FAI and AS9102 guides, balloon drawing workflows, GD&T explainers and inspection checklists — written by engineers, for engineers.
A practical step-by-step guide to building a CMM measurement uncertainty budget — covering all major error sources, a worked numerical example, and GD&T-specific considerations for quality engineers.
A practical, clause-by-clause guide to meeting ISO 13485 first article inspection requirements for medical device components — covering supplier qualification, incoming inspection records, and the documents auditors expect.
A clause-by-clause breakdown of ISO 13485 design controls, covering planning, inputs, outputs, verification, validation, and transfer — written for quality engineers managing medical device development.
A missing tolerance note or the wrong file format can turn a precision machining RFQ into a rework cycle. Use this checklist to assemble a complete, unambiguous RFQ package every time.
A practical, step-by-step guide for procurement engineers on how to share RFQ packages containing 3D models and drawings without exposing IP. Covers file prep, access controls, audit trails, and supplier comparison in one secure workflow.
Learn exactly how to extract a bill of materials from any STEP assembly file — no CAD licence needed. Covers tools, workflow steps, protocol differences, and the most common BOM mistakes design engineers make.
No SolidWorks licence? No problem. This guide compares every free method to open SLDPRT and SLDASM files — from eDrawings to browser-based STEP viewers — so design engineers and non-CAD users can review models without paying for a seat.
A practical step-by-step guide for design engineers on opening STEP files directly in a browser — no software, no installs, with measurements, BOM, and section cuts available immediately.
A detailed comparison of automated drawing ballooning software vs manual balloon numbering, covering time savings, error risk, standards compliance, and which approach suits quality engineers most.
Master the GD&T true position formula with a clear, hand-verifiable worked example. Covers the position tolerance calculation formula, CMM report interpretation, bonus tolerance, and the most common mistakes quality engineers make on the shop floor.
A practical walkthrough for quality engineers on completing a Process FMEA for PPAP — covering every PFMEA step, RPN calculation, rating tables, and the pitfalls that cause customer rejections.
A plain-English breakdown of Level 3 PPAP submission requirements—every document explained, a direct comparison with Level 4, and the most common mistakes quality engineers make during submission.
A peer-to-peer comparison of the top FAI software tools for aerospace quality engineers — covering AS9102 Rev C compliance, browser access, ballooning features, and real pricing so you can pick the right tool without a sales call.
A field-by-field walkthrough of every section in an AS9102 Rev C first article inspection report — Forms 1, 2 and 3, ballooned drawing requirements, and the mistakes that get FAI packages rejected.
The definitive hub for drawing ballooning and inspection sheet creation — standards, workflows, tool comparisons, and links to every in-depth guide.
The definitive GD&T starting point: every core concept explained by a mechanical engineer, with links to deep-dive guides on symbols, datums, tolerances, and measurement.
A structured overview of PPAP and APQP: what each process covers, the standards that govern them, and how every linked article in this cluster fits together.
Everything you need to understand AS9102 and First Article Inspection: standards, forms, delta FAI, common pitfalls, and links to every in-depth resource on the topic.
Every field on AS9102 Form 1 decoded — from part number accountability and FAIR identifier to reason codes and signatures. Fill it right the first time.
Circular runout vs total runout explained: symbols, tolerance zones, dial indicator and CMM measurement, which to specify, and common inspection mistakes.
What changed from AS9102 Rev B to Rev C: form-by-form field changes, the single-signature rule, DPD requirements, and a supplier transition checklist.
Learn profile of a surface in GD&T: bilateral and unilateral tolerance zones, all-around callouts, datums, and how to inspect profile on a CMM.
A practical incoming inspection checklist: documents, dimensional checks, AQL sampling and ISO 9001 records — plus a faster way to build your IQC sheet.
Delta FAI vs full FAI under AS9102 Rev C: the seven triggers for a partial FAI, how to document affected characteristics, and a worked aerospace example.
AS9102 Forms 1, 2 and 3 explained in plain English: what each first article inspection form captures, Rev C changes, and how to fill them fast.
Learn how to read engineering drawings: title block, views, dimensions, tolerances, surface finish and GD&T. A clear step-by-step guide for engineers.
GD&T bonus tolerance under MMC explained with worked hole-and-pin examples: read the feature control frame, know when bonus applies, and inspect it right.
Measure a STEP file online free in your browser: point-to-point distance, hole diameter, edge length and angle from exact 3D geometry, no CAD install.
Understand the GD&T datum reference frame: how primary, secondary and tertiary datums and the 3-2-1 rule lock all six degrees of freedom on a part.
A SolidWorks Inspection alternative: how CadNexa, a free browser-based auto-ballooning and FAI tool, compares on price, setup and CAD licensing.
See how to make an exploded view online from a STEP assembly in your browser — separate every part, read the BOM, and share it, with no CAD install.
What does ballooning a drawing mean? A plain guide to drawing ballooning for FAI and PPAP: how to number every characteristic and balloon a PDF fast.
Download a free FAI report template for AS9102 Forms 1, 2 and 3. See what each field needs, plus a faster way to balloon and generate it online.
Open STEP and STP files online free in your browser, no install. Rotate 3D models, measure, explode assemblies and auto-generate a BOM with CadNexa.
STEP vs IGES explained for engineers: the real differences, when to use each CAD format, and how to open both .step and .igs files free in your browser.
What inspection documentation ISO 9001 requires under clauses 8.6 and 7.5, the five records auditors ask for, and how to keep them audit-ready.
How to balloon a drawing in Excel step by step, with a free template, plus a faster online way to balloon PDFs and build the inspection sheet in minutes.
Open and view IGES (.igs/.iges) files online free in your browser. Rotate, measure and inspect 3D models with no CAD install. STEP and IGES supported.
Looking for a Net-Inspect alternative? See how CadNexa, a free browser-based auto-ballooning and AS9102 FAI tool, compares on price and install.
Looking for a High QA alternative? See how CadNexa, a free browser-based auto-ballooning and FAI tool, compares on price, install and fit for small shops.
A first article inspection checklist for AS9102 and PPAP: ballooning, dimensions, materials, sub-tier FAIs, and the exact line items auditors reject.
ISO 13485 inspection documentation guide: device history records, traceability to drawing revision, and turning a PDF drawing into audit-ready sheets.
A practical RFQ to vendor workflow: package drawings, share a secure expiring link, collect quotes side by side, and award the job with a full audit trail.
Compare two engineering drawing revisions and catch every changed dimension, tolerance and note — a reliable method plus a faster balloon-and-CSV workflow.
Export a Bill of Materials from a STEP or IGES file online. CadNexa's 3D viewer auto-builds a BOM with part counts and weights, then CSV export.
A practical CMM inspection planning guide: build a measurement plan from a ballooned drawing, pick datums, sequence touches, and cut programming time.
Read a GD&T feature control frame the right way: geometric symbol, tolerance zone, MMC modifier and datum reference order, with a worked example.
Balloon a PDF drawing online free: number every dimension, capture tolerances, and export a CSV inspection sheet in minutes — no install, runs in browser.
Turn any PDF engineering drawing into a numbered inspection sheet: balloon each characteristic, capture tolerances and methods, then export to CSV or PDF.
PPAP levels 1 to 5 explained simply: what each submission level requires, the 18 elements, and when a customer needs Level 3 versus Level 5.
Looking for an InspectionXpert alternative? See how CadNexa, a free browser-based auto-ballooning and FAI tool, compares on features, price and fit.
Compare the best balloon drawing software for FAI in 2026 — free and paid tools, features, price, and which auto-ballooning option fits your shop.
GD&T for machinists and inspectors: all 14 ASME Y14.5 symbols with machined-part examples, datum rules and common mistakes that fail inspection.
AS9102 vs PPAP — when each standard applies, the 3 AS9102 forms, the 18 PPAP elements, and how to switch between them in your QA workflow.
How AI auto-ballooning detects every dimension, tolerance and GD&T frame on a drawing in under a minute — free browser balloon software for FAI.
The complete CadNexa guide: balloon drawing software, STEP viewer with exploded view, BOM generator and AS9102 FAI reports — free in your browser.
Create AS9102, PPAP and ISO first article inspection reports from ballooned PDF drawings in minutes. Free browser-based tool, no installation.
Open STEP, IGES and STL files in your browser free. Auto-generate BOM, calculate part weight, and create quotations — no installation needed.