Inspection is a set of separate checks, not one report
Most orders involve several distinct checks: incoming material, in-process checks at the laser and press brake, a first article inspection on the first parts, a final inspection before packing, and a separate review of coating and finish. Each one answers a different question and produces different records, so asking for an inspection report without saying which one leaves the supplier to decide, usually at the cheapest level.
First article inspection compares the first parts to the drawing
A first article inspection (FAI) measures the first parts from a production setup against the drawing before the rest of the run is released. The report normally identifies the part number and drawing revision and shows each measured value next to its nominal value and tolerance, tied to numbered callouts on the drawing. For sheet metal that means hole sizes and positions, slots and cutouts, bend angles, flange lengths and the overall flat pattern. It is most useful for a new part, a drawing revision, a new supplier or a change of process, and less so for a repeat order that has already passed.
A dimensional report is only as good as the features it lists
A report that lists only easy dimensions, such as overall length and width, proves little about an enclosure whose real risks are connector cutouts, insert positions and hole-to-bend distance. Mark the critical features on the drawing and ask for those to be measured. Also ask how many parts were measured, with which tools (calipers, height gauges or a coordinate measuring machine) and on what date, since a single measured part does not describe a batch.
Material certificates differ in what they prove
Under the EN 10204 standard, a type 2.1 document is a simple declaration of compliance with no test results, while a type 3.1 certificate reports chemical and mechanical test results for a specific heat number and is issued by a manufacturer quality department that is independent of production. A certificate covers the base metal only, and the heat number on it should match the marking and packing records if traceability matters. The material grade is defined by its own standard, not by the certificate type, so say which grade and which certificate you need.
Coating and finish checks are separate from dimensions
Powder coat, anodizing and plating have their own checks: thickness, adhesion and appearance. A drawing or purchase order normally sets the required thickness range, the measurement method and the sample size, and says which surfaces are cosmetic. Also check that masked areas, such as grounding points and gasket surfaces, are actually bare after finishing, because a coating on those areas can undo the function of an otherwise accurate part.
Hardware, welds and assembly need their own checkpoints
Inserts should be fully seated, flush where required and free of coating in the threads. Welded assemblies are checked for distortion, weld position and finish after grinding. If a fastener carries load, say so and ask whether pull-out or torque tests are part of the plan, because a visual check of an insert does not show how well it is held.
Inspection scope changes the price
Measuring many features on a coordinate measuring machine and preparing a report takes time that is priced into the quote, so a blanket request for full inspection on every part can add more cost than the risk justifies. A proportionate plan is cheaper and clearer: first article inspection on critical features, a sampling rule for the production run, and photos for cosmetic and packing checks.
Write the acceptance rule before production
State a general tolerance on the drawing so dimensions without their own tolerance have a rule, define what counts as a cosmetic defect and on which faces, and agree what happens when a part fails: rework, remake or concession. An acceptance rule agreed before production avoids arguing about the same part after it has shipped.
| Input | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Critical features | Interface holes, formed angles, flatness zones, insert positions and openings that decide whether the part works. |
| Drawing revision | The revision every report and certificate must reference, so results can be tied to the right version. |
| Sample size | How many parts are measured at first article and during the run; one part does not describe a batch. |
| Material certificate | The grade and the certificate type needed, such as a declaration of compliance or a 3.1 certificate with heat number. |
| Coating requirement | Thickness range, measurement method, cosmetic faces and masked areas, set on the drawing or purchase order. |
| Hardware checks | Which inserts or fasteners carry load and whether pull-out or torque checks are required. |
| Acceptance rule | General tolerance, cosmetic defect limits and what happens when a part fails. |
Next step
Use the guide to prepare a cleaner inquiry, then attach the best available files through the RFQ form. If an item is unknown, say so directly so the first reply can separate quote assumptions from confirmed requirements.