Balloon drawings are a common component in the inspection process. These drawings identify the critical to quality (CTQ) dimensions and other individual requirements of a part depicted in the original 2D drawing.
This drawing is frequently used as a first article inspection report — a design verification and historic file that provides a reported measurement for each part. Developers can use this data to ensure that the final product meets specifications and all final parts meet the original dimensions. An FAI report gives the developer a pass or fail result for the part that they can use for future quality checks.
Ballooning a drawing manually can be a time consuming process and prevents the information from being clearly connected to the rest of the manufacturing process. For example, if developers manually input measurements from metrology equipment into an Excel file, it cannot be linked to the original ballooned drawing. It also introduces the risk of human error if manufacturers input the wrong data.
High QA Inspection Manager streamlines this process. As well as automatically producing the report, manufacturers can store measurement data in the same system to quickly compare results with the FAI report. The system will also benefit developers later in production, for example when an FAI report is conducted to reflect a change in design, process or materials. Manufacturers can automatically compare the original ballooned drawing with the new report, offering full visibility to the manufacturer and developer.
