First Article Inspection Checklist

Step 1: Identify Key Areas of Inspection

FAI involves verifying that the product meets the required specifications. These areas typically include:

1. Part Identification
   • Part number
   • Name/description of Part
   • Serial number
   • Revision level
2. Documentation Review
   • Engineering drawings and specifications
   • Material certificates
   • Process certifications (e.g., heat treatment, plating)
3. Dimensional Inspection
   • Critical dimensions
   • Non-critical dimensions
   • Tolerances
   • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
4. Material Verification
   • Type of material used
   • Chemical composition
   • Mechanical properties
   • Visual appearance (if applicable)
5. Process Verification
   • Process flow compliance
   • Equipment used
   • Calibration status of equipment
   • Special processes (e.g., welding, painting)
6. Functional Tests
   • Performance tests (e.g., pressure, load)
   • Operational tests
   • Environmental tests (if applicable)
7. Visual Inspection
   • Surface finish
   • Cosmetic appearance
   • Paint/coating adherence
8. Packaging and Labeling
   • Proper packaging for shipment
   • Labeling and part identification
   • Handling instructions
9. Compliance Checks
   • Regulatory compliance (e.g., RoHS, REACH)
   • Industry-specific standards

Step 2: Use existing First Article Inspection Checklist or Create a First Article Inspection Checklist Template in eAuditor Audits & Inspections

1. Login to eAuditor Audits & Inspections: Start by logging into your eAuditor account.
2. Create New Template: Select “Create New Template” from the dashboard or use First Article Inspection Checklist from public templates.
3. Add Sections: Begin adding sections based on the key areas of inspection identified above.
4. Add Inspection Items: For each section, add specific inspection items. For example, under “Dimensional Inspection,” you might include:
   • “Check the length dimension against the drawing.”
   • “Verify the diameter of the hole as per the specification.”
5. Include Response Types:
   • Text Input: For notes or specific dimensions.
   • Yes/No or Pass/Fail: For compliance checks.
   • Dropdown Menus: For selecting predefined options like material type.
   • Photo Capture: To attach images of inspected parts.
6. Assign Responsibility: Optionally, assign sections or specific tasks to different inspectors or departments.

Step 3: Review and Test the Template

1. Review the Template: Ensure all critical areas are covered and the checklist aligns with your quality standards.
2. Test the Checklist: Run a mock inspection to see if the checklist is functional and covers all aspects.

Step 4: Deploy and Use the Checklist

1. Distribute to Inspectors: Share the checklist with relevant team members in eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
2. Conduct Inspections: Use the First Article Inspection Checklist during the FAI process to ensure all steps are followed.
3. Review Results: After completing the inspection, review the results in eAuditor Audits & Inspections. You can generate reports, track issues, and ensure corrective actions are taken.

Step 5: Continuous Improvement

1. Feedback Loop: Regularly update the checklist based on feedback from inspectors and any changes in product design or standards.
2. Data Analysis: Use eAuditor Audits & Inspections’s analytics to monitor trends and identify areas for improvement.

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive FAI checklist in eAuditor Audits & Inspections that ensures consistency, quality, and compliance in your manufacturing process.