Manufacturing teams rely on many forms of heavy machinery and equipment to ensure that the manufacturing process is completed safely, efficiently, and accurately. Unfortunately, bringing a product or part from concept to completion comes with numerous pitfalls. These pitfalls can compromise the safety, efficiency, accuracy, and quality of the end product. For that reason, manufacturers must establish processes and procedures to streamline the manufacturing process and reduce these risks. Fortunately, a procedure known as first article inspection has emerged as a popular choice for manufacturers seeking to ensure the quality of their products and meet strict product requirements. Ultimately, adopting this process enables manufacturers to avoid costly and time-consuming headaches. Read on below to learn two ways that first article inspection services can prevent manufacturing headaches.

First Article Inspections Can Ensure That the Product Meets Client Requirements

A manufacturer's clients typically have very strict requirements for the products that they would like to have created. Manufacturers must work with clients to create a set of specifications. From there, manufacturers must use the correct tools, processes, materials, and more to create the product according to client specifications. Needless to say, many things can go wrong with a new product or part, and many defects and other discrepancies can emerge, especially as a product approaches mass production. Fortunately, first article inspection services ensure that all of these specifications and requirements are documented and easily accessible, reducing the likelihood of manufacturers misinterpreting or failing to implement client requirements. Without a first article inspection process, these issues could make it into the mass production phase, at which point, it could cost companies massive amounts of money.

First Article Inspections Can Prevent Product Failure

Many product prototypes are manufactured using different equipment and manufacturing processes than the final unit. For that reason, while a product may seem ready for mass production on paper, it is still at risk for manufacturing difficulties, defects, and other concerns when moving to mass production. If left unchecked, these issues can ultimately lead to complete product failures. Fortunately, first article inspection services act as a middle ground, testing the first batch of products using the official manufacturing process to ensure that this manufacturing process will work for mass production. First article inspection procedures involve the documentation of manufacturing difficulties and issues, reducing the likelihood of a complete product or part failure.

Conclusion

Amidst the complex manufacturing process, meeting the requirements of clients can be challenging. Fortunately, first article inspection services are a great way to meet client needs and eliminate manufacturing headaches!

For more information on first article inspection, contact a professional near you.