Overview
First Article Inspection (FAI) is a mandatory batch quality verification process implemented before full-scale mass production. It applies to all new orders, design-updated orders, and process-adjusted orders. We fabricate the first production panel according to the final locked design and process parameters, then conduct a full-item inspection to verify whether our production process can stably manufacture products that fully meet the design requirements. This process is the core gate to eliminate batch quality risks, ensure batch consistency, and lock in stable production parameters. All FAI operations strictly follow IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610 international standards.
Standardized Execution Flow
FAI is executed only after the final design file, process parameters, and production materials are fully confirmed and locked
The first article panel is manufactured on our formal domestic mass production line, using the same equipment, materials, personnel, and process parameters as formal mass production
Full-item inspection is completed by our professional quality control team, independent of the production workshop
Mass production can only be started after the first article is fully qualified, and signed off by our QA supervisor
Non-conforming first articles will trigger process adjustment and secondary re-inspection, until the qualified standard is met
Core Inspection Items
Dimensional accuracy inspection of all appearance and structure parameters
Electrical performance verification including continuity, isolation, and impedance control
Material performance verification including substrate parameters, copper thickness, and surface finish quality
Process quality inspection including etching uniformity, hole metallization quality, and lamination bonding strength
Assembly compatibility verification including pad size, solder mask clearance, and component package matching
Environmental reliability verification including thermal stress resistance and solderability
Mass Production Locking Mechanism
All process parameters, equipment settings, and material specifications are locked after the first article is qualified
Locked parameters cannot be changed without formal application and secondary FAI verification
Standardized operation documents based on the qualified first article parameters are provided to production line operators
The first article sample is retained for the entire production cycle of the batch, as a reference standard for production inspection
Non-Conforming Product Disposal Protocol
Non-conforming items in the first article are classified by risk level: critical defect, major defect, minor defect
Critical defects related to electrical performance and structural safety will trigger a full process review and redesign verification
Major defects will trigger process parameter adjustment and secondary FAI re-inspection
Minor defects that do not affect product function will be provided with optimization suggestions, and confirmed by the customer before mass production
All non-conforming items and disposal measures are documented in the FAI report, with full traceability
Documented Traceability Management
The complete FAI report includes all inspection data, parameter records, defect disposal records, and sign-off documents
FAI reports for each batch are archived for a minimum of 3 years
FAI execution records are included in the batch quality file, which can be provided to customers upon request
FAI data is statistically analyzed to continuously optimize our production process and reduce batch defect rates
