At Shape Optics, we confidently back the exceptional quality of our optical products. Recognizing the challenges associated with committing to a new supplier, we aim to provide a seamless and reassuring purchasing experience. Our First Article Inspection (FAI) policy is designed to demonstrate our commitment to excellence and to foster trust with our clients by allowing them to verify product quality before placing larger orders.

Overview of the First Article Inspection (FAI) Process: FAI is an integral service for clients considering Shape Optics as a secondary supplier or those wishing to secure the best unit price by ordering in bulk. This inspection process is applicable only to completed designs where no further specification changes are permitted, ensuring that FAI serves purely for quality verification.

Key Aspects of FAI:

• FAI enables the bypass of smaller preliminary orders, providing cost savings by moving directly to bulk ordering after quality verification.
• Upon receiving FAI samples, clients have 30 days to conduct necessary tests and inspections to confirm that the products meet the agreed-upon specifications from the RFQ/Quotation process.
• Should the FAI samples fail to meet the acceptance criteria, clients may cancel the entire order, with a credit issued as compensation.
• Following a successful FAI, within the specified 30-day period, Shape Optics will proceed with fulfilling the balance of the order as per the confirmed delivery schedule.

Specifications and Costs:

• Specification changes are not permissible under the FAI policy. Any modifications post-inspection will entail additional costs, for which the client will be responsible.

Illustrative Example: For instance, a client may opt for:

• Option 1: A pilot build of 5 units at $2,000 each, totaling $10,000.
• Option 2: A production order of 100 units at $350 each, totaling $35,000.

With our FAI service, the client can order 100 units at the production unit price of $350 each. Shape Optics will initially dispatch 5 or more units for quality testing and approval. Once the FAI is validated, the remaining lenses will be delivered. If any quality or specification issues arise with the FAI samples, a full refund will be provided.

Advantages of the FAI Option with SOT: This policy allows clients to test our products at production costs rather than at pilot build prices, offering significant savings and ensuring confidence in the quality of the full order. Our FAI policy is designed to be risk-free, ensuring that our clients are completely satisfied and secure with their investment.

Shape Optics is dedicated to delivering superior optical solutions while ensuring that our clients can make informed, risk-free purchasing decisions. Our FAI policy exemplifies our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.