As providers of CNC machining to key industries, M-CNC observe stringent quality control and manufacturing processes. This is of crucial importance when supplying the rail sector, as all parts must meet strict quality stipulations.
One of the most important quality assurance (QA) processes we do for the rail sector is First Article Inspection.
First Article Inspection
1. What is First Article Inspection (FAI)?
First Article Inspection (FAI) is the process of confirming that a manufacturing production process for a new part meets required specifications. As a CNC manufacturer, we also produce a First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) to document this process.
2. How is First Article Inspection done?
Usually, FAI is done by inspecting the first part produced for an order. If a part is being mass produced, often a sample of parts from the first batch will be tested. These are checked to ensure they match the technical drawings and manufacturing specifications of the part.
3. What does a First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) contain?
A FAIR documents the establishment, implementation, and verification of a part’s production process. The report is needed whenever a new or modified part is manufactured for the first time, to verify that it meets the requirements of its design.
A FAIR is made up of three different forms:
- Form 1 – Part Number Accountability: This identities the part being inspected, along with any sub-assemblies or detail parts.
- Form 2 – Product Accountability Raw Material, Specification and Special Processes: This form identifies any raw materials, functional testing or special processes that are required to meet the part’s design.
- Form 3 – Characteristic Accountability, Verification and Compatibility Evaluation: This is used to record and verify every design characteristic on the drawing of the part.
The importance of First Article Inspection in rail manufacturing
There are many reasons an FAI report is essential when manufacturing parts for the rail industry.
1. Confidence in quality
First Article Inspection gives our clients confidence that we can meet the tight tolerances rail machining requires. FAI is just one aspect of our thorough quality control processes, which also include:
- CMM inspection with our industry-leading coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to test that all parts meet the original intent of the design.
- Providing full material traceability on every part we make.
- Using RISQS verified methods to fully meet all rail industry regulations.
2. Safety and compliance
A FAIR provides an auditable, documented trail to attest to the safety and compliance of any rail part.
Rail components are frequently complex to manufacture and critical to rail safety. First Article Inspection ensures that all newly manufactured rail parts will meet the tight tolerances the industry demands.
3. Production efficiency
First Article Inspection also helps ensure rail parts are produced efficiently. The process identifies any early potential issues in production. This saves time that may have been lost had the problem not been identified until later in the production process. It also saves resources and money, whilst ensuring the final part is of the highest quality and free of defects.
