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First Article Inspection

First Article Inspection Process

First Article Inspection or (FAI) is often one of the most important parts of the manufacturing process. With a focus on product quality, many buyers require parts to adhere to strict guidelines and within specific tolerances to ensure consistency in their products. Likewise, suppliers with outbound materials going to multiple buyers often need verification on the front end of the transaction to ensure no problems arise down the line.

Whether you need to inspect incoming components from a supplier, or are verifying parts from your own production process, Cross can offer quality inspection services to verify parts are within specified tolerances.

Our team utilizes state of the art equipment such as CMMs, video inspection systems, 3D scanners and even surface roughness testers to determine specification adherence on a variety of items. In addition, our laboratories can offer ISO 17025 accredited inspection for a variety of parameters. As a third-party first article inspection provider, Cross offers the reporting you need from precision measurement professionals you can trust.

inspection and calibration software

First Article Inspection Procedure Accuracy

It’s recommended to have a first article inspection procedure performed if at least two years has passed since your last part production inspection or if your operation is implementing new product designs. They may also be necessary if your operation has relocated to a new facility or if important production components have changed (eg, a newer model, a replacement part, etc).

However, there are more pluses to performing first article inspections than meeting industry requirements or internal/external standards. Ultimately, FIA services ensure that your production process is performing in the way that you need and expect it to. When a process is behaving predictably, it also means timelines, revenue projections, and staffing needs can be accurately predicted, too.

If one of the above circumstances is one you’ve found yourself in, it may be time for a first article inspection report. At Cross Precision Measurement and Inspection, we’ll work directly with you to make sure you get the first article inspection procedure you need for your unique process.

Benefits of First Article Inspections (FAI)

There are many benefits to performing a first article inspection procedure before diving into the manufacturing process for your product. Mainly, FAI ensures that all components and materials are being manufactured to the original design specifications and meeting any potential production requirements.

First article inspections also ensure that the proper processes and tools are being used to produce your product. That way you can be sure your production process is as efficient as possible and you’re not wasting time and money using equipment unnecessarily.

FAIs also ensure that any potential adjustments or changes in design can be performed before beginning production full-force. When adjustments need to be made mid-production, many problems arise. Also, if a defect is only discovered after many models have been produced, a costly fix may need to be implemented. Utilizing first article inspection services can help mitigate the risks of these potential problems.

Ensure Production Accuracy

Optimize Equipment Use

Perform Necessary Adjustments

Avoid Quality Problems

Identify Inconsistencies in Production

Devise the Perfect Process

calibration and inventory tracking software

Always Know Your Status

When you’re working with a complex process, it’s important to have a means of keeping track of equipment calibration, location, and maintenance schedule. Knowing these things can help you ensure ongoing production success and avoid unnecessary downtime.

At Cross, we also understand the importance of reporting and tracking in industrial processes. That’s why we offer GageSuite, our award-winning, cloud-based comprehensive reporting system for all your calibration, equipment tracking, and certification needs.

GageSuite gives our customers complete, 24/7/365 access to equipment histories, calibration status, and location information in real-time. With this system, our customers are able to miss less calibrations, be ready for any upcoming audits, and reduce equipment loss.

cross gagesuite calibration tracking software

See why customers love GageSuite, our award winning cloud based calibration management system.

Finding the Right Inspection Company

Finding an inspection company near you that you trust can seem overwhelming. How do you find a precision measurement and inspection company with experience in your industry, documented technical expertise, and world-class customer service? The good news is that you don’t have to look very far. Cross Precision Measurement Inspection services can provide all that for you and more.

Our priority is to you, your operation, and your success. We work directly with all of our customers to make sure every part of your production process is working smoothly. That way you can trust your process while also being able to make accurate forecasts about your operation’s future.

Whether you need inspection services, precision measurement professionals, process capability analysis, or a variety of other services, Cross can help.

Cross precision measurement main office whitsett nc

Why Cross Precision Measurement?

At Cross Precision Measurement, we’ve worked with a variety of businesses across dozens of industries in the commercial and industrial manufacturing world. And we’ve provided them with dependable inspection, calibration, instrumentation, and testing services whenever they’ve needed them.

Our goal is always to provide the best value to our customers. Which means offering the right service or product for their process.

We aim to provide our customers with the tools they need to succeed. Whether that’s in the form of product testing, process improvement, metrological equipment, or laboratory testing, we can help.

If you need inspection services you can rely on, contact Cross today.

Find First Article Inspection Near Me

See How Our Team Can Help Improve Quality, Increase Efficiency, And Reduce Risk In Your Operation

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Since 1939, the precision measurement professionals at J.A. King have been your trusted measurement partner; providing accuracy, reliability, and efficiency to let you focus on what you do best. That same team is now the Precision Measurement Group at Cross. Learn more.

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