The goal of the CQI-30 Special Process: Rubber Processing System Assessment – Mixing & Molding is the development of a rubber mixing and molding management system that provides for continual improvement, emphasizing defect prevention and the reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. The Rubber Processing System Assessment – Mixing & Molding provides a common approach to a rubber mixing and molding management system for automotive production and service part organizations.
The CQI-30 includes processes that apply to rubber molding with guidelines for rubber mixing – from purchasing raw materials through weighing, formation control, mixing, finishing, and testing of the rubber compound. Also included are guidance on inspection and testing, best practices for facilities and equipment, compression, transfer, and injection molding, and substrate preparations.
Key Components
- Process Control: Establishes control plans and process monitoring to ensure consistent product quality.
- Material Specifications: Defines requirements for raw materials to maintain uniformity in final products.
- Testing and Validation: Provides guidelines for testing and validating rubber compounds and final products.
- Inspection and Testing: Ensures comprehensive inspection and testing procedures are in place.
- Facility and Equipment Guidelines: Best practices for maintaining facilities and equipment used in rubber processing.
Benefits
- Improved Product Quality: Ensures higher consistency and reliability in rubber and elastomeric products.
- Defect Prevention: Reduces the occurrence of defects through comprehensive process controls.
- Cost Reduction: Minimizes waste and variations, leading to cost savings in production.
- Standardization: Provides a common framework for rubber mixing and molding processes, enhancing supplier collaboration.
- Regulatory Compliance: Helps manufacturers meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
The CQI-30 Assessment provides comprehensive guidelines for developing a robust rubber mixing and molding management system, ensuring quality and reducing waste in automotive production.