First Article Inspection Services
Comprehensive FAI reports that verify your production process from the first part, protecting your business and your reputation.
When introducing new or modified production lines, our ISO 9001:2015 certified service ensures quality from day one with complete AS9102 and PPAP-compliant documentation.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified • UKAS Calibrated CMMs • 30+ Years Experience
ISO 9001:2015
Quality assured
UKAS Calibrated
Traceable CMM accuracy
Fast Turnaround
When you need it fast
30 Years Experience
Since 1995
Complete First Article Inspection Service
Generating and completing First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) is a core service at AB Technology. We offer complete FAI packages that handle every aspect of the process – from drawing preparation through to final report delivery.
Our service eliminates the complexity of FAI compliance, whether you’re working to AS9102 (aerospace), PPAP (automotive), or general manufacturing quality requirements.
Expert guidance: Our team has extensive experience supporting manufacturers through FAI requirements.
Our Full-Service Package Includes
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Drawing & Form 3 Preparation
Ballooned engineering drawings with characteristic numbering.
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Dimensional Inspection
Complete measurement using CMM, optical projector, and hand tools as required.
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Full Report Compilation
Populated AS9102 Form 3 (or equivalent) detailing all requirements, results, tolerance, etc.
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Supporting Documentation
CSV data files and PDF reports can be supplied for your records as required.
Our FAI Process
A systematic approach that ensures complete, accurate FAI documentation every time.
Step 1
Document Review & Planning
We review your engineering drawings and specifications to identify all characteristics requiring dimensional verification. We create ballooned drawings with systematic numbering for easy referencing in the Form 3 report.
Step 2
Measurement Execution
We inspect your first article sample using appropriate methods: Renishaw REVO-2 CMM for dimensional accuracy, optical projection for small features, and calibrated hand tools where needed.
Step 3
Report Delivery
We populate the Form 3 with all measured results, calculated values, and conformance statements. You receive the complete FAIR package ready for customer submission, plus supporting CSV/PDF data files as requested.
New to First Article Inspection? Read our complete guide to FAI requirements.
We make the process straightforward.
If your customer has requested First Article Inspection, contact us to discuss your requirements. We’ll guide you through the process and provide a clear quote.
When Do You Need a First Article Inspection?
First Article Inspection Reports verify that your production process can consistently manufacture parts to specification. FAI is typically required after process development is complete, before full production begins.
An FAI report is often a customer requirement determined by quality management standards such as PPAP (automotive) or AS9100 (aerospace). The report provides documented evidence that your process produces conforming parts, giving both you and your customer confidence.
FAI Required When:
- New production process – After finalising your manufacturing setup
- Process changes – Any modification affecting form, fit, or function:
- Manufacturing method changes
- Tooling modifications or replacements
- Supplier or material changes
- Production location changes
- Inspection method updates
- Engineering changes – Drawing revisions requiring revalidation
- Production resumption – After extended shutdown periods (customer dependent)
Industry standards: FAI requirements are defined in AS9102 (aerospace), PPAP manuals (automotive), and ISO 9001 quality procedures. We’re familiar with all major standards and customer-specific requirements.
Measurement Methods for First Article Inspection
We select the optimal measurement method for each characteristic based on feature type, tolerance requirements, and accessibility. All equipment is UKAS calibrated annually.
CMM Inspection
Equipment: Renishaw REVO-2 5-axis systems
Best for: Dimensional accuracy, GD&T
Accuracy: Up to 0.003mm
Optical Projection
Magnification: Up to 50x for detailed inspection
Best for: Small features, 2D profiles
Applications: Small chamfers & radii
Calibrated Hand Tools
Equipment: Micrometres, verniers, gauge blocks
Best for: Basic dimensions
Typical use: Rapid overchecks
Quality Assurance You Can Trust
All First Article Inspection work is performed under our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system. Our UKAS-calibrated equipment and temperature-controlled (20 °C ± 1 °C) laboratory ensure measurement accuracy and traceability.
Certificate Number: 3001
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does FAI take?
Turnaround depends on part complexity and the number of characteristics. Simple parts can be completed in 2-3 days; complex components may take 1-2 weeks. Contact us with your drawing for a specific estimate.
Do I need to provide ballooned drawings?
No. We can balloon your drawings as part of the service. If you already have ballooned drawings, we’re happy to work with those.
What features are included in your FAIRs?
We will attempt to measure all features on your drawing that have a dimensional tolerance. For features that cannot be measured we will document the reasons why.
If you have multiple production lines, it is recommended to FAI the first part produced by each line.
Last Article Inspection (LAI)
When modifying an existing production process that requires a new FAIR, we strongly recommend completing a Last Article Inspection report before making changes.
Last Article Inspection follows the same process as FAI but measures the final part produced under the current process. This creates definitive before-and-after documentation, proving that your modifications maintain (or improve) part quality.
Why LAI Matters:
- Quantifiable baseline – Documents current process capability before changes
- Change validation – Proves new process maintains conformance
- Risk mitigation – Identifies if changes introduce variation
- Customer confidence – Shows due diligence in process control
Best practice: Complete LAI and FAI as a paired service when making process changes. This provides complete traceability and demonstrates continuous quality control.
Ready to Complete Your First Article Inspection?
Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote. We’ll review your requirements and provide clear pricing and turnaround times.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified • Rolls-Royce Approved • UKAS Calibrated CMM Equipment
