What Is Full Dimensional Inspection Report In Engineer Manufacturing
Accuracy and precision are critical in engineering manufacturing to ensure that parts replicate the original design. To determine how accurate components are, they must be inspected and duly documented. This document, known as a full dimensional inspection report, compares the nominal and measured values to determine the part’s compliance.
This article will explain what a full-dimensional inspection report is and how to read it. It will also discuss ways to determine parts that get a full inspection report and a step-by-step guide on how you can request a full dimensional inspection report from a reliable service provider.
What is Full Dimensional Inspection Report
A full-dimensional inspection report is a summary that verifies how well the final parts meet the initial design. This document shows if quality was built into the manufactured components or not. This report contains essential features, including the part name and material make-up. It also shows the dimensional specifications, measurement data, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Additionally, you will also find the inspection methodology used, such as hand metrology tools and coordinate measuring machines.
Furthermore, you should always request a full-dimensional inspection report because of many reasons. It helps to detect errors early and confirms how accurately the parts have been machined. This report also improves customer satisfaction by giving them confidence when using your products. Additionally, some industries with strict tolerance requirements will request a full dimensional inspection report before releasing your product to the market. Overall, carrying out CMM inspection will prevent the incidence of recalls and reworks.
Will All the Parts Get Full Dimensional Inspection Report
While a full-dimensional inspection report is essential in engineering manufacturing, not all parts should get a report. This process is time-consuming and adds to the total fabrication costs. Hence, it is reserved for unique components. Let’s discuss some factors that determine if a part gets full dimensional inspection.
- Criticality of the Part
The role a part plays determines if it should get a report or not. Based on safety and functionality, components are divided into low-critical and high-critical. Low-critical parts do not directly affect the safety of end users, and the consequences of failure are minimal. Hence, you may not necessarily need a full-dimensional inspection report for them. Conversely, highly critical parts affect how well the entire system functions. Getting a report is vital to ensure complete conformity.
- Industry Standards
The particular sector you are in also plays a role. Different industries have unique requirements and guidelines that one must follow. For instance, parts used in the aerospace and defence sectors are subjected to strict quality controls. They require a full report before they can be used to rule out safety concerns. Additionally, medical devices come with tight tolerance requirements. The reasons behind this are not far-fetched. Medical components such as implants and tools must be accurate to improve patients’ outcomes.
- Part Complexity
The level of part complexity is another factor that determines if a full-dimensional inspection report is needed or not. Parts with complex shapes and multiple features, such as medical stents and turbine blades, should get a complete report. The report will ensure the details are in the right place and have proper dimensions. On the other hand, low complexity parts most times come with wide tolerances. They have basic shapes and standard sizes.
- Customer Requirements
Sometimes, end users demand full-dimensional inspection results for many reasons. Customers request this report during the prototyping stage or when the first batch of parts gets manufactured. This will ensure everyone is on the same page before full production begins. Furthermore, many customers may demand a FDIR before signing a contract if they work in regulated companies and sectors.
How Can I Get a Full Dimensional Inspection Report
Requesting a full-dimensional inspection report requires a systematic approach. The following steps describe how you can go about it.
Step 1- Evaluate Your Needs
The first step is determining the need for a full-dimensional inspection report. Decide if the part is safety-critical or if you are trying to meet the needs of specific industries. It can also be a customer’s request to validate a new part. This step will serve as a guide.
Step 2- Select a Service Provider
After evaluating your needs, you then select an inspection provider. The company you use is essential as it determines how accurate the results you would get. When choosing the right provider, check if they have the necessary equipment and personnel. You should also consider customer service and turnaround time.
Step 3- Provide Necessary Information
After deciding on the inspection provider you want to use, reach out. Supply part samples and provide vital documentation to prevent delays and errors. The document should contain the 3D CAD models for reference. You should also submit engineering drawings and specify inspection criteria.
Step 4- Analyze the Result
When the inspection process is complete, it will be recorded and sent to you. After that, carefully analyse and review the report. Compare the measured values to specifications. With this, you can easily identify non-conformances. If all is intact, approve the report and store it appropriately.
How to Read Full Dimensional Inspection Report
For novices and experts in manufacturing, it is easy to read and interpret a full-dimensional inspection report. Let’s look at a quick way to go about it.
- You have to familiarise yourself with the part sent for inspection so that you would know what to expect.
- After that, identify the critical components of the report. These include the part name, drawing number, inspection method, inspection date and inspector details.
- Now, look out for the inspection data. Check for the measured dimensions and nominal values. You should also assess visual representations and graphical data.
- Compare the measured dimensions with the nominal values and acceptable limit. With this, you can determine the pass/fail status if it is not present.
- Document findings and communicate with important stakeholders. This will ensure everyone is aware of the quality status of the part.
Conclusion
Inspection is usually the last step in engineering manufacturing. This step ensures that parts and components have the specified dimensions and are safe for use. Note that not all parts need a full-dimensional inspection report, as the process can be expensive and time-consuming. You have to consider the critically of the part, industry standards, and part complexity before requesting a report. Do you have further questions or clarifications? Reach out to a reputable CMM inspection service provider to get all your answers.
