Design and Introduction of P/M Parts in the Automotive Industry

A new P/M part is created due to one of three reasons: 1) Cost savings over a manufacturing method for a current part, 2) Cost savings over an alternative method to manufacture a new part or, 3) it's the only practical way to manufacture the part.

In today's quality conscious atmosphere at Ford the suppliers of P/M parts should be aware of their responsibilities in producing a P/M part to required standards. The producer must become involved in early feasibility issues, prove process capability and maintain capability on an ongoing basis. A case history of such an evaluation will be discussed from initiation through a second generation design.