Developed in collaboration with volunteers from OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, heat treat suppliers, and calibration companies that service the heat treat industry, the AIAG CQI-9 Special Process: Heat Treat System Assessment 4th edition is a comprehensive process audit covering the most common heat treat processes employed by the automotive industry. It is intended to provide a common approach to a heat treat management system for automotive production and service part organizations.
Key Components of AIAG CQI-9 Process:
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Process Tables and Requirements: Detailed tables and requirements for various heat treatment processes, including carburizing, nitriding, and induction hardening. These tables specify the necessary controls and parameters for each process.
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Assessment Checklist: A comprehensive checklist that companies must use to perform self-assessments of their heat treatment processes. This checklist ensures all aspects of the process are evaluated for compliance with CQI-9 standards.
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Process Control: Guidelines for controlling and monitoring key process parameters such as temperature, atmosphere, and time. This includes requirements for equipment calibration and maintenance to ensure consistent results.
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Supplier Requirements: Specifications for supplier quality management systems, including requirements for audits, documentation, and corrective actions. This ensures that suppliers maintain high standards and are capable of delivering quality heat-treated parts.
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Training and Competency: Requirements for training and competency of personnel involved in heat treatment processes. This ensures that employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their tasks effectively and maintain process quality.
Benefits to Parts Manufacturers in Using AIAG CQI-9:
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Improved Product Quality: Ensures consistent and high-quality heat treatment of parts, reducing the risk of defects and failures in the final product.
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Compliance with OEM Requirements: Helps manufacturers meet the stringent quality requirements set by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), which can be crucial for maintaining and securing contracts.
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Enhanced Process Control: Provides a structured approach to process control, leading to better management of heat treatment operations and increased process reliability.
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Reduced Waste and Rework: By adhering to CQI-9 standards, manufacturers can reduce the incidence of non-conforming parts, leading to less waste and lower costs associated with rework and scrap.
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Competitive Advantage: Demonstrating compliance with CQI-9 can give manufacturers a competitive edge, as it showcases their commitment to quality and continuous improvement, making them more attractive to potential customers.
Implementing the AIAG CQI-9 process can significantly enhance the quality and reliability of heat-treated parts, leading to better overall performance and customer satisfaction in the automotive industry.
The AIAG Heat Treat work group is developing the 5th edition of the Heat Treat Assessment, focusing on clarification to the process tables and pyrometry requirements.