CMM Inspection, First Article Reports & Documented Proof
Every part we ship is measured, and every measurement can be traced to a calibrated instrument. This page details how we verify geometry, how we report it, and what arrives in your inbox with the carton.
- CMM & scanning probes
- AS9102 first article
- En 10204 3.1 material certs
- GD&T per ASME Y14.5
- Ra / Rz roughness records
Measurement capability at a glance
Equipment and what it is used for
The right instrument matters more than the expensive one. We match the measurement method to the feature, then record which instrument produced every result.
| Equipment | What it measures | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinate measuring machine (CMM) | Prismatic geometry, true position, profile, concentricity and perpendicularity | Aerospace brackets, manifolds, machined housings, first article validation |
| CMM scanning probe | High-density point clouds on freeform surfaces | Blades, contours, aerodynamic and ergonomic surfaces |
| Vision measuring system | Non-contact 2D geometry for delicate or soft parts | Sheet metal blanks, plastic components, small stamped parts |
| Optical comparator | Silhouette comparison to a magnified chart | Thread forms, radii, small brackets, rapid in-process checks |
| Surface roughness tester | Ra, Rz and Rmax to ISO 4287 | Sealing faces, bearing journals, cosmetic finishes |
| Coating thickness gauge | Anodizing, plating and powder-coat thickness | Finished assemblies prior to packing |
| Hardness tester | Rockwell and Vickers scales | Heat-treated steels, anodized layers, verification after special processes |
| Calibrated hand metrology | Micrometers, bore gauges, thread gauges, gauge blocks | In-process checks at the machine where the review must be immediate |
All measurement equipment is calibrated on a defined interval against reference standards, and calibration records are available for audit. Critical parts are measured in a temperature-controlled metrology room so results are stable across shifts and seasons.
First article inspection, step by step
A first article inspection proves the process, not just the part. Here is how we run it and what you receive.
- Plan the package. We agree the standard (AS9102, automotive PPAP level or your own template) and identify which characteristics are critical, key or major.
- Balloon the drawing. Every measurable feature gets a balloon number so the report is unambiguous during your review.
- Measure and record. Each characteristic is measured on the calibrated instrument appropriate to the tolerance and recorded with nominal, tolerance band and actual result.
- Issue the report. Forms 1, 2 and 3 — part accountability, product accountability (material and processes) and characteristic accountability — are issued together with any nonconformance notes.
When you should ask for one
- New part introduction
- Design or revision change
- New supplier or machine
- Process or tooling change
- Production restart after a long break
- Regulated program audit
Inspection strategy: 100% or statistical sampling
Testing every dimension of every part is expensive and rarely the right answer. We agree a plan with you based on how risky the feature is, not how difficult it is to measure:
- Critical characteristics — anything affecting safety, fit or regulatory compliance is verified 100%, and capability is tracked with Cpk on request.
- Major characteristics — functional but recoverable features follow a documented sampling plan such as ISO 2859-1 with a defined AQL and switching rules.
- Minor characteristics — cosmetic and non-functional features are checked at first piece and then at defined intervals on the line.
The strategy is written into the part planning document before production starts, so operators, inspectors and your receiving team are working from the same plan.
What arrives with your parts
Standard documents
- Full dimensional inspection report
- Certificate of conformity
- Material certificate to EN 10204 3.1
- Inspection method list, if requested
Regulated program add-ons
- AS9102 Forms 1–3 aerospace
- PPAP dimensional results — see automotive
- Special-process certificates for plating, anodizing and heat treatment
- Surface roughness traces and coating thickness readings
- Capability study (Cpk) on critical dimensions
- Device-sided documentation for medical programs
Recent project snapshot
Representative example of how an inspection package came together. Details are summarised to protect customer confidentiality.
Multi-axis machined aluminium manifold — first article within three weeks
A hydraulic manifold block with fourteen intersecting port galleries was machined from solid 7075-T651. Critical position tolerances were verified on the CMM, all threaded ports were verified with gauge-level checks, and the anodized layer thickness was recorded before packing.
- Challenge
- Intersecting bores with tight positional control and no room for rework
- Inspection approach
- AS9102 Forms 1–3, ballooned drawing, 100% critical characteristics
- Result
- First article accepted with no dimensional nonconformances
- Documentation
- Material certificate, FAI report, coating certificate, C of C
Frequently asked questions
Is inspection included in the price or charged separately?
Standard inspection and reporting are built into the part price. Formal packages such as AS9102 first article reports, PPAP submissions or capability studies are quoted as line items because they involve additional programming and documentation hours.
Can you use our own inspection report template?
Yes. Send the template with the RFQ and we will map our measured results into it. This is common once a part transfers into production and your quality team wants continuity with legacy reports.
How tight a tolerance can you verify?
Tolerances down to ±0.005 mm can be verified on machined features with equipment appropriate to the band. Below that we discuss measurement uncertainty openly before committing, because the measurement method itself becomes part of the risk.
Do you provide 3D scan comparison reports?
Yes, when the geometry justifies it. Freeform surfaces and castings are often better served by a deviation-colour map than by discrete point measurements, and we can supply that alongside the standard report.
Can we witness inspection at your facility?
Coordinate scheduling with your project engineer. We can also share inspection records before shipment so your receiving team knows what to expect when the carton opens.
Send the drawing and the standard you need to meet
We will confirm the inspection plan, report format and lead time impact before you place the order.