In precision machining, making one good part isn’t enough. The goal is to make every part right—and one of the ways we help ensure that happens is through First Article Inspection (FAI).
First Article Inspection (FAI) is a documented check of a representative part from a production process against the applicable drawing and specifications. It helps verify that the process can produce a conforming part before the run proceeds. The inspection scope and any approval requirements should be agreed on for the job.
Depending on the job and customer requirements, FAI may involve checking dimensions, tolerances, threads, surface features, materials, and other specifications called out on the drawing or purchase order.
Once the initial part has been machined, our team measures the required features using inspection methods appropriate to the job. If your specification requires a particular measurement method, equipment, or report, identify it during quoting so we can confirm whether we can meet it.
Those measurements are compared with the customer’s print and specifications. If something isn’t where it needs to be, we can make adjustments to the machining process before continuing the production run.
If you need formal First Article documentation, include the required scope, report format, and applicable standard with your RFQ. We will review those requirements and confirm what can be provided before accepting the work.
At Adept Manufacturing & Gauging, First Article Inspection is more than an inspection step—it’s an important part of controlling the manufacturing process.
Taking the time to verify a setup at the beginning helps us catch potential problems before they become a run of nonconforming parts. That reduces scrap and rework, protects delivery schedules, and gives our machinists valuable information about how the process is performing.
Adept is ISO9001:2015 registered, and our most recent audit was in February 2026. We believe quality should be built into the process, not simply checked at the end. Registration does not by itself establish that a particular customer-specific inspection or reporting requirement is included; confirm those requirements during quoting.
See Adept’s approach to machining quality and inspection.
For our customers, that means greater confidence that the parts we deliver will meet their requirements—from the first part to the last.
Give your machining supplier a clear picture of what acceptance requires. Ask:
Use this checklist to support your own supplier-approval process. These are items to verify with a prospective supplier, not a claim that Adept provides every listed service or has been approved by your organization.
Send your current drawing and revision, quantities, required delivery date, and any inspection specifications or report formats. We will review the requirements with you and confirm the agreed scope before accepting the job.
Need an NDA first? Please contact us!