Introduction

1. Stamping

Using the latest in manufacturing technology and “State of the Industry” machinery, every step in AP's production line is conducted with extreme precision to ensure all quality standards are achieved throughout the manufacturing process. Through years of experience and strict ISO/QS 9000 guidelines, & now TS16949 compliancy, AP has successfully developed numerous power-saving processes in our manufacturing department to maintain quality while containing costs. The implementation of automated equipment into the production line and managed by highly trained personnel, has reduced labor costs while improving the production cycle time and part quality.

From the initial stamping process to final part assembly and EDP process, the entire production procedure was designed as a Stream Line Process (One Piece Flow). Additionally, the integration of our “Double-Bed-Quick Die Change Machine” greatly enhances our ability to achieve a goal of flexible production schedules, which reduces the production cost and almost eliminates out of stock situations.

Double-Bed-Quick Die Change Machine	Material Clean	Surface Inspection

2. Assembly

In order to enhance the stability of our product quality and to avoid the potential of man-made errors, AP has applied the Automatic Jig, the Robotic Spot and Welding Machine, which essentially eliminates the variables of manual assembly and makes it easier to control the assembly process. To ensure our product quality, each step of the manufacturing process is subjected to strict testing procedures such as:

These testing procedures are performed on multiple samples from each part production lot to ensure consistent quality throughout a specific lot run as well as a lot-to-lot comparison. These extensive “Checks & Balances” procedures have been conducted to guarantee our parts will fit on the car promptly and precisely.

Automatic Jig	Robotic Adhesive Applying
Robotic Spot Welding	Checking Fixture

3. EDP

AP has developed and possess the most advanced parts coating system available with their “Automated Electro-Deposition Painting Facility”, and uses a “Man-Machine Interface Device” to monitor all the working processes and conditions, including where the human eye cannot see, during the E.D.P. coating process. In addition to the highly developed coating system and monitoring devices, AP applies only the high-tech Radial Electro-Core Coating, rather than the traditional Flat Electro-core, which avoids the unequal coating on a parts’ surface. This extensive attention to the coating process allows us to achieve a superior level of coating quality, beyond that of any comparable replacement parts.
Finally the Ultrasonic Cleaning Equipment efficiently cleanses all parts as they pass through the system, removing all residues, silt or other contaminants most other systems or manual processes will miss. All AP-E.D.P. coated products must withstand SAE recognized 1000 hour Salt Spray or 20 Cycles of Cyclic Corrosion Tests.

Automated Electro-Deposition Painting Facility	Man-Machine Interface Device
Ultrasonic Cleaning Equipment	Awarded by DANA as 04' Best Supplier of OEM

4. R&D

AP's reputation has been built on superior engineering capabilities, intelligent systems and a strong commitment to R&D. In order to achieve AP's vision of competing at the highest level by providing our customers with only the highest quality parts, our R&D team is dedicated to new product development.
Complying with the ISO9002, ISO/TS16949, CAPA, and Thatcham standards, AP's Research & Development team completely evaluates die design specifications and product materials through strict CAD/CAE/CAM analysis. Every step in the development of new products including: Material Testing, Die Design, Die Production Capability, Production Trial & Evaluation & Mass Production is handled by professional senior engineers. Once a part has been fully evaluated and developed for mass production, it must then be certified by an INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY TESTING FACILITY, ensuring it complies with the highest quality standards requested in the market. Through the R&D team’s continuous dedication to study and implementation of the newest technology in materials and manufacturing processes, we are able to meet the challenges and demands of today’s market at competitive prices. This constant evolution & education has allowed AP to accumulated a very rich experience, not only in Sheet Metal components but also in the use of newer materials such as: Composite Materials SMC, GMT, RTM, and RTP Aluminum Products. AP is proud to be the leading manufacture among our industry peers in the Research & Development of new materials and manufacturing technology.

Die Design (CAD)	Retention Test Machine
Process Simulation (CAM)	Fitting Test in VTF Center