Re: FAI (First Article Inspection) of Large Assemblies/Tooling after move to new buil
Without boring myself (and others) with a long list of horror stories which resulted in expense and anguish when EVERYTHING was NOT minutely checked, suffice to say, "It is crucial to assure ALL equipment continues to function as before the move."
Let's be practical, however. As professional quality folk, we realize the value of the carpenter's edict, "Measure twice, cut once."
Perhaps, as part of the move, it is time to explore the process used to inspect the piece parts for accuracy to the thousands of specifications. Just HOW does the organization currently check the accuracy of its setups? I can think back to a time before most of our readers were born when my great uncle used to be able to brag about holding a tolerance of plus or minus five ten thousandths of an inch accuracy on his lathe, then his surprise 30 years later when he visited our shop and saw our CNC lathe which routinely held fifty millionths of an inch and the super micrometer which could measure those fifty millionths.
Nonetheless, the ultimate decision is the agreement (hopefully reached by reasoned compromise) with the customer(s) for each of these pieces on what will satisfy THEIR requirements for form, fit, function.
I, personally, would be exploring faster, more efficient ways to assure accuracy of thousands of dimensions to the specified tolerances. Perhaps machine vision or programmed CMMs could speed up the process and, additionally, provide more consistent results if neither of those methods is currently in use. Increased speed and accuracy would probably generate enough market advantage to offset the cost of equipment.
