First piece (first article) check poster

A first piece check (often called a first article check on the floor) confirms that the first part made after a start-up or change is right before the rest of the batch is run. This poster lists when to do it, the five steps of the check and what to do if the part fails. It is not the same as a formal first article inspection (FAI) for a new part number, which is a full documented inspection.

Download the poster

The PNG is free to download now. The print-ready vector PDFs open after a short form, once.

Download PNG (300 dpi)2550 x 3300 px, prints at 8.5 x 11 in · 386 KB · no form

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The words on the poster

First piece check

Check the first part before you run the batch.

When

Start of a shift or a new order
After a changeover
After a tool change or repair
New batch of material
After a long stop
After any process change

Make the first part With the normal settings and material.
Check it Against the drawing or spec, with calibrated gauges.
Record it Every result on the check sheet.
Get it signed off By the person authorized to release it.
Run Keep the first part as the reference if your plant does.

Failed? Don't run. Adjust, make a new first part and check again. Tell your team leader.

On the floor

How to use it

1
Post it at every machine or line that has a changeover.
2
Make the WHEN list match your own control plan before you print.
3
Keep the check sheet and the right gauges next to the poster.
4
Pair it with the free changeover checklist and the first article inspection report.

Which size to print

24 x 36 in or A2: a main wall or team board, read from a few metres away.
18 x 24 in or A3: a station or notice board. The A3 file also fits 11 x 17 in paper.
Letter or A4: a clipboard, binder or handout, on any office printer.

Every PDF is vector, so it stays sharp at full size. Nothing runs to the edge of the page, so no bleed is needed.