At POC Opto-Tech Pte Ltd, we are committed to delivering the highest quality photonics and crystal-based products. We understand that trust, consistency, and performance are critical when selecting a long-term optical supplier. To support your confidence in our manufacturing capabilities, we offer a comprehensive First Article Inspection (FAI) option for qualifying orders.

This FAI Policy outlines what FAI is, how it works, and how it benefits our customers.

What Is First Article Inspection (FAI)?

First Article Inspection (FAI) is a structured verification process in which we manufacture an initial sample (or small batch) of your product according to the agreed specifications.
This sample is then inspected, measured, and validated to ensure:

• All optical, mechanical, and coating specifications are met
• Drawings and requirements are correctly interpreted
• Manufacturing processes are stable and repeatable
• The final mass production will meet your quality expectations

FAI serves as a quality checkpoint before full-scale manufacturing begins.

FAI Guidelines

To maintain clarity and consistency for both parties, the following guidelines apply:

• FAI is available for custom-designed optics, precision crystals, and photonic components with detailed specifications.
• Customers are required to provide clear drawings, tolerance requirements, materials, coating details, and any special instructions.
• FAI typically covers 1–3 pieces, depending on product type and complexity.
• FAI items are fully inspected according to the customer’s drawing and POC’s internal QC standards.
• Any deviation, if present, will be clearly documented and submitted for customer approval.
• After customer approval of the FAI sample, full production will proceed under the same controlled parameters.

Benefits of FAI

Our FAI process offers critical advantages for customers:

• Guaranteed Quality Before Full Production: Inspect actual samples before committing to larger quantities.
• Reduced Risk: FAI minimizes risks of misinterpretation, dimensional mismatch, coating issues, or material inconsistencies.
• Stable Mass Production: Validates that POC’s manufacturing processes can produce consistent and repeatable results.
• Clear Communication: Ensures alignment on specifications, tolerances, and expectations.
• Faster Full-Scale Production: Once FAI is approved, production proceeds smoothly with minimized rework or delays.

FAI Process

1. Agreement on Specifications: During the RFQ/quotation phase, both parties agree on the product specifications and terms. 
2. Production of FAI Samples: POC produces and ships a small batch of samples (e.g., 5–10 units) for your inspection. 
3. Customer Testing: You have 30 days to test the samples for quality, performance, and compliance with specifications. 
4. Approval: Upon your approval of the FAI samples, POC will proceed with full production and ship the remaining order per the agreed delivery schedule. 
5. Order Fulfillment: If any quality issues arise during the FAI phase, you may cancel the order or request necessary adjustments.

Policy Notes

• FAI fees may apply depending on complexity, materials, and tooling requirements.
• In the event the sample does not meet specifications, POC will work closely with the customer to correct and remake the FAI sample.
• Any design changes after FAI approval may require a new FAI submission.
• FAI is recommended for new products, complex optics, and large production programs.
• Standard lead times apply unless otherwise agreed.

Real-World Example

A customer requires 200 pcs of a custom Germanium window with:

• Dia 40 mm × 4 mm thickness
• DLC + AR coating
• 60–40 scratch-dig
• λ/10 @ 10.6 μm flatness
• 3 arcmin parallelism

Before committing to the full batch, the customer requests a First Article Inspection (FAI) of 2 pcs.

What happens:

1. Customer provides a drawing and coating requirements.
2. POC fabricates 2 pcs using identical processes planned for mass production.
3. Both pcs undergo interferometry, surface quality inspection, and coating tests.
4. Samples are shipped to the customer for evaluation.
5. Customer approves the FAI.
6. POC proceeds with the full 200-pc production with confirmed parameters.

The customer gains confidence in quality, and POC ensures alignment before large-scale production.