Initial Sample Inspection (ISIR / EMPB) in Metrology

The Initial Sample or First Article Inspection (FAI / EMPB) is a critical process in industrial metrology and quality assurance. It verifies components prior to series production and ensures full compliance with technical drawings, customer specifications, and international quality standards. QMatrix provides professional FAI / EMPB services including measurement, evaluation, and documentation according to VDA Volume 2, QS-9000, and IATF 16949.

First Sample Inspection Services

We offer complete support for structured and audit-compliant first article inspection:

• Technical drawing and feature analysis
• Inspection planning and measurement strategy development
• Dimensional and CMM-based metrology inspection
• Measurement data evaluation and interpretation
• Creation of standardized EMPB / FAI inspection reports
• Documentation in compliance with VDA / QS-9000 / IATF 16949
• Customer-specific inspection documentation

Standards & Compliance

Our first article inspection services are based on internationally recognized quality standards:

• VDA Volume 2 (German automotive standard)
• IATF 16949 / QS-9000 (automotive quality management systems)
• Customer-specific requirements and specifications

This ensures fully traceable, consistent, and audit-ready inspection documentation.

First Article Inspection Report (EMPB / FAI)

The EMPB / FAI report is the central document for production approval and quality release.

It includes:

• Part identification and drawing data
• Defined inspection characteristics and tolerances
• Measurement equipment and inspection methods
• Actual vs. nominal (CAD) comparison of all features
• Conformity assessment and quality evaluation
• Documentation of deviations and nonconformities
• Release recommendation for series production

FAI Process Workflow

A structured and efficient inspection process:

• Analysis of technical drawings and customer requirements
• Definition of inspection plan and measurement strategy
• Production of first articles under series conditions
• Full dimensional inspection of all features
• Evaluation of measurement results
• Preparation of EMPB / FAI documentation
• Delivery of inspection report for approval and release

Benefits of First Article Inspection

First article inspection ensures robust and reliable quality assurance:

• Early detection of deviations and manufacturing issues
• Transparent evaluation of component quality
• Reduced risk in series production
• Audit-compliant documentation and traceability
• Stable and repeatable production processes
• Reliable basis for production release decisions

QMatrix Metrology – Your Partner for FAI / EMPB

QMatrix supports you throughout the entire first article inspection process – from planning and measurement to complete documentation. We provide fast, reliable, and standards-compliant FAI / EMPB services for industrial manufacturing and quality assurance.