{"id":2312,"date":"2026-07-04T17:03:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T09:03:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metalstampingparts.ltd\/?page_id=2312"},"modified":"2026-07-04T17:03:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T09:03:39","slug":"stamped-part-golden-sample-limit-sample-approval-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/metalstampingparts.ltd\/fil\/stamped-part-golden-sample-limit-sample-approval-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Stamped Part Golden Sample and Limit Sample Approval Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Short answer:<\/strong> Golden samples and limit samples help stamped part buyers define acceptance when a drawing note is not enough. The RFQ should state what the sample controls, who approves it, how it is labeled, how long it is retained, which defects are covered, and whether the sample supports production release, receiving inspection, or temporary containment.<\/p>\n

Many stamped part disputes start with words that sound clear until parts arrive: slight scratch, normal tool mark, acceptable burr, light stain, or good fit. A golden sample shows the approved target. A limit sample shows the edge of acceptance. They are useful when visual, functional, or packaging conditions cannot be explained well by dimensions alone.<\/p>\n

Use this page with the tooling tryout and sample approval guide<\/a>, first article inspection checklist<\/a>, surface finish inspection guide<\/a>, and plating defect acceptance guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sample approval details before quoting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Sample type<\/th>\nWhat it controls<\/th>\nRFQ evidence<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Golden sample<\/td>\nShows the approved target condition or reference build.<\/td>\nPart number, revision, lot ID, approval date, photos, and storage rule.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Limit sample<\/td>\nShows the maximum acceptable defect or variation.<\/td>\nDefect location, acceptance reason, viewing method, and expiry rule.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reject sample<\/td>\nShows a condition that must not ship.<\/td>\nMarked defect, measurement or photo, defect class, and reaction plan.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Retained sample<\/td>\nKeeps a record for future comparison.<\/td>\nRetention time, storage condition, label, and replacement rule.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Define what the sample does not control<\/h2>\n

A sample is not a replacement for the drawing. It should support a controlled drawing, finish specification, inspection plan, or quality agreement. If a dimension is critical, it still needs a tolerance and measurement method. If a plated contact must meet resistance, the sample should not replace the test limit.<\/p>\n

State whether the sample controls appearance, burr direction, bend witness marks, plating color, edge corrosion, packaging rub marks, functional fit, or only general workmanship. This keeps the sample from being used too broadly later. For camera checks, connect the sample set to the vision inspection criteria guide<\/a> so the visual standard can be translated into production checks.<\/p>\n

Keep samples tied to revision and lot history<\/h2>\n

A good sample folder includes the part number, drawing revision, material, finish, production route, tool number, lot ID, approval date, approver, photos, and storage location. If a tool is repaired, finish supplier changes, material changes, or a drawing revision is released, the old sample may no longer represent the accepted condition. Keep the approval rule connected to the control plan checklist<\/a> so production checks do not drift away from the approved sample.<\/p>\n

For supplier transfer, the buyer should decide whether current production samples, historical limit samples, and reject samples travel with the quote package. Samples can show burr side, forming marks, finish tone, packing risk, and real variation that may not be visible in the drawing. They also help receiving inspection avoid rejecting harmless variation while still catching functional risk.<\/p>\n

RFQ details to include<\/h2>\n