I am confused concerning control plans. Do you have to have control plans for Prototype, Pre-launch and Production i.e., 3 categories of control plans? (see page 4 of the big 3/AIAG APQP blue book).

Second related question. We have many internal labs. One of which conducts chemical and material analysis, (not product failure or calibration), if they examine incoming materials for the prototypes is it possibly that those materials specs need to be added to the "pre-launch" control plan and then the internal chem lab would fall under 7.6.3 of the TS16949?

Your opinions are extremely valued.:thanx:

I can only remember one customer that required a Prototype Control Plan, and then it was only for one of many parts we have with them. Typically, our customers only require the "key" dimensionals layout for our prototype submissions. I have always needed a Pre-Launch and Production Control Plan.

Our materials lab checks all incoming "stuff" we purchase to alloy aluminum. We randomly check any certified ingot.

I don't add the elemental callouts of the material specification to the Control Plan but just state the alloy designation as called out on the part drawing. For our business I don't much gained by calling out each element because the reaction to any element not within specification is the same - Reject the "batch".

Also remember, this is a progression. That is, you start a control plan and you revise it as you go along. So, an early revision would be a Prototype Control Plan (technically where a company should start), eventually it will become a Pre-Launch Control Plan (where some companies start), and eventually it will become your Production Control Plan.

I agree with Control Plans being a progressive stepping stone. In addition I would like to add that some customers require each of the stages. Mainly because they expect to see some sort of enhanced inspection during the pre launch stage.