Six connected stages of control
Inspection effort is scaled according to part complexity, risk, quantity and customer requirement.
Drawing Review
Confirm datums, material, dimensions, tolerances, finish and missing information.
Process Planning
Define setups, tooling, allowances and critical checkpoints.
First-Part Check
Verify important features before continuing the batch.
In-Process Checks
Monitor dimensions vulnerable to tool wear, distortion or setup movement.
Final Inspection
Check agreed dimensions, appearance, quantity and workmanship.
Packing & Handover
Protect parts against damage, mixing, rust and transit issues.
Measure what matters
Inspection priorities follow function, fit and drawing risk.
Not every dimension carries the same risk
Critical dimensions deserve stronger controls than general features.
Bearing seats, sliding fits, press fits, mating diameters and locating holes.
Flatness, perpendicularity, parallelism, concentricity and runout where specified.
Sealing areas, guide surfaces, contact faces, threads and assembly interfaces.
Inspection intensity depends on the job
| Job type | Typical control approach |
|---|---|
| Prototype / first-off | Detailed feature review to validate the drawing and machining route. |
| Small batch | First-part approval plus periodic in-process checks and final sampling. |
| Repeat batch | Stable setup, defined checkpoints and traceable repeat inspection. |
| Maintenance replacement | Focus on mating, fit, alignment and dimensions recoverable from the sample. |
Quality FAQs
Only limited assumptions are possible. A drawing or clearly defined functional fit is strongly recommended before committing to close tolerances.
Often yes, but worn samples may not preserve original dimensions. Mating parts, application details and functional measurements improve accuracy.
Documentation requirements should be discussed during quotation because reporting depth affects inspection time and cost.
Finish requirements must be stated on the drawing or enquiry. Machining allowance and external processing sequence are then planned accordingly.
Share your acceptance criteria early
Send key dimensions, tolerances, fit requirements and inspection expectations with your enquiry.