October 31, 2024 Aerospace, News NEWS – AESQ and RM13145 Updates (APQP & PPAP): The Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality (AESQ) strategy group created RM13145 supplemental material to offer guidance and good practise on the application of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) & Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) in-line with the requirements of AS9145 and AS13100. RM13145 aligns the general APQP and PPAP methodologies to the specific needs of aero-engine manufacturers, focusing on early risk mitigation and robustness of the introduction of change in the product development process, striving for Zero Defects. RM13145 has recently been updated in August 2024. In addition to this supplemental material on the AESQ website, they have also added in October 2024, the PPAP Approval Form template, which supports RM13145 and is essential for confirming that suppliers meet the requirements of PPAP (AS13100). It serves to confirm that they have submitted the sufficient evidence based on the planned scope of the PPAP (submission level). The form also provides detail supporting the reason for the PPAP submission (supplied by the PPAP Co-ordinator) and also the disposition decision (supplied by the Customer Authorised Representative (CARe)). This template has been standardised to promote consistency across the aero-engine supply chain, facilitating reduced complexity in the PPAP submission process. The template includes the following sections: Supplier Information: Details of the company submitting the PPAP, including supplier code and contact information. Part Information: The specific part number, description, and revision level being approved. Submission Level: Defines the level of PPAP submission required (ranging from Level 1 to Level 5) and the reason for submission PPAP Submission Checklist and associated element acceptance (from customer). Corrective Actions: Section for planned, dated and owned actions. Signatures: From both the PPAP Co-ordinator and CARe, confirming that the PPAP has been reviewed and disposition. At SMMT Industry Forum, our AESQ-endorsed 3-day PPAP Co-ordinator & CARe course fully covers the syllabus and qualification requirements for PPAP Co-ordinators or CARe’s as defined by AESQ Reference Manual RM13145. The training reflects the latest revision of RM13145 (August 2024) and contains the latest templates, including the PPAP Approval Form (October 2024). The course draws from AS13100 sections B and C and follows the APQP/PPAP model as defined within AS9145 and AESQ RM13145. This course is available virtually in different timezones and also may be flexibly delivered over 4-slightly shorter days to accommodate these timezone differences. In this course, we cover in detail: Essentials of PPAP Process Management Explain the fundamentals of APQP Evaluating the PPAP File Preparing and evaluating the PPAP Submission Disposition of the PPAP Submission and Approval Form If you are interested in finding out more on this course, then please follow this link: https://industryforum.co.uk/courses/14-as13100-aligned-rm13145-ppap-co-ordinator-and-care-training-course/
August 8, 2024 Aerospace, Industry Forum Blog By Joseph Dodd – Aerospace Quality Management Consultant SMMT Industry Forum Introduction Measurement is determining the extent, quality or value of something. So what is a measurement system? A Measurement System is the overall combination of input factors that influence the output of that measurement, such as: people, equipment, measurand, methods and the environment. Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) is a statistical tool used to ensure we understand the sources of variation inherent in our measurement systems used to determine product quality and conformance. Purpose of MSA in Aerospace The primary purpose of MSA in the aerospace sector is to assess the capability and consistency of measurement systems. This analysis identifies the sources of variation such as that caused by appraiser’s, equipment and part variation, allowing Engineers to assess the systems overall gauge repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R) amongst other factors (e.g. NDC) against industry standard criteria. By doing so, aerospace companies can take action to ensure that their measurements are accurate, leading to better quality control, reduced waste, and increased safety in their products. Key objectives of MSA include: Evaluating Measurement Accuracy: Ensuring that measurement tools and systems provide true values without significant deviation. (E.g., Bias, Linearity, Stability). Assessing Precision: Determining the repeatability and reproducibility of measurement systems (GR&R). Identifying Sources of Variation: Pinpointing where variations occur in the measurement process to mitigate them effectively (ANOVA method). Benefits of Applying MSA A robust Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) process can ensure that production data being collected is accurate and precise, and that the methods used for data collection are suitable for the process. Accurate, reliable data can save time, labour, and materials in manufacturing. Increased reliability in measurement data Allows organisations to make better, data-driven decisions in production Helps reduce rework and scrap Gives confidence to customers in measurement capabilities and therefore product control Enables organisations to understand sources of variation Challenges in the Aerospace Industry Despite its importance, the implementation of MSA in the aerospace industry faces several challenges: Resource: The aerospace industry is highly regulated, with stringent standards such as AS13100 and supplemental material such as RM13003 that dictate quality management and MSA requirements. Compliance with these standards requires rigorous MSA processes, which can be resource-intensive. Supply Chain: Ensuring that all suppliers adhere to the same measurement standards and practices can be difficult. Variations in measurement practices across the supply chain can lead to discrepancies and quality issues. AS13100 aims to harmonise requirements for Aero Engine Suppliers & Customer Specific Requirements should be considered when conducting APQP/PPAP. Skills: There are global skill gaps within the Aerospace Industry in certain areas such as supplier development and APQP/PPAP. Alignment of quality management systems to Industry Standards (AS9145 & AS13100) requires cross-functional, competent teams. This gap is particularly evident in emerging markets and smaller suppliers. Conclusion Measurement Systems Analysis is an essential practice in the aerospace industry, critical for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of measurement systems that underpin product quality and safety. Despite the challenges, the benefits of MSA in terms of improved quality, safety, and cost savings are undeniable. Addressing the skill gaps and ensuring robust MSA processes can significantly enhance the overall performance and reliability of aerospace products, fostering a Zero Defect culture.
May 30, 2024 Aerospace, News He joins us from his previous role working at an aerospace systems provider as a Principal Manufacturing Quality Engineer where he delivered training in APQP and PAPP, and the associated core tools, followed by in-house consultancy to assist in the implementation of such techniques, including the development of internal standards and procedures. Before that role, Joseph was a metrologist at an automotive OEM, conducting measurements to support the manufacturing process. He then moved to support the NPI phase of the business, before working as the metrology laboratory supervisor, including supporting warranty investigations and one-off specialist measurements. Joseph participates in the National Metrology Skills Alliance, where he performs a voluntary role in the special interest group to offer manufacturing metrology expertise. Welcome to the team Joseph.
