When Does a CNC Part Need a Full Inspection Report?
Contents
- Standard Final Inspection Is Always Included
- Critical-Dimension Report
- Full Dimensional Report
- First Article Inspection
- Certificates Alongside the Report
- Choosing the Level
Standard final inspection vs. critical-dimension report vs. full dimensional report — choosing the right documentation level.
Standard Final Inspection Is Always Included
Every order ships with visual inspection and a key dimension check, plus pre-shipment photographs of the packed parts. For many fixture components, brackets and non-critical plates, this is all the documentation the application needs — and it costs nothing extra.
Critical-Dimension Report
This records measured values for the features you identify as critical. It is the right level when a handful of features control fit or function: a bearing bore, a gripping face, a position between two mounting holes, a mating height. Rather than dimensioning a supervisor to check everything, the report focuses the evidence where the risk is.
Full Dimensional Report
A full dimensional report records measured values for every dimension on the drawing, usually from a CMM program. It suits first articles, low-volume high-value parts, and any situation where the receiving inspection has to accept the parts without re-measuring them. It takes longer to produce, so it is normally reserved for the parts that justify it.
First Article Inspection
FAI is a documented first-piece report used to approve the process before a batch is released. If your quality system requires approval before volume production, say so at enquiry stage: the first article is measured against all drawing dimensions and the report is issued before the remaining quantity is machined.
Certificates Alongside the Report
Depending on the part, the documentation package can include the mill certificate for the material with grade and heat number, a surface-treatment certificate for anodizing or plating, and a signed Certificate of Conformance. These are separate from dimensional reporting and can be requested individually.
Choosing the Level
Documentation adds time to an order, so match it to the consequence of a bad part. A non-critical spacer does not need a CMM report; a part that holds an optical axis or a bearing fit probably does. Tell us which features are critical and we will confirm the inspection level, the method and the cost on the quotation — before the material is cut.
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