Freeze the input set
Record drawing and model revisions, PO, part number, material specification, approved deviation list, and the controlling unit system. If inch and metric files coexist, identify which one controls.
Free engineering checklist
Robotics Frame FAI & Datum Checklist
Plan a repeatable first article inspection for welded and formed robot frames, AGV/AMR chassis, equipment bases, and precision interface structures. The checklist keeps datum setup, functional hole patterns, distortion, finish, and release records tied to the drawing.
Released drawing control Primary–secondary–tertiary datums Functional interface patterns Distortion + release records
Use boundary: this is a planning template, not a
universal acceptance standard or certification claim. The released
drawing, purchase order, approved deviations, and agreed inspection
plan always control.
Before inspection begins
Turn the released design into an inspectable plan
A useful FAI package does more than list dimensions. It explains how the frame is located, which interfaces are functionally critical, which inspection method is used, and how a buyer can reproduce the result.
Balloon by function
Give every reportable characteristic a unique balloon number. Group robot mounting, sensor alignment, wheel or drive interfaces, battery interfaces, and guarding so engineering can review the functional chain quickly.
Agree the evidence
Define required dimensional results, material records, coating records, weld documentation, photos, gauge results, and deviation approvals before production. Avoid discovering the required package at shipment.
Datum discipline
Six checks that prevent non-repeatable results
The inspection setup should reproduce the drawing datum scheme and the intended assembly condition. Fixture convenience must not silently redefine the part.
Buyer note: when an assembly fixture is
used, ask for a photo or setup record showing contact
points, clamp sequence, and any removable shims. This
makes supplier and receiving inspection results easier
to compare.
Define the functional primary datum
Choose a stable plane, pads, or datum targets that represent how the frame is located in the finished machine. Record the released drawing callout and the physical contacts used by the inspection fixture.
Complete the datum reference frame
Identify the secondary and tertiary datums that remove the remaining degrees of freedom. Avoid inspection setups that add clamps or supports not permitted by the drawing.
Document restraint and unclamped condition
State whether flatness, profile, and interface locations are evaluated free-state, restrained, or in an assembly-simulating fixture. Record clamp sequence and force when they can change the result.
Map every critical interface
Balloon robot, drive, sensor, battery, guard, and service interfaces. Include hole patterns, slots, threaded inserts, connector openings, grounding points, and keep-out zones.
Verify the measurement method
Assign a suitable method to each characteristic: CMM, laser tracker, surface plate, gauges, qualified fixture, or assembly trial. Record equipment identity and calibration status.
Close every deviation before release
List nonconformances and approved dispositions with the FAI package. Do not silently replace drawing tolerances with general shop tolerances.
Characteristic planning
Example measurement-method matrix
Replace every generic reference with the actual drawing characteristic, tolerance, sampling plan, and approved method. The table intentionally avoids inventing universal tolerances.
| Characteristic | Acceptance source | Typical method | Required setup note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Datum A flatness | Released drawing | CMM or surface plate and indicator | State free-state or restrained condition |
| Datum B/C relationship | Released datum reference frame | CMM or qualified fixture | Record datum simulators and clamp sequence |
| Mounting-hole true position | Drawing GD&T callout | CMM or functional gauge | Report material condition modifier where specified |
| Overall frame envelope | Released drawing or model | CMM, laser tracker, or approved manual method | Identify temperature or handling assumptions when relevant |
| Weld distortion | Functional interface requirements | CMM, fixture, or laser tracker | Measure after welding and before unapproved force fitting |
| Post-finish interfaces | Drawing and finish specification | Gauges or CMM | Recheck masked threads, grounding lands, and mating surfaces |
Release package
Minimum records to agree in the RFQ
Record requirements should be quoted with the part. A “full FAI” can mean different things to different teams, so state the required documents explicitly.
Design traceability
- Ballooned released drawing
- Part and model revision
- Approved deviations and dispositions
- Datum setup and fixture record
Manufacturing evidence
- Material and lot records as required
- Weld and finish records defined by the PO
- Post-finish interface results
- Part marking and controlled photos
Measurement traceability
- Actual values, not pass/fail alone
- Equipment ID and calibration status
- Sampling plan and inspected quantity
- Quality and engineering approval
Download the editable XLSX workbook at https://drametal.com/downloads/robotics-frame-fai-datum-workbook.xlsx or the simplified CSV at https://drametal.com/downloads/robotics-frame-fai-datum-checklist.csv.
Robotics Frame Review
Need a Project-Specific Inspection Plan?
Need a Project-Specific Inspection Plan?
Send the Released Drawing.
Submit the drawing, model, material, quantity, and required records. We can identify open datum, tolerance, fixture, distortion, and documentation questions before production.
✓ Drawing-based datum review ✓ Functional interface checks ✓ Fixture + distortion questions ✓ Required records defined