Injection Molding Inspection Reports
Certifications
ISO 9001:2015 | ITAR Registered
Quality Documentation for Injection-Molded Parts
As part of the Protolabs standard, we measure up to four plane-to-plane and outside diameter dimensions based on your CAD model (X, Y, Z) to quoted tolerances. We automatically define these quality control checks and perform the measurements on a sampling of parts.
In addition, we provide a wide range of other quality documentation. Compare the benefits of each inspection report to see which is best suited for your project needs.
Critical To Quality (CTQ)
CTQ Partial FAI (First Article Inspection)
Benefits: Includes a 3-part dimensional first article inspection of 5 critical features
Measurements: Up to 5 plane-to-plane, hole-to-hole, ID/OD, or radii measurements as critical features
Additional Features: Formatted report with bubbled part image and result summary chart
Eligibility: On-demand manufacturing, injection molding orders. Can be added to any other order.*
Additional Lead Time: None
Sample Plan: After the molding process is established, a partial FAI is completed on the first three parts off the tool
Additional Information: Available to select in "Inspections" during checkout. Upload a 2D drawing with critical features identified. Contact your account representative with questions.
* Excludes: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPU, TPV, TPO, etc.) and Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR).
CTQ DIR with Capability Study
Benefits: Includes a 30-part dimensional capability study of 5 critical features
Measurements: Up to 5 plane-to-plane, hole-to-hole, ID/OD, or radii measurements as critical features
Additional Features: Formatted report with bubbled part image and result summary chart
Eligibility: On-demand manufacturing, injection molding orders. Can be added to any other order.*
Additional Lead Time: None
Sample Plan: After the molding process is established, a 30-piece capability report is based on a group of parts that is chosen from an evenly distributed sample
Additional Information: Available to select in "Inspections" during checkout. Upload a 2D drawing with critical features identified. Contact your account representative with questions.
* Excludes: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPU, TPV, TPO, etc.) and Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR).
Additional Inspection Reports
Digital Inspection Report / Full FAI
Benefits: Verifies numerous critical dimensional specifications
Measurements: Up to 50 measurements: ID/OD, plane-to-plane, hole location, and angles
Additional Features: Options include a 360-degree, 8+- position 3D scanner collects data, identifies dimensional variance, and create a visual aid and color map for a direct CAD-to-scan comparison
Eligibility: On-demand manufacturing, injection molding orders
Additional Lead Time: Quoted at time or order, typically 6+ business days
Sample Plan: Random selection during the molding operation based on requested quantity specified
Additional Information: Available to select in "Secondary Operations" during checkout. Contact us with questions.
Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
Benefits: Verifies that a production process can reliably produce a quality part repeatedly
Measurements: Nineteen components that range from customer approval to sample part production
Additional Features: Level 3 PPAP document is provided in PDF format for requested manufacturing orders
Eligibility: All injection molding orders
Additional Lead Time: Quoted at time or order, typically 11+ business days
Sample Plan: Random selection during the molding operation based on requested quantity specified
Additional Information: Available to select in "Secondary Operations" during checkout. Contact us with questions.
How are Part Dimensions Measured?
We use industry standard coordinate-measuring machines (CMM)—calipers and pin guages—just as you would expect from an industry leading manufacturing partner. What differentiates our process is that we’ve applied patented automation technology to our CMMs to enable in-process inspection with no additional cost or lead time.
Parts are measured at an equidistant cadence of n/30 where n = total part order quantity. Along with the measurement data from each part, the Capability Report will also provide the average measurement, standard deviation, and a Process Capability Index (Cpk) value for all critical dimensions.
Additional Quality Capabilities
Medical Molding Capabilities
We do offer ISO 13485 injection molding capabilities through trusted partners.
