First Article Inspection (FAI) is a critical quality assurance process in CNC machining. Its purpose is to verify that the first part produced from a new CNC program, fixture setup, or design revision meets all specifications, ensuring production readiness before full-scale manufacturing.

For manufacturers and customers alike, FAI provides:

     · Verification of dimensional accuracy

     · Confirmation of material and process compliance

     · Assurance of repeatable, stable production

     · Early identification of potential issues

Callout: FAI is not just a“measurement check”—it is a process validation tool that protects your investment, prevents scrap, and ensures quality from day one.

CNC machining tolerances are extremely tight—often ±0.01mm—making FAI indispensable.

Key Benefits

Callout: In aerospace, medical, and high-precision industrial sectors, FAI is often mandatory for new parts or suppliers.

CNC machined parts require FAI under the following conditions:

     · The part is new or hasn't been produced before

     · The design has revisions or tolerance changes

     · There is a change in material, process, or tooling

     · Production moves to a new supplier or facility

     · The part has tight tolerances, is safety-critical, or has strict cosmetic requirements

Callout: If a part is unchanged and the process is proven, FAI may be waived, but customer approval is always recommended. If you’re unsure, our team will advise you.

1. Dimensional Accuracy

      · CMM measurement of all critical features

      · Holes, threads, pockets, profiles, flatness, position

      · Comparison against tolerances and GD&T requirements

2. Material & Certification Verification

     · Material grade confirmation

     · Heat treatment or hardness reports

     · Surface finish and coating checks

3. Visual & Functional Checks

     · Deburring, edges, and surface quality

     · Cosmetic finish review

     · Basic assembly fit if applicable

Your FAI documentation typically includes:

     · FAI inspection report (internal or AS9102 format)

     · Full dimensional results with pass/fail

     · Ballooned engineering drawing

     · Material certificates and process reports

     · Photos of the inspected first article

Callout: This documentation can be shared with your quality team or included in your internal audit trail.

FAI adds:

     · 1–5 business days depending on part complexity

     · A small documentation and measurement fee

Callout: This investment prevents batch-level scrap, quality disruptions, and delays—especially on complex CNC components.

To help us deliver an accurate first article the first time, please provide:

     · Clear 2D engineering drawings with tolerances

     · A 3D model (STEP/Parasolid)

     · Any Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) features

     · Notes for coatings, finish, hardness, or special processes

     · Assembly references or mating component information

Callout: Our team will review everything and confirm readiness before machining.

Once the first article is approved:

     · Full production begins

     · The CNC program, tooling, and fixtures are locked in

     · All subsequent parts follow the validated process

     · Future design changes may trigger a partial or full re-FAI

Callout: By performing FAI, manufacturers and customers gain confidence, traceability, and peace of mind before committing to full production.

FAI is more than inspection—it is the foundation of consistent, high-precision CNC machining quality. It verifies that your CNC-machined part is correct, consistent, and production-ready before manufacturing ramps up. Our engineering team is available to help determine whether your project needs FAI, and to guide you through the process.