What is an acceptable PPM for large volume fasteners?

[mre404]

We have a customer complaining about 11 rejectable weld nuts out of 2,300,000 shipped. Is there information what level of PPM is acceptable?

[Jim Wynne]

In Reply to Parent Post by mre404

We have a customer complaining about 11 rejectable weld nuts out of 2,300,000 shipped. Is there information what level of PPM is acceptable?

For your customer, maybe it's 10.
Seriously though, some customers haven't grasped the idea that specifying an acceptable PPM level >0 and holding fast to a zero defects requirement are contradictory. Let them complain, but if they ask for corrective action, I would politely explain the facts of life.

[ScottK]

In answer to the complaint I'd point out that 5 or so PPM is acceptable for the process and offer to refund them for the 11 parts (they are defective after all).

[Reality99]

In Reply to Parent Post by Jim Wynne

... Let them complain, but if they ask for corrective action, I would politely explain the facts of life.

Mmm...

I think it depends in how hard is the defect or how are you being affected by those parts.
I also receive fasteners in big quantities but one bad part, just one bad part, would start a new world war with my customer.
We, as fasteners customers, understand that there are tons of fasteners and how that manuf. process works. But also, suppliers must understand (in automotive), that just one bad part leads lot of troubles sometimes.

[True Position]

In Reply to Parent Post by mre404

We have a customer complaining about 11 rejectable weld nuts out of 2,300,000 shipped. Is there information what level of PPM is acceptable?

What does your purchase order say?

[Geoff Withnell]

Sometimes, some defects are simply not acceptable at any level in high volume situations because they will cause jams and malfunctions in automated machinery. Acceptable defect level should always be discussed between customer and supplier, not assumed.

[Mikishots]

In Reply to Parent Post by mre404

We have a customer complaining about 11 rejectable weld nuts out of 2,300,000 shipped. Is there information what level of PPM is acceptable?

The acceptable level would be what the two of you decided on in the contract phase. If there was no agreement, there will be problems (and not the defect kind). This comes under clause 7.2.2, if your company has a QMS registered to ISO 9001-2008, AS9100C or similar.

Needless to say, it's going to be awkward for you to back the truck up on this one...