In manufacturing and production, inspection is a critical quality control process that ensures products meet specified standards. It involves checking materials, components, and finished goods at various stages to identify defects and ensure compliance. The inspection process helps reduce waste, improve product quality, and maintain customer satisfaction.
📌 I. Types of Inspection Based on Timing
| Inspection Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Incoming Inspection | Checking raw materials or parts before entering production. |
| 2. In-Process Inspection | Inspection during various stages of production. |
| 3. Final Inspection | Done after the product is fully assembled or manufactured. |
| 4. Source Inspection | Inspection at the source itself (e.g., operator checks their own work). |
📌 **II. Types of Inspection Based on Measurement Criteria
| Inspection Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Attribute Inspection | Checks if the item is good or bad, pass/fail (binary). |
| 2. Variable Inspection | Involves measurable characteristics like length, weight, strength, etc. |
📌 **III. Types of Inspection Based on Who Does It
| Inspection Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Self-Inspection | Operator inspects their own work. |
| 2. First-party Inspection | Done by the manufacturing organization itself. |
| 3. Second-party Inspection | Done by the customer or buyer. |
| 4. Third-party Inspection | Done by an independent quality agency or certification body. |
📌 IV. Other Key Inspection Techniques & Concepts
| Inspection Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Poka-Yoke | Japanese for “mistake-proofing”; uses devices or checks to prevent errors. |
| Checklists | Structured lists to ensure steps/tasks are completed during inspection. |
| 100% Inspection | Every single product/item is inspected. |
| Sampling Inspection | Only a selected sample is inspected (based on statistical methods). |
| Automated Inspection | Uses sensors, cameras, or machines (e.g., vision systems) to check quality. |
| Destructive Inspection | Involves breaking or testing products beyond use (e.g., crash tests). |
| Non-destructive Testing (NDT) | Inspection without damaging the product (e.g., X-ray, ultrasound, dye). |