/ PROCESS / PPAP
Production Part Approval Process for Automotive & Precision Programs
PPAP provides documented evidence that a supplier's manufacturing process can consistently produce a part that conforms to all customer requirements. Velocity CNC is PPAP-qualified — we build PPAP packages as part of the production process, not after the fact.
/ WHAT PPAP IS
Production Part Approval — What It Documents and Why It Matters
Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is a standardized submission framework originally developed for the automotive supply chain and increasingly applied in aerospace programs where customers require structured process capability evidence beyond basic first article inspection. PPAP defines a set of elements — up to 18 in full submissions — that together demonstrate that a manufacturing process is understood, controlled, and capable of producing conforming parts consistently.
For CNC machined parts, PPAP submissions are most commonly required by automotive and engine programs, by aerospace prime contractors adopting PPAP-style documentation requirements or by programs where statistical process capability data is required as part of supplier qualification.
The PPAP submission level defines which elements are required. Level 1 submits only the Part Submission Warrant. Level 3 — the most common full submission — includes the warrant, dimensional results, material test results, performance test results, the control plan, and process flow documentation. Level 5 submissions are reviewed at the supplier facility.
/ PPAP ELEMENTS
PPAP Documentation We Produce
When a customer purchasing specification calls for PPAP, we document the following elements applicable to CNC machined parts programs. The specific elements required are confirmed against the customer specification before production begins.
Design Records and Engineering Change Documentation
Complete drawing documentation at the revision level specified in the purchase order. Engineering change documentation covers any changes to the drawing, specification, or process approved after the initial production release. Drawing revision control is maintained throughout the life of the program as part of our configuration management process.
Process Flow Diagram and Process FMEA
A process flow diagram documents the manufacturing sequence: receiving inspection, material verification, setup, machining operations, in-process inspection, final inspection, and shipping. The Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) identifies where process failures can produce nonconforming parts and documents the detection and prevention controls at each process step.
Control Plan
The control plan is the operational document that tells the production floor what to measure, when to measure it, and what to do when measurements go out of control. For machined parts programs, control plans cover setup approval criteria, in-process inspection frequencies and methods, final inspection requirements, and the corrective action trigger points.
Measurement System Analysis
Gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R) studies verify that the measurement system used to inspect critical features can distinguish between parts with sufficient resolution. A gage contributing more than 10% of the tolerance band is flagged for corrective action. We perform GR&R analysis on CMM programs and hand gaging for critical feature dimensions identified in the control plan.
Dimensional Results and Initial Process Study
A dimensional inspection of all drawing requirements, ballooned and measured, with the results documented on a drawing-based measurement report. For critical features where statistical process capability is required, initial process studies (Ppk analysis) are conducted during the production run of the first lot.
Material, Performance, and Appearance Documentation
Material certifications (mill certs) with heat lot numbers traceable to the parts. Certificate of Conformance referencing the applicable drawing revision and specification. Special process certifications where applicable — heat treat, surface treatment, plating, or NDT performed at approved suppliers. For programs requiring specific performance test results, customer requirements for testing are addressed in the quoting process.
Part Submission Warrant
The Part Submission Warrant (PSW) is the cover document that summarizes the submission, identifies the submission level, references the drawing and specification, and certifies that the part and the documentation conform to all customer requirements. The PSW is signed by authorized engineering and quality personnel and submitted to the customer for approval.
Submit a PPAP Program RFQ
Include your PPAP submission level requirement in the RFQ notes. We confirm required elements and address customer-specific forms before production release.
/ QUOTE RESPONSE — 24HR AFTER SUBMISSION