Define characteristic
Dimension, appearance, fit, sealing, load or other function tied to the current revision.
Inspection evidence / characteristic-led
Measure what controls the part.
A list of instruments is not an inspection plan. The useful question is whether the selected method, fixture, sampling and record can prove the feature that controls assembly, appearance, sealing or service performance.
Inspection register
Documented methods and the questions they can support.
The profile supplied by the customer lists the methods below. Availability at the responsible site, range, accuracy, fixture, calibration status, sampling and report content must be confirmed before quotation or release.
Method in supplied profileEvidence statusPotential useProject-specific confirmation required
Coordinate measuring machine (CMM)Listed3D dimensional featuresEquipment range/accuracy, datum strategy, accessibility, program and report
Optical / 2D measurementListedProfiles, edges and accessible dimensionsResolution, lighting, fixture, surface/edge definition and method agreement
Airtightness testListedLeak-related functional requirementPressure, medium, stabilization, limit, fixture and test duration
Hardness testListedMaterial/finished condition where applicableMethod/scale, specimen geometry, conditioning and acceptance limit
Drop-ball testListedProject-defined impact assessmentBall mass, height, support, location, temperature and pass/fail criteria
Tensile testListedMaterial or specimen mechanical responseStandard, specimen preparation, conditioning, speed and reporting basis
Salt-spray testListedCoated/metallic secondary feature where relevantApplicable standard, duration, substrate, coating and evaluation—generally not a generic plastic-part claim
Pencil-hardness testListedCoating or appearance-surface evaluationApplicable finish, pencil set, load, angle, conditioning and acceptance
No equipment-by-association claim. Listing a method does not mean it applies to every thermoplastic component. The inspection plan must identify the characteristic, appropriate method, measurement uncertainty or test boundary, sampling frequency and action when a result is out of specification.
Approval architecture
Connect requirements to records.
Inspection becomes credible when the buyer can follow the same feature from drawing through first-off and shipment release.
Select method
Choose the gauge, instrument, fixture or test that can actually resolve the feature.
Agree evidence
Set sample size, frequency, report, limit and approval owner.
Control response
Identify containment, escalation, correction and re-release when the result fails.
Typical release packet
Request only the evidence your program can use.
FAI, PPAP, SPC/Cpk, material declarations, test reports and shipment records are not automatically included. Their format and scope depend on the customer requirement and written quotation.
Requirement matrix
Revision, material, critical features, appearance zones and test assumptions.
First-off evidence
Sample identity, measurement/visual results, issue list and correction closure.
Control record
Startup release, in-process checks, material/lot identity and change control.
Release evidence
Project-defined final checks, quantity, labels, packing and required reports.
Capability study
Only for stable, suitable characteristics with agreed data and acceptance basis.
Reapproval
Material, tool, process, method or site changes reviewed before implementation.