First article inspection checks an initial unit or production sample against drawing, specification and process requirements before routine production is accepted. It is common for engineered or tightly controlled parts.
| Area | What the record should show |
|---|---|
| Control | Define whether the first article must come from production tooling, materials, equipment and normal operators. Any deviation affects what the result proves. |
| Evidence | Retain the drawing revision, ballooned characteristics where used, measured results, equipment, material certificates, nonconformities and approval. |
| Tradeoff | Approval covers the submitted configuration and process. Design, tooling, material or site changes may require a new first article. |
When it matters
Define whether the first article must come from production tooling, materials, equipment and normal operators. Any deviation affects what the result proves.
Review before approval
Retain the drawing revision, ballooned characteristics where used, measured results, equipment, material certificates, nonconformities and approval.
Approval covers the submitted configuration and process. Design, tooling, material or site changes may require a new first article.
