{"id":2314,"date":"2026-07-04T17:03:53","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T09:03:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metalstampingparts.ltd\/?page_id=2314"},"modified":"2026-07-04T17:03:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T09:03:53","slug":"production-lot-first-off-last-off-stamped-parts-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/metalstampingparts.ltd\/production-lot-first-off-last-off-stamped-parts-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Production Lot First-Off and Last-Off Stamped Parts Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Short answer:<\/strong> First-off and last-off checks help buyers confirm that a stamped part lot started correctly and did not drift before completion. The RFQ should define setup approval, CTQ dimensions, burr checks, finish condition, sample count, retained samples, record format, reaction rules, and whether restart checks are needed after coil changes, tool maintenance, or press stops.<\/p>\n

First article inspection proves an initial controlled sample. Production lots need a different question: did this run start in control, stay in control, and end with acceptable parts? First-off and last-off checks make that decision visible before parts are packed and shipped.<\/p>\n

Use this page with the metal stamping control plan checklist<\/a>, first article inspection checklist<\/a>, AQL sampling plan guide<\/a>, and run-at-rate validation guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lot release checks to define<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Check point<\/th>\nWhy it matters<\/th>\nRFQ evidence<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
First-off<\/td>\nConfirms setup, tool position, feed, and inspection method before the run continues.<\/td>\nApproved first pieces, measured CTQs, operator signoff, and time stamp.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Restart check<\/td>\nCoil change, die adjustment, or press stop can change the process.<\/td>\nTrigger list, sample count, and approval responsibility.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
In-process check<\/td>\nDetects drift before the end of the lot.<\/td>\nFrequency, features, gage, SPC rule, and reaction plan.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Last-off<\/td>\nShows the run ended without unchecked drift or tool wear.<\/td>\nLast-piece measurements, retained samples, defect review, and release record.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Separate lot release from launch approval<\/h2>\n

A lot release check does not repeat the full first article package. It focuses on the features most likely to move during routine production: hole location, bend angle, formed height, burr growth, cutoff tab, plating appearance after handling, part count, label, and packaging condition. The buyer should identify CTQ features instead of asking the supplier to measure everything every time.<\/p>\n

For high-volume tools, first-off and last-off records also help diagnose complaints. If a shipped lot has a burr, missing feature, scratch, or mixed revision, the record should show whether the issue was present at start, appeared during the run, or happened during packing. This works best when lot labels connect to material, tool, operator, and inspection records through the lot traceability guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Define restart triggers clearly<\/h2>\n

Some variation happens after a stop, coil change, die sharpening, sensor adjustment, material splice, feeder correction, or operator shift change. If the control plan does not say when to re-check parts, a supplier may treat the lot as one continuous run even when the process changed.<\/p>\n

Restart checks should match risk. A simple bracket may need a few dimensions and appearance checks. A small terminal may need burr side, carrier cutoff, contact height, plating condition, and reel orientation. If the tool has known drift risk, connect the release plan to the tooling maintenance audit checklist<\/a> and require evidence after maintenance.<\/p>\n

RFQ details to include<\/h2>\n