In precision engineering, quality assurance is not just an afterthought, it’s a fundamental part of the manufacturing process. When launching a new part or production run, First Article Inspection (FAI) is one of the most critical steps to ensure that everything is manufactured exactly to specification from the outset. That’s why ADP Precision Engineering offers robust and reliable First Article Inspection services in the UK, backed by cutting-edge equipment, ISO-certified processes and decades of experience.
Whether you’re in aerospace, defence, medical, or advanced manufacturing, our FAI services give you peace of mind that your components are ready for production and compliant with all technical requirements.
What is First Article Inspection (FAI)?
First Article Inspection is a documented, structured process of verifying that a manufactured part or assembly meets the customer’s design and engineering specifications. Typically performed on the first unit from a new production run, or after a major change in design, material, tooling, or process, it ensures that:
- All dimensions match the approved technical drawings
- Materials and finishes are correct
- The production process is stable and capable of consistent output
FAI is commonly required in industries with tight regulatory requirements, such as aerospace (AS9102), automotive, and defence, but its benefits extend to any sector where quality and traceability matter.
Why Choose ADP for First Article Inspection Services?
At ADP Precision Engineering, our First Article Inspection services are designed to support both our in-house CNC machining clients and external manufacturers seeking independent verification of their components.
Here’s why companies across the UK choose ADP for FAI:
Advanced CMM Technology
We use state-of-the-art Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), including our latest investment, the Mitutoyo Crysta Apex V 7106, equipped with an SP25 scanning head. This allows us to perform high-speed, high-accuracy surface scanning to capture thousands of data points in real time.
This is especially valuable for complex or multi-surface components where manual or single-point inspection would be time-consuming or prone to error.
We also retain our Mitutoyo Crysta Apex V 574, installed in 2019, giving us the capacity to conduct multiple inspections simultaneously and avoid bottlenecks during busy periods.
Accredited and Calibrated Equipment
All of our inspection equipment is calibrated and maintained directly by Mitutoyo, ensuring traceability and confidence in every measurement. Combined with our ISO 9001:2015 certification, this ensures full compliance with industry standards and gives our clients a documented trail of accuracy and repeatability.
Offline and Online Capability with Advanced Software
We use the latest MCOSMOS and CAT1000 software, giving us the flexibility to create and run CMM programs both online and offline. This reduces setup time and allows us to adapt quickly when customer requirements change or new designs are introduced.
It also allows us to produce detailed First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) and support requirements such as:
- AS9102 FAI documentation
- PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)
- ISIR (Initial Sample Inspection Reports)
Available as a Standalone Subcontract Service
One of the biggest advantages of working with ADP is that our First Article Inspection services are available not only for parts we manufacture in-house but also as a subcontract service.
This is ideal for:
- Businesses without in-house CMM capability
- Manufacturers needing third-party verification
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers looking for independent FAIRs
- New product introductions or critical design changes
Simply send us your part, drawing, and specification—we’ll take care of the inspection and provide a full report ready for submission to your customer or internal quality team.
Contact us today to enquire about standalone First Article Inspection services in the UK.
Sectors We Support
Our First Article Inspection services support a wide range of industries, including:
- Aerospace – Verifying critical dimensions and tolerances for flight-ready components
- Defence – Ensuring compliance with security and performance specifications
- Medical Devices – Supporting regulatory approval through documented inspection
- Automotive & Motorsport – Validating high-performance, safety-critical parts
- General Engineering – Providing confidence during product development and production scale-up
Our Commitment to Continuous Investment
The addition of the Mitutoyo Crysta Apex V 7106 is part of our broader strategy to continually invest in both machinery and measurement technology. Since moving to our Throckley premises in 2018, this new CMM marks our tenth major equipment investment—reinforcing our mission to support clients with industry-leading capability.
Conclusion
First Article Inspection is not just a formality, it’s a vital step that ensures every subsequent part is right the first time and every time after that. At ADP Precision Engineering, we’re proud to provide reliable, fast, and accurate First Article Inspection services in the UK, supported by the latest technology and a dedicated team of precision engineers.
Whether you’re launching a new product or validating a design change, ADP is the inspection partner you can trust.
Get in touch with us to find out how our First Article Inspection services can help your project succeed.