PPAP and the IMDS (International Material Data System) - What did I get myself into?

[silentrunning]

I usually refuse to do any automotive work. It's just not worth the hastle. I won't even do lower tier vendor work. In a moment of weakness I agreed to take a spring job for a tier 1 supplier which includes a Level 4 PPAP. (Not a problem). When the purchase order arrived it included notes that the PPAP must go to the IMDS (International Material Data System).

Can anyone tell me what this involves? Is this an organization that you have to be a member of?

Thanks for any help,
Doug

[ScottK]

did a google and came up with this:

The IMDS is the automotive industry material data system. It is a joint development of Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Opel, Porsche, VW and the Swedish firm Volvo. Further manufacturers have meanwhile joined the community and talks are being held with others regarding their participation in IMDS.
In the IMDS, all materials used for car manufacture are archived and maintained. Only in this way is it possible to meet the obligations placed on car manufacturers, and thus on their suppliers, by national and international standards, laws and regulations.

http://www.mdsystem.com/index.jsp

no experience with it, just googled.

[Stijloor]

Originally Posted by silentrunning

I usually refuse to do any automotive work. It's just not worth the hastle. I won't even do lower tier vendor work. In a moment of weakness I agreed to take a spring job for a tier 1 supplier which includes a Level 4 PPAP. (Not a problem). When the purchase order arrived it included notes that the PPAP must go to the IMDS (International Material Data System).

Can anyone tell me what this involves? Is this an organization that you have to be a member of?

Thanks for any help,
Doug

Hello Doug,

Don't spoil your 4th of July celebration.....

PPAP 4th Edition, Par 2.2.1.1 states that: The organization shall provide evidence that the Material/Substance Composition reporting that is required by the customer has been completed for the part and that the reported data complies with all customer-specific requirements.
NOTE: This materials reporting may be entered into the IMDS (International Materials Data System) or other customer-specified system/method. IMDS is available through http://www.mdsystem.com/index.jsp.

Your PPAP does not have to go there, only the material reporting. Find out from your Customer exactly what their reporting expectations are....

Hope this helps.

Stijloor.

[Wes Bucey]

My understanding is the primary purpose is to create an accessible record of the materials used in components so downstream folks can check for carcinogens, toxins, etc. when working with, scrapping, or recycling the material in the future. Probably, the data would also include strength of materials, complete material analysis, etc.

I haven't participated, but it seems like a great idea and I know the organization MUST REGISTER (FREE) before it can enter data (traceability, anyone?)

I can think of several components I've made or used over the years which are NOW known to be potentially harmful to folks working with them (beryllium copper and cadmium plating spring immediately to mind.) It would be good for folks to have a source to learn about the materials long after the original maker goes out of business or destroys its records.

[Marc]

I've done this in the past. The customer provided a spreadsheet and I filled it in. It wasn't draconian. Information came from Material Safety Data Sheets.

Existing IMDS (International Material Data System) discussion threads.

[silentrunning]

Thanks all. I guess my auto manufacturer phobia kicked in here. This actually doesn't sound all that painful. (I hope)

[MurphTN]

Actually, with regards to being painful; my organization is concerned about the implications of the registration. From what we've surmised, it makes you as the supplier liable for an indefinite period of time if the materials used are found to be hazardous long after manufacturing.

The note from Wes on July 3rd stated that in the past he used Beryllium Copper. If we understand the IMDS registration correctly, it implies that if he had signed the IMDS back then he would now be liable for every part he ever made. Does anyone have any info on this. We have been reticent to sign up because of these implications but we might be misunderstanding this.

Thanks.

[Wes Bucey]

Originally Posted by MurphTN

Actually, with regards to being painful; my organization is concerned about the implications of the registration. From what we've surmised, it makes you as the supplier liable for an indefinite period of time if the materials used are found to be hazardous long after manufacturing.

The note from Wes on July 3rd stated that in the past he used Beryllium Copper. If we understand the IMDS registration correctly, it implies that if he had signed the IMDS back then he would now be liable for every part he ever made. Does anyone have any info on this. We have been reticent to sign up because of these implications but we might be misunderstanding this.

Thanks.

I don't understand it as "liability" for damage down the road. The point is that of accessible data and traceability for users who come later in the supply chain. I'd be interested if anyone has a citation from a credible law firm or from a "court of competent jurisdiction" describing liability once an organization has truthfully disclosed the material analysis via IMDS. I see it as the kind of warning printed on ladders: "do not overload" "do not stand on top step" "do not use near electric power lines" etc. etc.

I see it as removing liability which might accrue for UNDISCLOSED materials which later are found to be dangerous. Kind of like the alerts I see on food packaging: "this product processed on equipment which also processes peanuts" - eliminates a victim of peanut allergy from saying, "you never told me there could be peanuts in this cookie"

I'm looking forward to a researched response about future liability with citations versus wild guesses.