Traceability of Special Process Specifications in First Article Inspections
Published .
Related
- AS9100
- Nadcap
Topics
- fai
- special-process
- traceability
- configuration-management
- stock-inventory
- as9102
A First Article Inspection (FAI) is conducted on a part requiring special processes, such as chemical conversion coating or heat treatment. The parts were produced sometime before the FAI submission, potentially being pulled from existing inventory or manufactured just before a process specification was revised.
The FAI package referenced the current revision of the special process specification, rather than the revision that was in effect and documented at the time of manufacture. This created a discrepancy between the FAI data and the objective evidence of the part's 'as-built' configuration.
Key Takeaways
- The FAI was rejected for lacking traceability and failing to accurately represent the product's actual configuration.
- The supplier was required to find the original processing records and resubmit the FAI with documentation matching the time of manufacture.
- The FAI package referenced the current revision of the special process specification, rather than the revision that was in effect and documented at the time of manufacture.
Best Practice
Ensure all special process documentation in an FAI package reflects the exact specification and revision level contractually required at the time of manufacture. Maintain robust traceability to original records from the process source to substantiate the part's configuration, especially for parts from inventory.
Reflects the recommended position based on community discussion and expert review.
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