What is PPAP Element 9?
In the PPAP 4th Edition (AIAG) standard, Element 9 — Dimensional Results is one of the cornerstones of the submission package. It requires measurement results for all dimensional characteristics on the drawing, on at least one representative sample (typically the Run@Rate sample).
In practice, Element 9 includes:
- The ballooned drawing (annotated with characteristic numbers)
- The associated dimensional results table, with nominal value, tolerance and measured value for each balloon
- The measurement device used
- Conformance status (C / NC) for each characteristic
Difference with FAIR AS9102 Form 3
PPAP Element 9 and Form 3 AS9102 (aerospace) share the same goal — proving dimensional conformance — but differ on a few key points:
- PPAP: inspection on a statistical sample (min. 30 parts for Run@Rate), Cpk/Ppk capability required
- FAIR AS9102: 100% of characteristics on one single part, no capability study required in the form
- The table structure is similar in both cases: balloon number, characteristic, nominal, tolerance, measured, conformance
For a detailed comparison of PPAP vs FAIR, see the PPAP/FAIR expert guide by Approche Qualité.
How to balloon a drawing for PPAP Element 9?
- Number sequentially each characteristic from 1 to N (dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes, general notes)
- Miss nothing — including title block tolerances (ISO 2768, ASME Y14.5…)
- Stay consistent between the ballooned drawing and the results table
- Record the measurement device used for each characteristic
Common mistakes on PPAP Element 9
- Forgetting general title block tolerances
- Not recording drawing notes (general roughness, surface treatment, etc.)
- Mismatch between balloon number on drawing and row in table
- Out-of-tolerance measurements not flagged
- Measurement device not recorded
Automate with BullePlan
BullePlan handles drawing ballooning and generation of the Element 9 dimensional table automatically: upload your PDF/PNG/JPG drawing, click to place balloons, AI extracts nominal values and tolerances, export to Excel or PDF. Your PPAP Element 9 is ready in minutes.