FAI: First Article Inspection

Home - Senza categoria - FAI: First Article Inspection

What is First Article Inspection

FAI, or First Article Inspection, is a detailed inspection process that is performed on the first item produced in a new production run or after significant changes to a manufacturing process. This test is critical to ensure that all technical and quality design requirements are met before mass production begins.
TEC Eurolab performs FAI First using various nondestructive techniques such as industrial computed tomography or dimensional inspection.
Using tomographic systems of different power – 240kV, 450 kV or 6.0 MeV – and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), FAI – First Article Inspection performed at TEC Eurolab allows for precise and detailed measurements, detecting any non-conformities to technical drawings.
In particular, TEC Eurolab applies FAI First in areas such as aerospace, automotive and medical, on complex products such as precision mechanical components and medical devices. Through First Article Inspection, it is ensured that every part produced meets the required specifications, thus avoiding costly errors and delays in production.

The phases of FAI First

The FAI First process consists of several steps:

Planning for FAI First Article Inspection: identification of requirements and instrumentation
Receiving the sample on which to conduct FAI First
Measurement and Data Collection
Comparison with Technical Specifications
Report Creation
Review and Correction, possible new FAI First
Start of mass production

Step 1. Planning for FAI First Article Inspection: identification of requirements and instrumentation.

The first stage of the FAI First process is the detailed planning of the First Article Inspection. During this phase, customer requirements and product specifications are identified. It is critical to precisely define the technologies needed for the inspection, such as tomographic systems and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). This planning phase is crucial to ensure that the process can proceed smoothly.

Step 2. Receipt of the sample on which to conduct FAI First.

The second stage of the FAI First Article Inspection process is to receive the sample for inspection, which must be representative of future production. During this stage, a preliminary check is made of the production conditions and materials used to ensure that everything meets the required standards. This preparation is essential to ensure the accuracy of FAI First.

Step 3. Measurement and Data Collection.

This leads to the main step: the actual FAI First Article Inspection.
Defect and dimensional inspection techniques, such as industrial tomography or dimensional inspections, are used to check for internal or surface discontinuities with respect to the technical drawings defined at the design stage. This stage ensures that the product is thoroughly inspected in every detail.

Step 4. Comparison with technical specifications

The data collected during FAI First are compared with the technical specifications and drawings provided by the customer. This detailed analysis makes it possible to identify any discrepancies or nonconformities with the initial requirements. It is a key step in ensuring that the final product exactly meets the customer’s expectations.

Step 5. Report creation.

From the comparison of the FAI First Article Inspection data with the client’s technical specifications, a report is created, which includes all measurements, comparisons, and observations noted during the inspection. This report is then shared with the client.

Step 6. Review and correction, possible new FAI First

If nonconformities are detected during the FAI First, the sixth step involves implementing the necessary corrections in the production process at the client’s end. In some cases, it may be necessary and useful for the customer to perform a new FAI First to confirm that all changes made have resolved the identified problems.

Phase 7. Start of mass production

If the eventual second FAI First Article Inspection detects no discontinuities from the drawings, the first article is ready and the customer can start mass production with the assurance that all quality and technical requirements have been met.