculture industries.

Roseville, CA

Based in Roseville, CA, Quality Assurance Solutions specializes in delivering comprehensive quality assurance services. They provide essential support to manufacturers, ensuring products meet stringent quality standards through detailed inspections, quality control processes, and First Article Inspection services.

Machesney Park, IL

Based in Machesney Park, IL, Superior Joining Technologies provides comprehensive quality control for machined parts. They specialize in precise coordinate measuring machine (CMM) inspection and measuring services, ensuring component accuracy and adherence to specifications for various industrial applications.

Tulsa, OK

Based in Tulsa, OK, Tailwind Inspection, Inc. provides non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection services for the aircraft industry. Their certified technicians adhere to NAS 410 and ASNT SNT-TC-1A standards, performing detailed inspections domestically and internationally to reduce aircraft downtime.

Costa Mesa, CA

Based in Costa Mesa, CA, Verify Global specializes in First Article Inspection (FAI) support, helping global enterprises navigate AS9102 requirements. The company provides outsourced solutions, utilizing highly qualified resources to assure compliance and eliminate supply chain risk across various industry sectors.

Anaheim, CA

Based in Anaheim, CA, XYZ CMM Solutions provides comprehensive Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) services. Specializing in CMM inspection, they offer First Article Inspection (FAI), PPAP, and production lot inspection. Their offerings also include CMM programming, operator staffing, training, and consulting for various industrial metrology needs.

Tustin, CA

Based in Tustin, CA, Advanced Measurement Labs provides fast and reliable metrology services since 1992. They specialize in precise dimensional inspection and comprehensive quality control processes. The company supports manufacturers across various industries with their advanced measurement capabilities.

Livermore, CA

Based in Livermore, CA, Quality Control Technologies provides comprehensive metrology and inspection services. They specialize in precision measurement using advanced equipment, including CMM and laser scanning, for quality verification. Their offerings support manufacturing processes, ensuring components meet exact specifications, vital for first article inspections.

SGS USA provides comprehensive First Article Inspection services, including planning and scheduling, as a core component of its global testing, inspection, and certification offerings. The company ensures product quality and compliance through detailed assessments across various industries.

Hayward, CA

Signet Testing Labs Inc. provides comprehensive material and product testing services. Based in Hayward, CA, their capabilities include metallurgical, mechanical, chemical, and non-destructive testing, failure analysis, and weld qualification. They specialize in offering First Article Inspection (FAI) services, ensuring components meet design specifications, alongside reverse engineering and corrosion testing for diverse industrial clients.

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How to Choose a Company

  • For complex geometries or tight tolerances, verify access to appropriate metrology equipment beyond standard calipers, such as CMMs with specific probe types (e.g., scanning probes for complex contours) or structured light scanners for non-contact measurement.
  • Demand examples of their AS9102 (or equivalent) reporting package, paying close attention to how they manage ballooned drawings, characteristic accountability, and traceability to specific measurement points.
  • For aerospace or defense, insist on ISO 17025 accreditation specific to their scope of measurement and, ideally, AS9100 certification for their quality management system. For medical devices, review their familiarity with FDA requirements for process validation.
  • Assess their engineering team's depth of understanding of advanced GD&T callouts and their ability to accurately interpret complex datum structures, profile tolerances, and position requirements, which are often misinterpreted.
  • Clarify lead times not just for the inspection itself, but for CMM programming and report generation, especially for rush orders or multiple part numbers, and confirm their capacity for your specific part sizes and volumes.
  • Be wary of providers who offer significantly lower prices without clearly detailing their equipment, CMM programming strategy, or report generation process; they might be cutting corners on critical measurement points or providing less robust documentation.
  • Inquire about their capabilities for digital data exchange, such as accepting native CAD files, outputting results in a format compatible with your Quality Management System (QMS) software, and supporting digital twin initiatives for advanced analysis.

Supplier Types at a Glance

TypeBest ForTypical MOQ
Dedicated Metrology Lab (ISO 17025 Accredited)Highly complex parts, tight tolerances, aerospace/medical/defense, dispute resolution, maximum confidence and independent validation.Single piece, project-based.
Engineering Services Firm (with FAI capability)Design validation, DFM feedback, specialized NDT/material analysis, early-stage product development, integrated quality consulting.Project-based, often includes consulting hours.
Integrated Contract Manufacturer (offering FAI)Simpler parts, convenience when FAI is co-located with manufacturing, cost-efficiency for lower criticality components, streamline communication.Integrated with production run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an AS9102 FAI report and a standard inspection report?

An AS9102 FAI report (commonly used in aerospace) is a highly formalized, three-form document that systematically verifies every design characteristic on a part's drawing against a production part. It requires specific data, including material and process certifications, and often involves ballooned drawings. A standard inspection report, while also detailing measurements, is typically less exhaustive, doesn't follow a specific industry standard like AS9102, and may not include the same level of material or process traceability, making it less suitable for highly regulated industries.

When should I outsource my FAI instead of relying on my manufacturer?

Outsourcing FAI is advisable when you require an independent, unbiased validation, especially for critical aerospace, medical, or automotive components where regulatory compliance and risk mitigation are paramount. It's also beneficial when your manufacturer lacks the specialized metrology equipment, CMM programming expertise, or ISO 17025 accreditation required for your specific part, or when there's a perceived conflict of interest in the manufacturer self-certifying their first production run.

How do I ensure the FAI provider correctly interprets complex GD&T on my drawings?

To ensure correct GD&T interpretation, provide the FAI company with the native 3D CAD model alongside your 2D drawings. Inquire about their engineers' experience with ASME Y14.5 and ISO GD&T standards and their process for clarifying ambiguous callouts. A thorough provider will engage in a kickoff meeting to review critical features, datum schemes, and tolerance zones, often asking specific questions to validate their understanding of your design intent before starting the inspection.

What specific data and documentation should I provide to an FAI company for an accurate quote?

For an accurate quote, you should provide the full engineering drawing (with revisions), a 3D CAD model (native format preferred), the Bill of Materials (BOM), the part's material specifications, and any specific quality clauses or industry standards (e.g., AS9102, PPAP level) required. Clearly define the quantity of parts for FAI and your desired turnaround time. This allows them to assess CMM programming complexity, equipment needs, and reporting requirements.

What are the key considerations for FAI of parts made with additive manufacturing processes?

FAI for additive manufactured parts requires consideration beyond traditional subtractive methods. Focus on verifying internal geometries and surface finishes that are unique to AM, often requiring X-ray CT scanning or structured light scanning instead of tactile CMMs. Special attention should be given to material property verification (e.g., density, porosity) and post-processing steps. The FAI should validate the entire build process, not just the final geometry, to confirm process stability for serial production.

How important is ISO 17025 accreditation for a first article inspection company?

ISO 17025 accreditation is crucial for FAI companies, particularly when the measurement results are legally binding, used for dispute resolution, or required by highly regulated industries like aerospace, medical, or defense. It signifies that the lab's technical competence, measurement uncertainty, calibration traceability, and quality management system meet international standards, providing an independently verified assurance of their ability to produce accurate and reliable test and calibration data. Without it, the credibility and acceptance of their FAI reports may be questioned.

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