The form and format of the PPP are not specified. They should be adapted to suit the prevailing 
engineering and quality control documentation system of the CEO. The PPP should be a self-
substantiating document; but when needed to streamline the document, the PPP may reference 
other configuration-controlled documentation that is available to NASA on request. 

The method of approval for the PPP by NASA may be adapted to suit the contractual system 
established between NASA and the CEO. 

For Class C parts, the PPP need only include a part classification rationale and witness testing. 

7.1 Part-Specific Information 

[AMR-98]  For Class A and Class B parts, the PPP shall list the following minimum general 
information, or may reference other configuration-controlled documentation that is available to 
NASA on request: 

a. Drawing number and part name. 

 b. Illustrations and/or CAD model views (with scale). 

 c. The purpose of the part in context to the system. 

 d. The operational environments (e.g., temperatures, fluids, radiation, etc.).  

 e. Referenced build file name contained in the digital thread. 

 f. Material (including material specifications, if applicable): 

(1) Feedstock material specification. 
(2) Part material specification (or equivalent). 

 g. Identification of the QMP specified for production. 

 h. Identification of a specific MPS for the associated material used for part assessment, 
including influence factors, if applicable. 

 i. Serialization, part marking, and methodology for tracking individual parts, if applicable. 

 j. Cleanliness, if special considerations or requirements apply (e.g., oxygen service, optical 
surfaces, delicate electronics, etc.).  

 k. Qualification plan, when applicable. 


[Rationale:  This information is necessary to communicate the proposed configuration of the AM 
part to NASA and provide an objective comparison with the final build configuration for the 
qualified part process (see section 8 in this NASA Technical Standard)]. 

Revision numbers or dates for the above items do not need to be included in the PPP. If they are 
included, revisions to the above do not require re-review and approval of the PPP by NASA unless 
the criteria in section 7.7 of this NASA Technical Standard are met. 

7.2 Part Classification and Associated Rationale 

[AMR-99] The PPP shall state the part classification and provide a detailed rationale for the 
classification given. 

[Rationale:  Part classification is necessary to determine the applicable requirements of this NASA 
Technical Standard and to ensure suitable technical oversight by the CEO and NASA.] 

See section 4.3 of this NASA Technical Standard for additional information regarding AM part 
classification. 


7.3 Integrated Structural Integrity Rationale 

[AMR-100] For Class A and B parts, the PPP shall have an integrated structural integrity 
rationale that provides justification of part integrity commensurate with its consequences of failure 
and associated requirements, and addresses or describes, at a minimum, the following: 

 Key results and any limitations identified in the strength and fracture analyses. 

 Areas of high structural demand and high AM risk per section 4.3.2 of this NASA 
Technical Standard. 

 Application of influence factor data in the assessment. 

 Rationale for the mitigation of residual stresses or how they are accounted for in the part 
assessment. 

 NDE, acceptance criteria, degree of coverage, and limitations. 

 Proof test operations, including the role in integrity rationale, method of analysis, and 
coverage or limitations. 

 Residual risks identified to date. 

 Reference to all supporting analysis and documents. 

 Summary of fracture control implementation, if applicable. 

[Rationale:  Articulation of an integrated structural integrity rationale in the PPP ensures that the 
design state of the part and any associated quality assurance processes are mature prior to PPP 
approval.] 

The integrated structural integrity rationale is not intended to levy new performance or quality 
requirements on a part. It is not intended to supersede existing standards but is intended instead to 
put all of the relevant information in one place for NASA review. The integrated structural integrity 
rationale describes in a succinct manner how the quality assurance activities imposed on the part, 
when considered as a whole, form sufficient rationale for structural integrity. Quality assurance 
activities commonly include, but are not limited to, AM process controls, NDE, functional 
acceptance testing, proof testing, and leak testing. For leak testing methodology guidance, see 
NASA-STD-7012, Leak Test Requirements. The rationale needs to be commensurate with the part’s 
classification. Class A parts typically require a quantitative rationale through, for example, 
inspections of known detection capability. Parts may rely on multiple quality assurance activities to 
achieve full coverage of the part, particularly those classified with high AM risk. The rationale also 
identifies areas or volumes of the part relying solely on process controls (i.e., not verifiable by post-
build inspection) as risk areas for further consideration. 


For additional commentary, see MSFC-STD-3716, Appendix B, section 6.1.4. 

7.4 AM Part Production Summary 

[AMR-101] For Class A and B parts, the PPP shall provide a summary list or table with primary 
production steps, critical to successful part production and performance, in sequence as governed by 
the production engineering record. 

[Rationale:  Identifying the primary production steps and their sequence is essential to reliable AM 
part design and production. Given the criticality of production sequencing, the PPP reports these 
primary production steps to provide a meaningful and efficient overview of the part production 
sequence necessary for PPP approval.]  

The comprehensive sequence of part production steps in the Production Engineering Record can be 
lengthy and represents more information than needed for the PPP review. The production sequence 
reported in the PPP is intended to contain the primary steps with potential significant influence on 
part quality. An example of primary production steps reported in the PPP for a L-PBF part would 
commonly include the following:  build cycle,  powder removal confirmation steps, all thermal 
process steps, build platform removal, machining, surface treatment operations, all NDE 
performed, all welding operations, and proof testing or other acceptance testing. 

 Witness Testing 

[AMR-102] The PPP shall describe the witness testing for the part, meeting the requirements in 
section 4.11 of this NASA Technical Standard or deviations therein, including the specimen types, 
designs, and quantities, and their layout in the build volume, test methods, and acceptance criteria. 

[Rationale:  Witness testing is required to provide evidence of systemic process control throughout 
the build cycle. The implementation of witness sampling will vary from part to part depending on 
part class, the build layout, and specific part requirements; the PPP is used to document the witness 
sampling approach supporting the establishment of a QPP.] 

Thorough descriptions of witness testing in the PPP are particularly important for any witness 
specimen of a part-specific nature that requires unique definition, specifically, low margin point, 
witness sub-articles, witness articles, and customized QMP testing. 


 Planned Interruptions  

[AMR-103] For Class A and B parts, the PPP shall document all planned interruptions of the AM 
build, including allowable build height range(s) for the interruption and planned post-build 
evaluations of the process restart interface. 

[Rationale:  Build interruptions that are known to be required (e.g., for powder refilling), are 
planned to allow confirmation of the interruption in the preproduction article and to emphasize 
inspections and witness specimen evaluations at the interruption.] 

Every effort should be made to eliminate build interruptions. 

Planned build interruptions are allowed only if qualified procedures exist and are followed. The 
QMP defines the limitations for a planned interruption and qualifies the procedures for handling 
the interruption and restoration of the build process. 

 Post-Build Operations Requiring Specific Controls 

[AMR-104] For Class A and B parts, the PPP shall describe or reference any specific controls 
required for post-build part processing operations that are process sensitive. 

[Rationale:  Some operations may have significant impact on part performance and may underlie 
assumptions of material capability. Some operations have the potential to impact the performance 
of other hardware in the system.] 

Process-sensitive operations are those where the outcome of the operation is difficult to verify but is 
critical to part performance. 

Examples may include, but are not limited to: 

 Support structure removal that require unique methods. 
 Thermal treatments (e.g., SAE AMS2750, pyrometry). 
 Photo processing (e.g., UV exposure for thermoset polymers). 
 Unique machining operations (e.g., laser ablation, water jet).  
 Mechanical surface treatments (e.g., shot peening, grinding). 
 Chemical processing (e.g., passivation, etching). 
 Cleaning.  
 Non-line-of-sight feedstock removal.  
 Joining (e.g., welding and bonding). 

Also see section 4.14 of this NASA Technical Standard. 


7.5 Preproduction Article Requirements 

[AMR-105] For Class A and B parts, the PPP shall describe a preproduction article evaluation 
verifying quality of part and material. 

[Rationale:  A preproduction article evaluation is necessary to confirm that the design intent of the 
part is fully realized by the defined part process.] 

See section 4.15 of this NASA Technical Standard for additional information regarding 
preproduction articles. 

7.6 End Item Data Package (EIDP) Information 

[AMR-106] For Class A and B parts, the PPP shall include a complete list of all items that will be 
required for the part acceptance as part of the EIDP, including, but not limited to: 

 Build designation. 

 Post-build processing records (e.g., thermal treatment). 

 Witness testing report. 

 Cleaning verification. 

 Dimensional inspection report. 

 NDE report. 

 Feedstock certification. 

 Proof testing report. 

 List of all nonconformances and records of their disposition (including unplanned build 
interruptions and repairs; see sections 4.7 and 4.10 of this NASA Technical Standard).  

[Rationale:  For proper AM part traceability, it is important that the PPP and eventual production 
engineering record unambiguously define which records are required to establish the complete 
production data package for the part. Without such accounting, data packages for parts may be 
incomplete, resulting in parts with insufficient quality rationale.] 

The build designation is any unique and unambiguous identification that enables distinct and direct 
reference to any given build. 


7.7 Part Production Plan (PPP) Revisions 

[AMR-107] A revision to the PPP shall be submitted to NASA for review and approval, for any 
of the following: 

 Changes to QMP(s) specified for production. 

 Changes to part classification (e.g., Class B to C, or Class B1 to B3, etc.). 

 Changes to part geometry. 

 Changes to build layout. 

 Changes to witness testing. 

 Changes to preproduction article. 

 Any other change that impacts the form, fit, or function of the part. 

[Rationale:  Changes to an existing QMP that require a full new qualification or the need to use 
new QMPs that do not meet the criteria of a Sub-QMP require a new preproduction article to 
ensure process differences do not manifest in changes to the part.]  

 Rebuild of Preproduction Article 

[AMR-108] For all Class A and B parts, a new build of the preproduction article shall be 
evaluated when a new QMP is used for part production, or the QMP specified by the QPP requires 
requalification due to changes of the QMP definition, per section 8.4 of this NASA Technical 
Standard. 

[Rationale:  Changes to an existing QMP that require a full new qualification or the need to use 
new QMPs that do not meet the criteria of a Sub-QMP require a new preproduction article to 
ensure process differences do not manifest in changes to the part.]  

When a QMP is requalified, it has to meet the acceptance criteria established in the original QMP. 
In these cases, a preproduction article does not need to be repeated. If changes made to a QMP 
definition result in a process that no longer meets the original acceptance criteria, a new 
preproduction article is required. 


 QUALIFIED PART PROCESS (QPP) 

[AMR-109] An AM Readiness Review, defining a qualified part process, shall be conducted for 
all Class A and B parts. 

[Rationale:  A formal review of parts prior to flight production is required to ensure that all 
stakeholders have reviewed the design and manufacturing process(es) and that the part will meet all 
system and project requirements.] 

Note that an AMRR for Class C parts is not required by this NASA Technical Standard but is highly 
encouraged. 


8.1 AM Production Readiness Review (AMRR) 

[AMR-110] The CEO shall conduct an AMRR at the completion of all activities outlined in the 
PPP and prior to the production of the first deliverable AM part, meeting the following criteria: 

a. Attendees, including, but not limited to: 

(1) CEO (chair). 
(2) Discipline representatives for Class A and B parts: 
A. Design. 
B. Structures. 
C. M&P. 
D. AM manufacturing production. 
E. Safety and mission assurance/quality assurance. 

Note:  If an AMRR is held for a Class C part, attendance is at the discretion of the CEO. 

(3) NASA M&P representative or delegate (with a minimum of 14 calendar days’ 
notice): 
A. Attendance is required for all Class A1 and A2 parts. 
B. Attendance is at NASA’s discretion for Class A3, A4, and B parts. 
C. NASA only needs to be notified at the completion of an AMRR or the 
establishment of a QPP for Class C parts. 

b. Topics, including, but not limited to: 
(1) Maturity of all manufacturing controls (e.g., QMP) and AM performance (e.g., 
MPS). 
(2) Results from the preproduction article. 
(3) Validation that part will meet minimum project requirements. 

c. Required minimum approvals:  CEO. 

[Rationale:  The AMRR process is required to confirm that the requirements of the production 
engineering record are complete and will render a part that meets the requirements of the certified 
design. The multidisciplinary AMRR process provides a record of authorization to proceed to 
production with a QPP.] 

For the AMRR process, all constituents of a candidate part process are assembled for review, 
including the candidate production engineering record, part drawing, approved PPP, successful 
preproduction article report, and any additional documentation influential to the part production 
process. 


If the AMRR team is not satisfied with the candidate part process, the AMRR team clearly identifies 
all deficiencies. Once deficiencies are corrected, the candidate part process is subject to another 
AMRR. 

For the purposes of this document, a Manufacturing Readiness Review corresponds to a Production 
Readiness Review, as referenced in NPR 8735.2. 

8.2 Additive Manufacturing Readiness Review (AMRR) Documentation and Approval 

[AMR-111] The outcome of the AMRR shall be documented in the relevant QMS, subject to 
review and approval by the CEO, including, but not limited to, the following copies of reviewed 
materials: 

 Presentation materials. 
 Attendance. 
 Minutes. 
 Actions. 
 Concurrences. 
 Dissenting opinions. 

[Rationale:  A thorough documentation of the outcome of the AMRR is vital in the event there are 
issues during fabrication of production parts or performance issues after delivery.] 

8.3 Qualified Part Process (QPP):  Establishment 

[AMR-112] The QPP shall be established following approval of the AMRR by the CEO, or as 
defined in the AMCP for Class C parts, with no further changes to the build configuration, its 
electronic files, or post-build processes permitted without the written approval of the CEO. 

[Rationale:  Establishing the QPP formally defines and places the process for part production 
under configuration control provided by the QMS. The quality and consistency of AM parts cannot 
be assured without establishing a QPP.]  

For Class A and B parts, approval of the AMRR by the CEO, as specified in section 8.2 of this 
NASA Technical Standard, can serve as approval of the QPP. For Class C parts, a different 
mechanism for approval needs to be defined in the AMCP since a formal AMRR is not required for 
Class C parts. 

The establishment of a QPP is the technical authorization to proceed with part production. 

This requirement intends that the content of the build cannot be altered relative to that used in the 
preproduction article qualification process—no parts, supports, or specimens are added, 
subtracted, rearranged, or altered in the build. 


8.4 Qualified Part Process (QPP):  Modifications 

[AMR-113] For Class A and B parts, the CEO shall define the methodology for changing and 
requalification of the part production process when changes to a QPP are required, including when 
the AMRR process is used to reestablish the QPP following any modifications. 

[Rationale:  It is acknowledged that occasionally circumstances arise where changes to the fixed 
process are necessary. Defining in the AMCP the methodology for requalifying the part production 
process following a change ensures that rigorous, proportionate, and consistent requalification 
procedures are followed.] 

A QMP is considered nominally similar if it can meet the Sub-QMP commonality criteria as stated 
in section 5.5.1 of this NASA Technical Standard. Incremental