As the international standards for quality in the manufacturing industry continue to increase, a growing number of industrial organizations are requiring suppliers to utilize the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). Originating in the automotive industry, PPAP is a robust risk mitigation and identification procedure designed to demonstrate the ability to create a part or component via a reliable and repeatable process. PPAP helps improve communication between suppliers and customers with the goal of fewer revisions and turnbacks to the process or product. Continue reading to learn more about PPAP.
What Is PPAP Process?
The PPAP (production part approval process) is used across aerospace and automotive industries. This process helps suppliers and manufacturers approve and communicate production designs as well as processes. The actual approval can occur before, during, as well as after manufacturing.
As an output of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), PPAP was created to promote a clearer understanding of the requirements of suppliers and manufacturers. This standard helps make sure all processes utilized to create parts can be replicated to reproduce subsequent parts at a stated rate of production during routine runs. The automotive industry’s PPAP process flow is governed by the manual produced by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).
What Is the PPAP Package?
PPAP is a collection of documents strategically collected in a single location. These documents can be stored digitally or in a binder and is usually called the “PPAP Package.” The PPAP package does require formal sign-off or certification by the supplier as well as sign-off or approval by the customer. This collection of documents usually includes:
- Design Records
- Authorized Engineering Change Documentation
- Engineering Approval from Customer
- Design-FMEA
- Flowchart of the Process
- Process-FMEA
- Control Plan
- Measurement System Analysis
- Dimensional Results
- Records of Material/Performance Tests
- Initial Process Studies
- Qualified Laboratory Documentation
- Appearance Approval Report
- Sample Production Parts
- Master Sample
- Checking Aids
- Customer Specific Requirements
- Part Submission Warrant (PSW)
What Are the Goals of the Production Part Approval Process?
To instill confidence in suppliers and their production processes, the measurements of the components are documented and utilized to complete different sheets of the PPAP. While each manufacturer can have its own PPAP requirements, the AIAG encourages the use of standard forms and common language to document the status of projects. The overarching goal of any Production Part Approval Process is to:
- Make sure the supplier has the capabilities to meet the quality and manufacturing requirements of the components provided to the customer.
- Deliver evidence the customer’s engineering design record and specification requirements are understood as well as fulfilled by the supplier.
- Demonstrate the current manufacturing processes can consistently create the part that meets every requirement during the actual production run at the quoted rate of production of the manufacturing process.
Contact the team at Bossard today at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to learn how we can best support your PPAP process flow.
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