What a first article inspection report should contain
A first article report proves that a production process can make the part to drawing. What belongs in it under AS9102, PPAP and VDA 2 — and how to read one.
Key takeaways
- An FAI proves the production process makes the part to every drawing requirement.
- Complete report: ballooned drawing, characteristic results, material and special-process certificates, approval.
- Formats: AS9102 (aerospace), PPAP (AIAG automotive), VDA 2 / EMPB (German automotive).
- Repeat (fully or partially) after design, process, source changes or long production breaks.
What a first article is for
A first article inspection (FAI) verifies that the production process — machine, program, fixture, tools, material and operators — produces a part that meets every requirement on the drawing and purchase order. It is done on a part from the real production process, not on a hand-made sample, and it is repeated when that process changes.
Contents of a complete report
- Ballooned drawing — every characteristic numbered, including notes and general tolerances
- Characteristic table — nominal, tolerance, measured value, pass/fail and measuring equipment for each balloon
- Material certification — e.g. EN 10204 3.1, traceable to the heat
- Special-process certificates — heat treatment, coating, welding, NDT where applicable
- Functional test results where the drawing requires them
- Part and drawing identification — part number, revision, serial or batch number
- Approval — inspector signature and date; customer approval where required
Three common formats
| AS9102 (aerospace) | PPAP (AIAG, automotive) | VDA Volume 2 (German automotive) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core content | Form 1 part accountability, Form 2 product accountability (materials, special processes), Form 3 characteristic accountability | Up to 18 elements, incl. dimensional results, material results, control plan, PFMEA, MSA, capability studies, PSW | Production process and product approval (PPA), with initial sample inspection report (EMPB) |
| Submission levels | Full or partial (delta) FAI | Levels 1–5 define what is submitted | Submission levels defined in VDA 2 |
| Typical customers | Aerospace OEMs | North American and global automotive | German OEMs and their suppliers |
When a new or partial FAI is needed
- A change in drawing revision affecting the part
- A change of manufacturing process, location, machine or tooling that affects the part
- A change of a special-process supplier or material source
- A long production break (AS9102 uses two years as the default)
- A corrective action on a non-conformance that changed the process
How to read a report quickly
Check that the number of balloons matches the drawing; that every characteristic has a measured value, not just "OK"; that the measuring equipment is suitable for the tolerance; that material and special-process certificates match the part; and that the drawing revision on the report is the one on your purchase order.
At Yağmaksan
First articles are measured on our Zeiss and Hexagon CMMs, with ballooned drawings and characteristic tables issued with the parts. Report format follows the customer requirement (AS9102, PPAP or VDA 2). See inspection and documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a first article the same as a sample?
No. A sample may be made by any method; a first article must come from the actual production process it approves.
Who keeps the FAI records?
The supplier keeps them for the retention period required by the customer or standard; the customer receives a copy with approval.
Related pages
- Quality
Inspection and documentation
First-article reports, material certificates and batch traceability.
- Technical guides
EN 10204 material certificates
Types 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2 — who issues them and what they prove.
Send us your drawing.
STEP, IGES, DXF or PDF. Quotation within 2–15 business days, depending on size and complexity.