What is PPAP?
PPAP, or Production Part Approval Process, is used to establish confidence in the manufacturer’s process to produce products. It is mainly used by the automotive industry, however, other industries such as medical and aerospace may also use PPAP. There are 18 required documents which are referred to as the PPAP elements.
The 18 Elements
- Design records
- Engineering change documents
- Customer engineering approval
- Design FMEA
- Process flow diagrams
- Process FMEA
- Control plan
- MSA
- Dimensional analysis
- Material performance results
- Initial process studies
- Qualified laboratory documentation
- ARR
- Sample product
- Master sample
- Checking aids
- Records of compliance
- PSW
What can Digi-Key do to help with a PPAP?
As a distributor, Digi-Key is unable to process and complete a PPAP since Digi-Key is not the manufacturer of the products they carry. More information can be found on distributor’s role in the PPAP process at https://www.ecianow.org/assets/docs/GIPC/ECIA%20Position%20Paper%20on%20The%20Role%20of%20Distribution%20in%20Providing%20Production%20Part%20Approval%20Process%20(PPAP)%20Reports.pdf
However, Digi-Key may be able to request a PPAP on behalf of our customers. Please contact RoHS@DigiKey.com for additional information regarding PPAP or with a PPAP request.
What is IMDS?
IMDS, or International Material Data System, is a global database that automotive manufactures use to report the materials used in their products.
What can Digi-Key do to help with IMDS?
As a distributor, Digi-Key is unable to enter any information into IMDS as Digi-Key is not the manufacturer of the products they carry. However, Digi-Key can make a request to the manufacturers on behalf of our customers. This can be done by contacting RoHS@DigiKey.com. If you wish to make a request for an IMDS submission the following information, when provided right away, could help to speed up the process:
Digi-Key Customer Number
Name
IMDS Site ID Number
Manufacturer name and part number
Your internal part number (optional)