Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

The production part approval process is an automotive industry procedure in which a supplier demonstrates, with defined evidence, that its production process can consistently make parts that meet all customer requirements at the quoted production rate.

PPAP is defined in a reference manual published by the Automotive Industry Action Group. The supplier submits evidence from a production run made with production tooling, processes, materials and operators. The required elements, commonly cited as 18, include design records, engineering change documents, design and process FMEAs, the process flow diagram, the control plan, measurement system analysis studies, dimensional results, material and performance test results, initial process studies, sample parts, checking aids, customer-specific requirements and the part submission warrant that summarises the submission. Submission levels, typically one to five, define which elements are sent to the customer and which are retained by the supplier.

PPAP is required before the first production shipments of a new part, and again after significant changes such as new tooling, a new manufacturing location, a change of sub-supplier or material, or a design change. It gives customers confidence that the supplier has understood all requirements and that the process is capable and controlled before volume production.

PPAP is the final output of APQP and depends on the quality of the earlier planning work; assembling documents at the last minute defeats its purpose. Initial process studies typically report Ppk or Cpk for special characteristics against customer-defined acceptance criteria. Approval outcomes typically include full approval, interim approval and rejection, and customer-specific requirements often modify the standard process.

Key points

Demonstrates that a production process consistently meets customer requirements.
Defined in an AIAG reference manual with a list of required elements.
Submission levels define what is sent to the customer and what is retained.
Required for new parts and after significant process or design changes.

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Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

Key points

Where AiVibe comes in

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