Direct answer: Yes — Balford supports PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) submissions for deep drawn housings, progressive and precision stampings, CNC-machined components and sheet metal assemblies. Balford is ISO 9001:2015 certified and runs its quality system to IATF 16949 requirements, providing Level 3 PPAP packages that include control plans, process flow, FMEAs, GRR, initial process studies, dimensional results, material certificates, IMDS data and the Part Submission Warrant (PSW).
PPAP at a glance
| Item | Balford answer |
|---|---|
| What PPAP means | Production Part Approval Process — the AIAG-defined evidence package proving a production process can repeatedly make parts to the customer's drawing and specification |
| Supported submission levels | Level 1–5 on request; Level 3 full package is our standard for automotive programs |
| Processes covered | Deep draw metal stamping, progressive die stamping, precision stamping / fine blanking, CNC machining, sheet metal processing and assembly |
| Documentation | Process flow, PFMEA, control plan, GRR, SPC / initial process studies, dimensional layout, material & performance test records, IMDS data and PSW |
| Typical parts | Solenoid valve housings, magnetic sleeves, sensor housings, ABS housings, EGR components, brackets, flanges and machined automotive parts |
| Quality base | ISO 9001:2015 certification with quality controls run to IATF 16949 requirements; see our quality & certifications page |
Why buyers ask for PPAP from a China supplier
PPAP is how automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers prove that a production process — not just a prototype — can hold the print. When you source deep drawn or stamped parts from China, the PPAP package is your evidence trail for launch approval, safe launch and production audits. Balford treats PPAP documentation as a deliverable of every automotive program, reviewed with the customer before tooling starts rather than assembled after the fact.
The 18 PPAP elements and what Balford delivers
| PPAP element | Balford deliverable |
|---|---|
| 1. Design records | Controlled customer drawing + Balford review record (DFM) before tooling |
| 2. Engineering change documents | Change records tracked per part revision, when applicable |
| 3. Customer engineering approval | Approval records coordinated for appearance or performance items |
| 4. Design FMEA | Provided where Balford holds design responsibility per agreement |
| 5. Process flow diagram | Step-by-step flow from coil/blank to packed part |
| 6. Process FMEA | Risk analysis for stamping, deep drawing, machining and finishing steps |
| 7. Control plan | Reaction-plan control plan covering all key characteristics |
| 8. Measurement system analysis | GRR studies on critical gauges and fixtures |
| 9. Dimensional results | Full dimensional layout with CMM / gauge results against the drawing |
| 10. Material / performance test results | Material certificates, hardness, and agreed functional test records |
| 11. Initial process studies | SPC capability (Cpk / Ppk) on characteristics agreed with the customer |
| 12. Qualified laboratory documentation | Lab scope and calibration records for internal or third-party labs |
| 13. Appearance approval report | AAR supplied when appearance is a requirement |
| 14. Sample production parts | Parts produced in a run-at-rate from production tooling and process |
| 15. Master sample | Retained, labeled master sample stored per agreement |
| 16. Checking aids | Gauge and checking-fixture documentation and calibration |
| 17. Customer-specific requirements | CSR checklist confirmed with the customer's quality manual |
| 18. Part Submission Warrant (PSW) | Signed PSW with submission results and reasons for submission |
Additional automotive data: IMDS submissions, RoHS and REACH declarations, GADSL checks and lot-level material traceability are available with the package.
How Balford controls PPAP programs
- Drawing and spec review: DFM confirms tolerances, material, surface treatment and key characteristics before tooling is cut.
- Document drafting: process flow, PFMEA and control plan are drafted with the customer's CSR requirements.
- Tooling and capability studies: gauges are designed, GRR is run, and initial process studies collect data from production conditions.
- Run at rate: sample parts come from the production process — same dies, same machines, same operators.
- Dimensional layout and testing: full layout, material and performance records are compiled with calibration evidence.
- Package and PSW: the complete submission is reviewed internally, then issued with the signed Part Submission Warrant.
Controls that continue after approval
- First article inspection (FAI) at every new tool, transfer or major process change
- In-process checks at defined frequencies with calibrated plug gauges, CMM and optical equipment
- Lot traceability from incoming coil/blank material certificates through heat and batch records
- Sorted and inspected output with full traceability records for high-volume runs
- IMDS, RoHS and REACH data maintained per part number
- Documented change control so the customer is notified before any process or material change
PPAP parts we make
PPAP packages at Balford are most common on solenoid valve housings, sensor housings, magnetic sleeves, ABS housings, EGR and fuel-system components, plus brackets and machined automotive parts. The same quality system supports automotive programs and automotive material compliance requirements from IMDS through PPAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Balford provide PPAP Level 3 submissions?
Yes. Level 3 is our standard PPAP package for automotive stamping, deep drawing and CNC machining programs. Levels 1, 2, 4 and 5 can be arranged where the customer's CSR requires them.
Can Balford submit IMDS data with the PPAP package?
Yes. IMDS entries are prepared per part number and submitted as agreed with the customer. See our IMDS submission process for details.
Which parts can be approved through Balford's PPAP process?
Deep drawn housings, progressive and precision stampings, fine-blanked parts, CNC-machined components, sheet metal parts and assemblies — produced with our own tooling and controlled processes.
What documents are included in a Balford PPAP package?
The package covers the applicable AIAG elements: design records, process flow, PFMEA, control plan, GRR, initial process studies, dimensional results, material/performance test records, master sample, checking aids, IMDS data and the signed Part Submission Warrant (PSW).
How long does a PPAP submission take?
The submission follows a run-at-rate from production tooling. Timing depends on tooling status, material availability and the customer's CSR checklist — we confirm the schedule in the program kickoff and report progress at each step.
Is Balford IATF 16949 certified?
Balford is ISO 9001:2015 certified and operates its quality controls to IATF 16949 requirements, including PPAP, IMDS, FMEA, control plans and measurement system analysis. Certification documents and audit details are shared under NDA or during customer audits.