What is the typical turnaround time from submitting parts for inspection?
The timeline from part submission to final report delivery is a critical factor in maintaining efficient production cycles and time-to-market. At Neway, we prioritize both speed and accuracy, with typical turnaround times ranging from 1 to 5 business days. However, this is a variable window highly dependent on the complexity of the part, the inspection methods required, and the level of documentation needed. Our process is designed to be transparent and efficient, ensuring you receive actionable quality data without unnecessary delay.
Factors Influencing Inspection Timelines
Several key elements directly impact how quickly we can process your parts and deliver a certified report.
1. Type and Scope of Inspection Required
The chosen inspection method is the primary driver of the timeline.
Basic Dimensional Inspection (1-2 Business Days): For standard first-article inspections using hand tools, calipers, and micrometers on a single part, reports are often completed within 48 hours. This is common for components from our CNC Machining Service with standard tolerances.
Advanced CMM or Optical Scanning (2-4 Business Days): When a part requires complex 3D scanning or CMM programming to verify intricate geometries from Multi-Axis Machining Service, additional time is needed for program setup, execution, and data analysis.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) (3-5+ Business Days): Methods like Industrial CT Scanning or ultrasonic testing are more involved. CT scanning requires extensive scan time, data reconstruction, and analysis, pushing the timeline towards the longer end of the spectrum.
2. Part Complexity and Sample Size
A simple bracket from our Aluminum CNC Machining service is quicker to inspect than a complex turbine blade with hundreds of critical dimensions. Furthermore, a single part for prototyping verification is faster than a full lot validation for Mass Production Service, which requires statistical sampling and analysis.
3. Documentation and Compliance Requirements
The required report format has a significant impact on processing time.
Standard Dimensional Report (Minimal Impact): A concise summary of key dimensions is easily generated.
First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102 or PPAP (Additional 1-2 Days): These reports for the Aerospace and Aviation or Automotive industries require meticulous validation of every single design characteristic on the drawing, which is a time-intensive documentation process.
Full Material or Process Certification (Additional Time): If the report requires traceability to material certificates for Stainless Steel CNC Machining or validation of special processes, such as heat treatment for CNC Machining, the administrative time increases.
Our Streamlined Inspection Workflow
To ensure consistency and efficiency, we follow a defined process for every project:
Logistics & Intake (Day 1): Parts are received, logged into our quality management system, and assigned to a metrology engineer.
Planning & Setup (Day 1): The engineer reviews the drawing and specifications to select the optimal inspection equipment, whether it's a CMM for a Precision Machining Service component or a surface roughness tester for a part that has undergone a CNC Part Polishing Service.
Execution & Data Collection (Day 1-3): The physical inspection is performed, and all dimensional data is collected.
Analysis & Report Generation (Day 2-4): Data is analyzed against the CAD model or drawing tolerances, and the formal report is compiled.
Final Review & Delivery (Day 2-5): The report undergoes a final quality check and is delivered to you in the agreed format (PDF, Excel, etc.).
How to Ensure the Fastest Possible Turnaround
You can help expedite the process by providing clear information upfront:
Complete Technical Drawings (CAD models are a plus).
A clear list of Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) dimensions.
Specification of any industry-standard reporting format (e.g., AS9102, PPAP, ISO 13485 for Medical Device parts).
In summary, while a basic report can be turned around in 1-2 days, complex inspections with full compliance documentation typically require 3-5 business days. We recommend discussing your timeline and requirements with your project manager during the quote initiation process to establish a precise schedule and ensure that your quality validation aligns seamlessly with your production timeline.
