Bird
Raised Fist0
CNC Programmingscripting~5 mins

First article inspection in CNC Programming - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Choose your learning style10 modes available
LearnWhyDeepVisualTryChallengeProjectRecallTime

Start learning this pattern below

Jump into concepts and practice - no test required

or
Recommended
Test this pattern10 questions across easy, medium, and hard to know if this pattern is strong
Recall & Review
beginner
What is First Article Inspection (FAI) in CNC programming?
FAI is a process where the first part made by a CNC machine is carefully checked to make sure it meets all design and quality requirements before full production starts.
Click to reveal answer
beginner
Why is FAI important in CNC machining?
It helps catch mistakes early, saves time and money, and ensures the final parts are made correctly and safely.
Click to reveal answer
beginner
Name one common tool used during First Article Inspection.
A caliper or micrometer is often used to measure the dimensions of the first part to check accuracy.
Click to reveal answer
intermediate
What kind of data is typically recorded during FAI?
Measurements, material certifications, machine settings, and any deviations from the design are recorded.
Click to reveal answer
intermediate
How does automation help in First Article Inspection?
Automation can speed up measurements, reduce human errors, and create detailed reports quickly.
Click to reveal answer
What is the main goal of First Article Inspection?
ATo check the first part meets design specs
BTo speed up production without checks
CTo test the CNC machine's power
DTo paint the first part
Which tool is commonly used in FAI to measure part dimensions?
AHammer
BWelding torch
CScrewdriver
DMicrometer
When is First Article Inspection performed?
AAfter full production
BBefore starting full production
CDuring shipping
DAfter packaging
Which of these is NOT typically recorded during FAI?
AEmployee lunch breaks
BMachine settings
CMaterial certifications
DMeasurement results
How does automation improve FAI?
ABy making parts faster without checks
BBy removing the need for machines
CBy speeding up measurements and reducing errors
DBy painting parts automatically
Explain what First Article Inspection is and why it is important in CNC programming.
Think about checking the first product before making many.
You got /4 concepts.
    Describe how automation can assist in the First Article Inspection process.
    Consider how machines can help humans check parts faster and better.
    You got /4 concepts.

      Practice

      (1/5)
      1. What is the main purpose of First article inspection in CNC programming?
      easy
      A. To program the CNC machine without running it
      B. To check the first part made by the CNC program for errors and quality
      C. To clean the CNC machine before starting production
      D. To speed up the CNC machine for faster production

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Understand the term 'First article inspection'

        It means checking the very first part produced by the CNC machine to ensure it meets quality standards.

      2. Step 2: Identify the main goal of this process

        The goal is to catch errors early and confirm the part is made correctly before making many parts.

      3. Final Answer:

        To check the first part made by the CNC program for errors and quality -> Option B

      4. Quick Check:

        First article inspection = check first part quality [OK]
      Hint: Remember: First article means first part check [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Thinking it speeds up production
      • Confusing it with machine cleaning
      • Assuming it is programming without running
      2. Which of the following is the correct sequence for performing a first article inspection?
      easy
      A. Run program, measure part, adjust program if needed
      B. Measure part, run program, adjust program
      C. Adjust program, run program, measure part
      D. Run program, adjust program, measure part

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Identify the logical order of steps

        You first run the CNC program to make the part, then measure it to check accuracy.

      2. Step 2: Adjust the program if measurements show errors

        If the part is not correct, you adjust the program and repeat as needed.

      3. Final Answer:

        Run program, measure part, adjust program if needed -> Option A

      4. Quick Check:

        Run -> Measure -> Adjust = A [OK]
      Hint: Think: Make part first, then check and fix [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Measuring before making the part
      • Adjusting before measuring
      • Skipping measurement step
      3. Given this CNC program snippet for first article inspection:
      G01 X10 Y10 F100
M30

      What will be the expected output after running this program once?
      medium
      A. The tool moves in a circular path to X=10, Y=10
      B. The tool will not move because feed rate is zero
      C. The program will cause a syntax error and stop
      D. The tool moves in a straight line to X=10, Y=10 at feed rate 100

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Understand G01 command

        G01 means linear move to specified coordinates at given feed rate.

      2. Step 2: Analyze the given coordinates and feed rate

        The tool moves straight to X=10, Y=10 at feed rate 100 units/min.

      3. Final Answer:

        The tool moves in a straight line to X=10, Y=10 at feed rate 100 -> Option D

      4. Quick Check:

        G01 = linear move, feed 100 = speed [OK]
      Hint: G01 means straight line move [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Confusing G01 with circular move (G02/G03)
      • Assuming feed rate is zero
      • Thinking program has syntax error
      4. You run a first article inspection program but the part dimensions are off. The program code is:
      G01 X20 Y20 F150
M30

      What is the likely error if the part is smaller than expected?
      medium
      A. Coordinates are incorrect, should be larger values
      B. Program missing M03 spindle start command
      C. Feed rate is too high causing tool deflection
      D. M30 command is placed too early

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Check coordinates vs part size

        If the part is smaller, the tool likely did not move far enough, so coordinates are too small.

      2. Step 2: Evaluate other options

        Feed rate affects speed, not size; missing spindle start or M30 early stop won't cause smaller size directly.

      3. Final Answer:

        Coordinates are incorrect, should be larger values -> Option A

      4. Quick Check:

        Wrong coordinates = wrong part size [OK]
      Hint: Check coordinates first if part size is wrong [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Blaming feed rate for size error
      • Ignoring coordinate values
      • Assuming spindle commands affect size
      5. During first article inspection, you notice the part passes all measurements except one hole diameter is slightly too small. What is the best next step?
      hard
      A. Increase feed rate to cut the hole faster
      B. Ignore the small hole difference and start full production
      C. Adjust the CNC program tool path or tool size for that hole and rerun inspection
      D. Replace the entire CNC program with a new one

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Identify the issue with the hole diameter

        The hole is too small, so the tool path or tool size needs adjustment to correct it.

      2. Step 2: Decide the best corrective action

        Adjusting the program and rerunning inspection ensures quality before full production.

      3. Final Answer:

        Adjust the CNC program tool path or tool size for that hole and rerun inspection -> Option C

      4. Quick Check:

        Fix program, then re-inspect = correct approach [OK]
      Hint: Fix program for errors before full production [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Ignoring defects and producing many parts
      • Changing feed rate without reason
      • Replacing program unnecessarily