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Quality
First article inspection, traceability and inspection records
Defense buyers need proof, not promises. These are the documents we ask matched suppliers to deliver with every program, and the checks we run before a drawing leaves our hands.
Documentation package
What ships with the parts
| Document | When | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| First Article Inspection report | Every new part number or revision | Ballooned drawing, every characteristic measured, AS9102-style format on request |
| CMM report | FAI and per agreed sampling plan | Actual values against nominal and tolerance |
| Mill certificate | Every batch | Traceable to heat number, chemistry and mechanical properties |
| Certificate of conformance | Every lot | Part number, revision, quantity, lot number |
| Finish / heat treat certificate | Every lot with a special process | Process spec, type and class, lot reference |
| Certificate of origin | On request | Country of manufacture for customs and contract clauses |
| End-use / end-user statement | Dual-use items | Confirmed by the buyer before matching |
Inspection records are retained for the period your program requires (seven years is common). State the retention period in the RFQ.
First article
FAI before batch release
First Article Inspection runs on every program. The supplier machines the first parts, measures every characteristic on the ballooned drawing on CMM, optical comparator and height gauge, and sends the report. Batch production starts only after you approve the FAI. A change of revision, material source, process or location triggers a new or partial FAI.
Traceability
Material to lot, lot to part
Mill certificates with heat numbers on every batch. Lot tracking from raw stock through final inspection: the supplier logs the lot number per work order, so any part can be traced back to its bar and its inspection record. Country of origin certificates on request.
If your contract carries specialty metals or sourcing clauses, flag them in the RFQ so the supplier buys compliant material from the start.
Process
Four stages, four checkpoints
NDA and review
Mutual NDA signed first. We review the drawing for completeness, check its export sensitivity and flag risk before any supplier sees it.
Match and quote
We reply within 24 business hours and match the RFQ with up to 3 suppliers. Each sends DFM feedback and a quote with material certs, FAI plan and lead time.
FAI and production
First Article Inspection on every program. The FAI is approved before batch release. CMM and optical comparator inspection.
Pack and ship
EXW default; FOB Cat Lai or Cai Mep on request. Mill certs and the FAI report ship with the lot. Packaging to buyer spec.
Discretion
Drawing handling under NDA
Mutual NDA before any technical data is reviewed. Drawings go only to the suppliers matched to your RFQ (up to 3), each under NDA, never to a public marketplace. Per-program non-compete clauses on request. Files are removed from our records on request after the RFQ closes.
Supplier vetting
How suppliers are screened
Before a supplier receives RFQs we review its machine list, inspection equipment, export experience and any certificates it claims, with certificate numbers we can check. We do not hold certifications ourselves and do not state that a supplier is certified unless it shows the certificate. Verify certificates yourself before ordering.
Need FAI and full traceability on your next lot?
State the documents you need in the RFQ. We reply within 24 business hours.
Send RFQ