Automotive
PPAP: Production Part Approval Process
The evidence package that demonstrates a supplier's production process can consistently produce parts that meet all requirements.
01Purpose
PPAP defines generic requirements for production part approval. Its purpose is to determine whether the supplier understands all customer engineering design records and specifications and that the process can produce conforming product during an actual production run at the quoted rate.
02Scope
Applies to suppliers of production and service parts, typically automotive, and is triggered by new parts, changes and corrections.
03Main requirements
- Design records and engineering change documents
- DFMEA, process flow, PFMEA and control plan
- MSA studies and dimensional results
- Material and performance test results
- Initial process studies
- Qualified laboratory documentation
- Appearance approval report where applicable
- Sample parts and master sample
- Checking aids
- Customer specific requirements
- Part submission warrant (PSW)
04Typical applications and industries
Submission levels 1 to 5 define what is submitted to the customer and what is retained at the supplier.
05Audit and inspection considerations
- Was the PPAP run made with production tooling, at rate?
- Do dimensional results cover every characteristic?
- Is the capability data real?
06Common nonconformities
- Dimensional results incomplete
- Capability studies on too few parts
- Laboratory not qualified
- Control plan inconsistent with PFMEA
07How QUALITAS TR can support
We review and witness PPAP runs on your behalf through SQE support and first article inspection.