First-article & incoming (FAI)
Prove the part before you commit the lot. Dimensional package with callouts mapped to your print.
- Deliverable: PDF FAI-style packet (results vs print)
- Est. turnaround: typically 3–7 business days after intake
Contract metrology · Taunton, MA · New England
Contract CMM & first-article inspection that shops can defend.
Send the print. We inspect on Starrett CMM and Mitutoyo toolmaker’s microscope — then return a shop-readable packet for FAI, fixture prove-out, and production sampling. No theater. Numbers you can hand to a customer or QMS.
- Contract CMM
- FAI / first-article
- Fixture prove-out
- Production sampling
Services
Concrete work. Concrete deliverables.
Each job is scoped before we touch a part: features, sample size, report format, and estimated turnaround.
Fixture & process prove-out
Validate fixtures, setups, and critical features so the floor isn’t debugging scrap.
- Deliverable: feature report + setup notes / photos as needed
- Est. turnaround: quoted per fixture complexity
Production sampling
Periodic CMM checks that catch drift early — short loops, shop-readable reports.
- Deliverable: sample report with trend-ready columns
- Est. turnaround: often same-week when scoped
Print → inspect loops
Additive or prototype parts: print, verify, iterate — capability shown, not claimed.
- Deliverable: iteration notes + dimensional summary
- Est. turnaround: aligned to your build cycle
Gage & thread work
Thread/plug gage checks and toolmaker’s microscope work for features CMM alone won’t own.
- Deliverable: attribute / optical results in the same packet
- Est. turnaround: often bundled with CMM jobs
Pre-check reports & FAI paperwork prep
Measurement pre-check reports and FAI paperwork prep to support your customer submissions or internal records. Your QA keeps final sign-off.
- Deliverable: PDF formatted to agreed callout list
- Est. turnaround: set at quote
Contract CMM in Massachusetts
Drop off in Taunton or ship from anywhere in New England. Starrett CMM, Mitutoyo toolmaker’s microscope and thread/plug gages, scoped to your print.
- Deliverable: results vs print, pass/fail or OOT flags
- Est. turnaround: quoted after intake
Free FAI packet kit
AS9102-style Forms 1, 2 and 3 (XLSX + fillable PDF), a drawing ballooning checklist and a Gage R&R worksheet. Free for your work email and company name.
- Download: templates for your own FAI packets
- Or: we prep the paperwork, quoted per part number; your QA signs off
Turnaround bands above are estimates, not guarantees. Final timing is confirmed after we see the print, sample size, and current bench load.
Equipment
Honest capability on the bench
We run real shop equipment. If a callout is outside practical reach, you’ll hear it before you ship parts.
01
Starrett CMM
Programmable dimensional inspection for prismatic parts, first-article packages, and production samples. Best for datum-driven callouts and multi-feature reports.
02
Mitutoyo toolmaker’s microscope
Fine edges, small features, and optical verification where touch probing is the wrong tool — or a second opinion on a critical dimension.
03
Thread / plug gages
Go/no-go and attribute checks tied into the same report package as CMM and optical work. Need your own thread, plug, or hand gages? Shop used gages and metrology tools at usedgages.com.
04
3D print + verify
Close the loop on prototypes: build, measure, adjust — before metal hits the spindle when that sequence helps.
Process
How a job runs
- 1 · Send the print PDF (STEP welcome) + what “pass” means for this lot. NDA available before drawings if needed.
- 2 · Intake & quote We confirm features, sample size, report format, and an estimated turnaround — clear before we touch a part.
- 3 · Inspect CMM / microscope / gages as scoped. Photos of critical setups when they add clarity.
- 4 · Report Shop-readable PDF: results vs print, outliers flagged, ready for your customer or QMS.
Industries
Who this bench is built for
Capability framing — not certification claims. We support shops that need clear, documented measurements without standing up a full metrology department.
Job shops & contract manufacturers
Overflow FAI, incoming checks, and sampling when your own CMM is booked or you don’t keep one on the floor.
Aerospace & medical suppliers
Dimensional support for print-driven work. We inspect to the drawing; we do not claim industry certifications we don’t hold. Our reports are measurement / pre-check reports, and your QA keeps final sign-off. If your customer requires accredited calibration or a certified FAI, we can help you route it to an accredited lab.
Prototype & R&D cells
Fast verify loops on additive and early metal so design and process decisions rest on measured data.
New England manufacturers
Local drop-off and regional shipping from Taunton, MA — SE Mass, RI, CT, and broader New England.
FAQ
Straight answers
How do I ship parts for inspection?
After intake we give a ship-to or arrange local drop-off (Taunton / SE Mass). Include the print (PDF), STEP if you have it, packing list, and any NDA. We confirm receipt before work starts.
What is typical lead time?
Estimate only: many first-article jobs land in about 3–7 business days after parts and a clear print are in hand. Rush is discussed at quote — never locked until scoped against current load.
What tolerances can you inspect?
We work to the print with Starrett CMM, Mitutoyo toolmaker’s microscope, and thread/plug gages. Geometry, datums, and feature type decide what’s practical. If a callout is outside our bench, we say so before you ship.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. Mutual NDAs are routine. Send yours with the print, or request ours before sharing drawings.
What does the report include?
Shop-readable PDF: measured results vs callouts, pass/fail or OOT flags, setup notes when useful, photos when they help. Format can align to your customer packet when scoped up front.
Can I get a same-day or rush quote?
Often yes for scoping. Inspection timing depends on feature count and bench load — rush estimates are stated clearly at quote, never as a blanket promise.
About
Shop-floor credibility, New England base
AI Inspection Tools is the metrology arm of a CNC-native practice. Founder Timothy Sproul brings setup, programming, and maintenance background — with inspection as the wedge that protects margin and customer trust.
Based in Taunton, Massachusetts. Built for manufacturers who need real numbers, not theater. Need used CNC machines or tooling for the floor? Visit sister marketplace Used CNC Tools.
Inspection match board
Need inspection capacity, or have a CMM with open hours?
Post an inspection job and we compare it with inspection providers on the board, or sign up as a provider to be matched with jobs. Free to post. Provider accreditations are self-reported; check certificates before you send parts.
Related doors (intent)
Gage satellites feed here; machines and Tim’s page are one click away.
Contact
Send the print. Get a quote.
Tell us part type, quantity, turnaround need, and critical features. We’ll respond with scope and estimated timing.
- Phone 508-343-1219
- Location Taunton, MA