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Industry Lesson

Distinguishing Variable and Attribute Measurement Methods for First Article Inspection

Published .

Applicable Standards

AS9102

Applicable Sections

  • ✓Form 3 — Characteristic Accountability

Related

  • AS9100

Topics

  • fai
  • as9102-form-3
  • metrology
  • optical-comparator
  • variable-data
Scenario

During the preparation of an AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) package, quality personnel utilized an optical comparator to verify 2D part features and corner radii. Discrepancies arose regarding whether the measurements should be recorded on Form 3 as qualitative attribute results or quantitative variable data.

Issue

Inspection personnel frequently recorded pass/fail results based on visual overlay templates, failing to record numerical variable measurements even though the optical equipment was equipped with digital readouts and calibrated micrometer stages.

Common Mistakes

  • Missing balloon numbers on the drawing.
  • Title block requirements not accounted for on Form 3.

Best Practice

Ensure inspection planning distinguishes between overlay comparison and calibrated digital stage measurement on optical metrology equipment. Always record discrete numerical values on AS9102 Form 3 when the measurement setup supports variable data capture.

Reflects the recommended position based on community discussion and expert review.

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