First Article Inspection (FAI) for Sheet Metal Enclosures: What Buyers Should Check
First-article inspection is the one moment you can catch a drawing, fit or finish error before a whole batch is made. This checklist covers what to ask your supplier to verify on the first enclosure — and the documentation to require with it.
Measure, don't assume
The first article is cheap insurance against rework across the whole order.
Seal before volume
The first article is cheap insurance against rework across the whole order.
Get the report
The first article is cheap insurance against rework across the whole order.
Eight things to verify on the first article
| Check | What to look for | How to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and flat pattern | Overall size, hole positions and bend locations against the drawing. | CMM or calibrated gauge; confirm the first-article report lists the actual measured values, not just 'OK'. |
| Bend angles and springback | Formed angles versus the tolerance; consistent across parts. | Check the angle report and that springback was compensated in the program, not re-bent by hand. |
| Weld and seam quality | No cracks, porosity or burn-through; consistent appearance. | Visual + sample section; confirm the welding procedure and that cosmetic limits were agreed. |
| Surface finish and coating | Correct coating, colour/RAL and film thickness in microns. | Coating thickness gauge reading; compare to the spec on the quotation. |
| Hardware and inserts | Hinges, latches, studs, gaskets and glands present and positioned. | Verify part numbers and positions against the BOM and drawing. |
| IP sealing features | Gasket groove, door flange and compression latch achieve the rated IP. | Confirm the seal design matches the IP requirement before volume. |
| Fit and function | Doors, panels and assemblies fit and operate as intended. | Assembly check on the first article; clearance and interference resolved now, not in production. |
| Documentation | Dimensional report, material certs and finish records packaged. | Request the FAI package as a deliverable, not an afterthought. |
Require the FAI package in the PO
State in the purchase order that the first article and its dimensional report, material certificates and finish records are required and approved before repeat production. Our quality process builds first-article inspection into the route so volume starts clean.
- Dimensional report with measured values
- Material and finish certificates
- Approval sign-off before volume
Who can show you the proof
A supplier that does DFM review and first-article inspection is lower risk than one that quotes the lowest number and ships to volume. See how to choose a manufacturer and how to choose a China supplier.
Send the drawingFirst article inspection questions
FAI is verifying the first fabricated enclosure against the drawing before repeat production: dimensions, bend angles, welds, finish, hardware, sealing features, fit and the supporting documentation. It catches errors while they are still cheap to fix.
A dimensional report with the actual measured values, material certificates and finish/coating records. Require this package as a deliverable in the purchase order, approved before volume runs.
After DFM review and prototype, before the production order is released. If the supplier skips it and goes straight to volume, any defect is multiplied across the batch.
No. FAI validates the process and the first article; production still needs in-process and final inspection. But without FAI, you have no evidence the process was right before scaling.
Approve the first article, then scale
Send the drawing and we return a first article with the dimensional and finish report for your sign-off.