What is PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)?
PPAP is the automotive-born approval package that proves a shop can make your part to spec, repeatably. What the 18 elements are, the five submission levels, how it relates to APQP and the Part Submission Warrant, and when to require it.
PPAP, the Production Part Approval Process, is a standardized package of evidence that a supplier can manufacture a part to its drawing and specification consistently, at the quoted process and rate. It came from the automotive industry and is now used wherever a buyer needs proof before approving a production part. A full PPAP bundles up to 18 elements (design records, process flow, PFMEA, control plan, measurement studies, a dimensional report, material and performance test results, and a signed Part Submission Warrant) at one of five submission levels. For a buyer, requiring PPAP is how you turn "the first parts looked fine" into documented, repeatable capability.
Where PPAP comes from
PPAP was standardized by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and is a core requirement under IATF 16949, the automotive quality standard. It is the hand-off between developing a part and running it in production: the supplier proves, on paper and with data, that the production process will deliver conforming parts. Although it is automotive in origin, the same discipline shows up in other regulated and production-volume work.
The 18 elements (what is in a full PPAP)
A complete PPAP can include design records (the drawing and CAD), engineering change documents, customer engineering approval where required, the design FMEA, a process flow diagram, the process FMEA, the control plan, measurement system analysis (such as a gage R&R), dimensional results (a full layout against the ballooned drawing), material and performance test results, initial process capability studies (Cpk or Ppk), qualified laboratory documentation, an appearance approval report for cosmetic parts, sample production parts, a master sample, checking aids, customer-specific requirements, and the Part Submission Warrant (PSW), the signed summary that certifies the submission.
The five submission levels
Not every job sends all 18 elements. PPAP defines five levels that set how much the supplier submits versus retains on file:
- Level 1: PSW only submitted to the customer.
- Level 2: PSW with product samples and limited supporting data.
- Level 3: PSW with product samples and complete supporting data. The most common default.
- Level 4: PSW and customer-defined requirements.
- Level 5: PSW with samples and complete data, reviewed at the supplier's site.
The supplier keeps the full records regardless; the level sets what crosses to the buyer.
PPAP vs APQP
APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) is the broader up-front planning process that runs through a part's development. PPAP is the deliverable at the end of it: the approval package that proves the planned process works. APQP is the project, PPAP is the sign-off.
When to require PPAP
- Production and repeat parts, where consistency matters more than a one-off sample.
- Safety, regulated or high-liability parts.
- Any automotive production work, where it is expected under IATF 16949.
- A new supplier or a new process on an existing part, where you want documented capability before committing volume.
For a one-off prototype it is usually overkill. For a production run, especially in automotive and other repeat work, it is how you protect the program.
What to send for a quote
If you need PPAP, say so in the RFQ, name the submission level (Level 3 is the usual default) and any customer-specific requirements, and confirm the drawing is fully dimensioned. A shop that runs ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 quality systems can scope the PPAP into the quote rather than surprising you with it later. Request a quote and flag PPAP up front so it is priced in.
FAQ
What does PPAP stand for?
Production Part Approval Process. It is a standardized package of evidence that a supplier can make a part to specification, repeatably, at the production process and rate.
How many elements are in a PPAP?
Up to 18, from design records and process flow through PFMEA, control plan, measurement studies, a dimensional layout and test results, ending with the signed Part Submission Warrant.
What is a PSW?
The Part Submission Warrant, the signed summary document that certifies a PPAP submission and states the results and the submission level.
What is the difference between PPAP and APQP?
APQP is the up-front quality planning that runs through development. PPAP is the final approval package that proves the resulting production process delivers conforming parts.
Do I always need all five submission levels?
No. You require one level for a given part. Level 3 (PSW plus samples and full supporting data) is the most common default; the others submit more or less to the customer while the supplier retains the complete records.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Related reading: first article inspection and material certs and how to choose a CNC machine shop.
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