The new material approval process in FDI factories
FDI factories usually have a fairly strict approval process for new materials, sometimes lasting several months. This article outlines the common approval steps and how AMS helps prepare technical documentation to shorten the time it takes to bring a material into production.
Even a seemingly minor material such as a cable fixing tape or a threadlocker must be evaluated by several departments: engineering, quality, purchasing and sometimes the overseas headquarters. Understanding the process clearly helps suppliers prepare the right documents from the start.
Typical approval steps
- Material proposal: the engineering department states the requirements and the reason for the change or addition.
- Document review: TDS, MSDS, RoHS, REACH and halogen-free reports.
- Laboratory sample testing: adhesion, damp heat aging, thermal shock.
- Line trial with a small lot, evaluating throughput and defect rate.
- PPAP or equivalent approval and assignment of a material code in the system.
Common causes of delay
Most submissions are returned because they lack a valid third-party test report, the report does not reflect the latest version of the restricted substances list, or the country of origin information is unclear. Another cause is that samples do not come from the same lot as actual production goods.
A complete submission the first time can save a factory several weeks of waiting. We always prepare the document package according to each customer's own template. — AMS Application Engineer
How AMS helps
AMS works directly with manufacturers to obtain the latest test reports, supplies samples from the same lot as commercial goods and helps customer engineers design tests that reflect real-world conditions. When needed, our engineering team is on site at the factory during line trials to adjust parameters promptly.
In addition, AMS relays product change notifications from manufacturers, helping customers proactively update their documentation when a material's formulation or place of manufacture changes.
Tips to shorten approval time
Experience shows that suppliers should be involved from the test planning stage rather than after a failed result. Agreeing on acceptance criteria, sample quantities and measurement methods in advance helps avoid rework. For a material replacing a part number already in use, prepare a parameter comparison table between the two materials, clearly stating the differences and a risk assessment, since this is usually the first question from the quality department at headquarters. Finally, file all documentation by material code so it can be reused when a new project uses the same material.
Contact AMS Vietnam for support with the approval package for the material you are evaluating.
