Inspection reports are documents that record how a machined part was measured and whether it conforms to the drawing. The most common are the first article inspection report, the CMM or dimensional report, and the certificate of conformance, and buyers should specify which ones they need on the RFQ so they are planned and priced.
Each report answers a different question. A first article proves the process can make a conforming part. A CMM report records actual measurements. A CoC states that the lot meets requirements. This page explains what each report contains and when to request it.
Types of inspection reports
| Report | What it contains | When to request it |
|---|---|---|
| First article inspection (FAI) | Every drawing characteristic, ballooned and measured on the first production part | New part numbers, revision changes, new suppliers |
| AS9102 format FAI | Forms 1, 2, and 3: part accountability, materials and processes, characteristic results | Aerospace, defense, and customers who require the format |
| CMM report | Measured values from a coordinate measuring machine against nominal and tolerance | Complex geometry, GD&T, critical features |
| Dimensional report | Measured values from gages, micrometers, or comparators | Selected characteristics or sample inspection |
| Certificate of conformance (CoC) | Statement that parts meet the drawing and PO, with lot and revision | Almost every industrial and government order |
| Material and processing certs | MTRs and outside processor certificates | When material or finishing traceability is required |
First article inspection
A first article inspection verifies every characteristic on the drawing: dimensions, tolerances, GD&T, notes, threads, finishes, and material and process requirements. The drawing is ballooned so each characteristic has a number, and the report lists the requirement, the measured result, and the method. The AS9102 format organizes this into three forms. Form 1 covers part identification, Form 2 covers materials, special processes, and functional testing, and Form 3 lists each characteristic and result.
An FAI is typically required on the first order of a new part number, after a drawing revision, after a change in manufacturing process or location, or after a long gap in production.
CMM reports
A coordinate measuring machine uses a touch probe to measure points on the part and calculates sizes, positions, and geometric tolerances relative to the datums. A CMM report lists each measured feature with nominal, tolerance, actual, and deviation. It is the most objective record for features such as true position, profile, and perpendicularity that are difficult to measure with hand gages.
Sampling and frequency
Not every part in a lot needs a full report. Buyers can specify 100 percent inspection of critical features, a sampling plan, or a report on the first and last pieces. Stating the requirement on the PO avoids assumptions. More inspection means more cost, so match the level to the risk.
How to review an inspection report
- Confirm the part number and revision match your drawing and PO.
- Check that every ballooned characteristic appears on an FAI and none are marked not measured without explanation.
- Look at deviations, not only pass or fail. Results near the tolerance limit may indicate a process that needs attention on the next lot.
- Confirm the measurement method is suitable for the tolerance, for example CMM for true position.
- Match the material heat number and processor certs to the lot.
Measurement traceability
Reports are only meaningful if the measuring equipment is accurate. Ask how gages and CMMs are calibrated and whether calibration is traceable to NIST.
Inspection reports at Wexmar
Wexmar inspects parts on two Brown & Sharpe CMMs, a Gage 2000 and a Gage ONE, both NIST-traceable, and a Mitsubishi optical comparator, with gages calibrated under an ISO/IEC 17025-aligned program. Available documentation includes FAI in AS9102 format, CMM reports, dimensional reports, certificates of conformance, material certs, and heat-lot traceability. The quality system is aligned to ISO 9001:2015. Details are on our inspection and quality page and machine list.
Inspection report checklist for your RFQ
- State whether FAI is required and in which format.
- Identify critical characteristics for CMM reporting.
- Specify sampling level or 100 percent inspection where needed.
- Require a CoC with lot and revision.
- Require material and processing certs if traceability is needed.
- State whether FAI approval is required before production ships.
Getting a quote
List inspection report requirements with your drawing so they are included in price and schedule. You can upload a drawing for an instant estimate or call (315) 400-2654.