What is PPAP? | Production Part Approval Process (2024)

1. Design Documentation

A part drawing that is usually provided by the customer. Every feature on the part drawing must be ballooned (or bubbled) to correspond with the inspection results. This includes print notes, standard tolerance notes and specifications, and anything else that is relevant to the design of the part.

Learn more abouthow to create a ballooned part drawing for PPAP.

Why include a copy of the part drawing in your PPAP? It shows your customer you have a copy of the part drawing and ensures you are both discussing the same part.

2. Engineering Change Documentation

A document that shows the detailed description of the change, usually called an "Engineering Change Notice". This document is only required if there is a change.

3. Customer Engineering Approval

This approval is usually the engineering trial with sample production parts performed by the customer. A "temporary deviation" is often required to send parts to the customer before the PPAP is complete. Your customer may require other additional engineering approvals.

4. Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA)

Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA) is an application of the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) that is specific to the design stage. The DFMEA allows the design team to document what they predict about a product's potential failures before completing a design and use this information to mitigate the causes of failure.

5. Process Flow Diagram

The Process Flow Diagram shows all the steps required in the manufacturing of the part. It should include all of the main steps in the processing of the part including incoming components, measuring, and inspection. The Process Flow Diagram should match the control plan and the Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and also includes the flow of non-conforming materials and parts.

6. Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)

Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) evaluates each step in the production process to indicate what could go wrong during the fabrication and assembly of each part.

7. Control Plan

The Control Plan mirrors the PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and provides more details on how potential issues are checked in the incoming inspection, assembly process, or during the inspection of the finished part. Learn more about control plan requirements and download a free template.

8. Measurement System Analysis Studies

The Measurement Systems Analysis is a study itself and will conform to the customer's relevant ISO or TS standard. Typically it includes the Gauge R&R (Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility) for the criticalcharacteristics and a confirmation that gauges used to measure these characteristics are calibrated.

9. Dimensional Results

A list of every dimension on the ballooned part drawing and measurement results. This list includes the product characteristic, specification, measurement results, and assessment showing if the dimension "passed" or "failed". Typically a minimum of 6 pieces are reported per product. Learn more abouthow to create a PPAP Dimensional Results Report.

10. Records of Material / Performance Tests

A summary of all tests that have been performed on the part.The summary should document any pass or fail inspection results. It should be signed off by the customer and the supplier to show that all required tests have been done and any additional data for tests have been submitted.

11.Initial Process Studies

Generally, this includes SPC (Statistical Process Control) charts for critical characteristics. These studies demonstrate that the critical processes are stable and are ready to begin the process validation builds.

12. Qualified Laboratory Documentation

Includes all of the industry certifications for any lab that was involved in completing validation testing.

13. Appearance Approval Report (AAR)

The Appearance Approval Report verifies that the customer has inspected the final product and it meets all the required appearance specifications for the design. The report includes color, textures, fit (gaps between parts), etc.

14. Sample Production Parts

A picture of the production parts is included in the PPAP documentation along with the location where the parts are stored.

15. Master Sample

A sample part that is signed off by the customer and supplier. The master part is normally used to train operators on subjective inspections such as visual or for noise.

16. Checking Aids

Checking aids are used by production and are a detailed list of all the tools used to inspect test or measure parts during the assembly process. This aid will list the part, describe the tool, and have the calibration schedule for the tool.

17. Records of Compliance with Customer Specific Requirements

This section of the PPAP requirements is where each customer lists their own specific requirements for the PPAP process.

18. Part Submission Warrant (PSW)

ThePart Submission Warrantis a summary of the entire PPAP submission and specifies:

  • The drawing numbers and revisions
  • Part information
  • Test results
  • Material declarations numbers
  • Any deviations from earlier elements

Learn more about thePart Submission Warrant and download free PSW templatesas Excel and PDF files.

What is PPAP? | Production Part Approval Process (2024)

FAQs

What are the steps in the PPAP process? ›

The 18 key elements of PPAP include:
  1. Design Documentation. ...
  2. Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) ...
  3. Process Flow Diagram. ...
  4. Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) ...
  5. Control Plan. ...
  6. Measurement System Analysis. ...
  7. Sample Production Parts. ...
  8. Master Sample.
Dec 13, 2023

What is the PPAP approval status? ›

PPAP is the confirmation that the product meets the customer requirements for series production. The PPAP will be considered signed when a full PSW is approved by the customer and added to the PPAP folder.

What is the main purpose of the PPAP? ›

PPAP (pronounced P-PAP) is a manufacturing inspection process used to verify a supplier's ability to reliably and repeatedly produce a part or components for mass production. PPAP validates a production process by inspecting parts before, during, and after a production run.

What are the 3 phases of PPAP? ›

Phased PPAP separates the PPAP process into three phases: Phase 1 is called 'Quality Verification' ❑ Phase 2 is called 'Production Verification' ❑ Phase 3 is called 'Capacity Verification'. Note: For less complex components/commodities/production streams, it is possible to complete multiple phases as a single event.

How many parts do you need for a PPAP? ›

There are 18 required documents which are referred to as PPAP elements.

Who is responsible for PPAP? ›

Who is Responsible for PPAP? Suppliers are responsible for the PPAP process. Responsibilities include maintaining a system that documents all the necessary elements required for PPAP submission.

How long does a PPAP take to complete? ›

The timeline for PPAP can vary widely depending on the complexity of the parts, the level of PPAP required, and the efficiency of communication between suppliers and manufacturers. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

What is the first part approval? ›

Generally, it is the inspection that is done to the first piece that comes off of an assembly line or manufacturing process, AFTER A CHANGE IS MADE. The First Piece Approval goes over the new part and makes sure the new features/shapes are in place and working.

Is PPAP part of APQP? ›

PPAP is an output of Phase 4, Product & Process Validation, of the APQP process. The ongoing use of PPAP ensures risk will be minimized through effective change control.

What are the 5 core tools? ›

5 Core Quality Tools are the essentials of a quality management system in manufacturing. 5 Core Quality Tools consist of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC. Goal of 5 Core Quality Tools is to prevent errors rather than detect, creating impactful savings.

What is the difference between PPAP and first article inspection? ›

First article inspection is part of PPAP or may precede full-blown PPAP. The difference is that FAI is conducted on the first part or parts produced from a new or changed design, and PPAP is a more extensive process evaluating a series of parts from a full production run for new parts.

Is PPAP a legal requirement? ›

Currently, the only parts requiring PPAP approval are those used by the automotive industry. The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) mandates PPAP approval for the automotive industry.

What is a PPAP control plan? ›

A control plan is a document that describes how you will monitor and control the quality of your product or process during the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). PPAP is a standardized method of verifying that your supplier can meet your specifications and requirements before mass production.

How many steps are there in PPAP? ›

It began as an important procedure in aerospace and automotive but is now used more widely throughout manufacturing. PPAP involves 18 steps that ensure the parts manufactured by suppliers exceed customers' expectations and can be produced on a consistent basis. There are five generally accepted PPAP submission levels.

What is the timeline for PPAP? ›

The timeline for PPAP can vary widely depending on the complexity of the parts, the level of PPAP required, and the efficiency of communication between suppliers and manufacturers. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

What is PPAP in APQP phase? ›

PPAP is an output of Phase 4, Product & Process Validation, of the APQP process. The ongoing use of PPAP ensures risk will be minimized through effective change control.

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