Inspection reports that take less work can be a great way for an organization to save time and money. Manufacturers have always been interested in being efficient, but during these uncertain times, it makes more sense than ever. 

Inspection reports are an invaluable part of the manufacturing process in many industries, and first article inspections are especially common in aerospace, defense, automotive and medical devices. In other words, if high quality is essential, these reports often are too.

In today’s aerospace manufacturing environment, compliance to standards such as AS9100 is often not optional. A critical part of the AS9100 process involves first article inspection reports.

First article inspection is a vital part of the manufacturing process for many companies.

If you are looking to quickly create ballooned drawings and first article inspection documents, you need the right tools for the job.

As should be apparent to anyone during the spring of 2020, life changes quickly. In fact, it seems that life is an endless series of adjustments and revisions. Change happens constantly in your business and it’s important to keep up. This may mean reacting to economic trends, but also to production changes.

Today aerospace suppliers must deal with a mix of technical data formats required by their customers. For example, some aerospace prime contractors are only sharing dimensionless 3D CAD models with their suppliers for their new programs. 

Many factors may play into your scrap nightmare: wrong or misread tolerances, incorrect materials, and in precise measurements. These nonconformance nightmares will cost you plenty. It’s the call from your customer, or the news from the shop floor no one wants to get: “The part doesn’t fit.” The amount of time and effort for a redo is a tremendous drain and distraction.

Adding new customers can create more unique AS9102 demands, thus stretching your limited resources even further. Often the prospect of adding yet another customer, and their unique AS9102 forms, further stresses your overwhelmed quality department. If this sounds all too familiar, here are five solutions to this problem.

Mike Terrell is the quality assurance manager at B&B Airparts Inc., a machine shop that specializes in manufacturing high precision parts for aerospace OEMs. B&B Airparts Inc. has been in business for over twenty years, offering machining, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly capabilities.