Yes. Every order ships with inspection reports: a CMM dimensional report, an EN 10204 material certificate, and a surface treatment report where a finish has been applied. On production runs a first article inspection report is added to the inspection reports pack.
Key facts: inspection reports
| Always included | CMM dimensional report; EN 10204 material certificate |
| On production runs | First article inspection report |
| Where a finish is applied | Surface treatment report with coating thickness readings |
| Where heat treatment is involved | Hardness results — Rockwell, Vickers or Brinell |
| On request | Third-party inspection by SGS, TÜV or BV |
What each document actually proves
The dimensional report lists measured values against the drawing’s nominal dimensions and tolerances. It is the document that shows whether the part is right, rather than asserting that it is. Measured features are chosen by which dimensions are critical, and verified on a coordinate measuring machine with a stated measuring accuracy of ±0.002 mm.
The material certificate ties the steel, stainless or aluminium back to its heat of origin and its chemical and mechanical properties. It is what a buyer’s quality system usually needs in order to accept the material as traceable.
The first article inspection report is the full dimensional record for the first part of a production run, taken before the rest of the batch is released. It is the point at which a drawing error is still cheap.
The surface treatment report records coating thickness readings where plating or powder coating has been applied, because a coating that is thinner than specified protects less than it appears to. Surface roughness is reported in Ra values from 0.4 to 12.5 where the drawing requires it.
When you need a third party
On some programs a buyer’s own quality system requires inspection by an independent body before a first delivery is accepted. SGS, TÜV and BV can all be arranged, and it is worth raising at enquiry stage rather than after production, because it changes the schedule and the cost.
If your quality system needs a specific report format, say so with the drawing and we will confirm it before production rather than after. Our quality and inspection page covers the methods, quality standards sets out the management system and registration number, and what tolerances can you achieve gives the numbers by process.
Material and test standards referenced are published by ASTM International, and measurement practice follows NIST reference.
Frequently asked questions
What reports ship with my order?
Every order ships with a CMM dimensional report and an EN 10204 material certificate, plus a surface treatment report where a finish has been applied. On production runs a first article inspection report is added. Where heat treatment is involved, hardness results are included as Rockwell, Vickers or Brinell values.
What does the material certificate prove?
The material certificate ties the steel, stainless or aluminium back to its heat of origin and its chemical and mechanical properties. It is the document a buyer quality system usually needs in order to accept the material as traceable, which is why it is treated as standard rather than as an optional extra.
Can I request inspection by a third party?
Yes. SGS, TÜV and BV can all be arranged, and it is worth raising at enquiry stage rather than after production, because it changes the schedule and the cost. If your own quality system needs a specific report format, say so with the drawing and we will confirm it before production rather than after.