RFQ & Program Launch
First-Article and Sample Approval Plan
A first article is useful when it proves the right revision and configuration against a pre-agreed plan. Freeze the build baseline, define sample quantity, measurements, tests, records, visual and packaging checks, deviation handling, and the production-release decision before the sample is built.
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Decision summary
What to carry into the decision
- Identify the exact drawing, BOM, components, tooling, and temporary assumptions used for the sample.
- Agree the measurement and test list before manufacturing, including sample size and record format.
- Separate informational observations from acceptance items and production-release blockers.
- Feed approved results and deviations back into the controlled documents before repeat production.
In this guide
- 1Freeze the sample configuration
- 2First‑article plan
- 3Choose the checks that answer launch questions
- 4Control fit and mating checks
- 5Manage deviations and open findings
- 6Release the production baseline
Use the sections in sequence, then turn the open items into one controlled build or sourcing package.
Freeze the sample configuration
List the drawing, BOM, wiring table, component and material revisions, tooling or fixtures, test program, label, and packing instruction used for the sample. Mark temporary parts, hand operations, prototype tools, and open dimensions.
Give each sample a unique identifier that follows it through measurement, testing, photographs, fit checks, and disposition.
First-article plan
Agree the evidence and decision for each group before the build.
| Configuration | Revision, components, materials, authorized deviations, temporary items, tooling, and sample identifier. |
|---|---|
| Product evidence | Critical dimensions, connector and terminal seating, routing, labels, molded features, appearance, and packing. |
| Test evidence | Continuity, polarity, electrical, mechanical, sealing or functional method, fixture, values, limits, and result. |
| Disposition | Accept, accept with controlled action, repeat evidence, reject, production-release decision, owner, and effective revision. |
Choose the checks that answer launch questions
Measure features that affect equipment fit, mating, routing, strain relief, tooling, or repeatability. Inspect terminals, locks, seals, solder joints, molded transitions, labels, and packaging where the drawing or criteria make them important.
Run electrical, mechanical, sealing, or functional checks only with a defined method and limits. Record which results are per sample and which represent the process setup.
Control fit and mating checks
When the sample must interface with equipment or a mating part, define the method and responsibility.
- Identify the mating connector, fixture, equipment revision, and installed orientation.
- State whether the check is dimensional, physical fit, latch or retention, routing, clearance, or functional.
- Record any force, sequence, fixture, or observation criteria that affect the decision.
- Photograph or mark the setup when it cannot be reproduced from the drawing alone.
Manage deviations and open findings
Do not hide a deviation inside a passing report. Record the source requirement, sample condition, observed result, technical effect, temporary or permanent disposition, and document change needed.
If an issue affects only one configuration or sample, keep that boundary visible so the response is not applied to unrelated parts.
Release the production baseline
After disposition, issue the drawing, BOM, approved-source information, work and inspection inputs, test method, labels, packaging, and authorized deviations that govern repeat production. Archive the first-article records against that release.
A signed sample alone should not replace the production documents when hidden construction, process, or test details matter.